Master Your Valuation - 8 Key Questions to Ask Estate Agents Before You Decide Who to Use
Selling your home is a big move, both financially and emotionally. So when it comes to choosing the right estate agent, asking the right questions can make all the difference in achieving the best possible price in the shortest possible time. Read on to find out what to ask!
8 Key Questions to Ask Estate Agents Before You Decide Who to Use.
If you're thinking of selling your property, you have likely spent time preparing, cleaning, decluttering, and finally ticking off those DIY jobs. Now that your home is looking its best, it’s time to book in local estate agents to talk about the price and marketing.
But remember: These meetings aren't just about finding out what your home is worth. They’re also your chance to interview each agent and decide who’s best equipped to handle your move.
We've done the hard work for you and compiled 8 great questions to ask.
1. What’s the contract length, and are there tie in periods?
Some agents will ask you to sign a sole agency agreement with a fixed term, often 8, 12, or even 24 weeks. That means you’re locked in, even if you’re not happy with their service, so be careful what you agree to. Always aim to give yourself as much flexibility as possible. If an agent is confident in their service, there is no need for a long tie in period.
If you have a change of heart, or you're not happy, will you be able to switch agents easily? Always check the notice period and any fees involved in cancelling the agreement.
2. How did you arrive at your valuation?
There’s no magic formula for pricing a property. The age old quote of 'it's worth what someone is willing to pay'' is still very true, but a good agent will use a blend of recent comparable sales, buyer demand, and local market insights to justify their suggested price.
Ask for evidence. What properties have been sold in the area that compare to yours? What makes them confident your home will achieve the figure they’ve suggested? You're not just looking for a number, you’re looking for a strategy to achieve it.
3. What are the total fees, and are there any extras?
Most agents charge a percentage of the final selling price, but it's essential to ask what’s included. For example:
- Is VAT included?
- Are there charges for professional photography or marketing?
- Do they charge if you withdraw your property?
- Will you need to pay for a new EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)?
- Are there any upfront fees?
Transparency is key. A low fee can look attractive, but if it’s paired with weak marketing or poor service, it could end up costing you more.
4. What’s your marketing strategy?
Every agent should be able to present a clear, detailed plan for marketing your home, not just a vague promise to “list it online.”
Ask the following:
- Will they use professional photography and produce a video tour?
- How will your home be promoted across portals, social media, email campaigns, or their buyer database?
- Do they have experience marketing homes like yours?
- How will they create urgency and excitement when your home hits the market?
Great marketing doesn't just attract more buyers, it attracts the right buyers.
5. What happens if the property doesn’t sell straight away?
Not every home sells in the first few weeks. That’s why it's important to ask: What’s your plan B?
Will the agent look at the strategy, refresh the marketing, or relaunch to new buyers? You want someone proactive, not passive. An agent who adapts rather than waits.
6. How will you generate viewings and handle enquiries?
It’s easy to assume viewings just “happen” in today's world, but behind every viewing is a process. Ask how they qualify buyers, how quickly they follow up with leads, and how they’ll handle viewings: will it be them personally, or someone less experienced?
Viewings drive offers. You need an agent who knows how to turn online interest into a physical one.
7. How do you handle negotiations?
A strong negotiator can add thousands to your final sale price. Don’t be afraid to ask how they handle offers and whether they have a defined strategy for negotiating you the best outcome.
You want an agent who understands buyer psychology and knows how to protect your position.
8. What's your Track Record?
Experience really matters. Ask about recent sales in your area, their average time on market, and how often they achieve asking price or above.
A great agent won’t just tell you what you want to hear, they’ll back it up with proof.
