MartinShields
You may owe an estate agent a fee even if you find the buyer yourself, depending on the contract you sign. Before instructing an agent, ask what their fees cover, whether VAT and extra costs apply, and how long the agreement lasts. Then check how they’ll price and market your home, and ask for evidence of recent local sales. A few careful questions now can help you avoid an expensive surprise later.
Key Takeaways
- Ask for a written breakdown of commission, VAT, extra charges, payment timing, and whether fees apply if the sale falls through.
- Confirm the contract’s term, notice period, agency type, withdrawal charges, and whether you owe commission for a buyer you find yourself.
- Clarify what happens if an introduced buyer purchases after the agreement ends, and get all fee obligations and amendments in writing.
- Ask how the asking price is supported by comparable sales and listings, and when the agent would recommend reviewing it.
- Discuss marketing, photography, floor plans, viewings, feedback, and recent comparable sales, including sale prices and time on market.
What Will You Pay, and What Will the Contract Require?
Before you appoint an estate agent, ask for a clear breakdown of their fees, including any extra charges and when payment is due. Compare Commission fees carefully: check whether the quoted rate includes VAT and whether you’ll owe anything if your sale falls through.
Ask about charges for photography, floor plans, or withdrawal, and get every amount in writing.
Read the Contract terms before you sign. Confirm the agreement’s length, notice period, and whether you’ll pay commission if you find your own buyer.
Check whether the agent requires sole agency or sole selling rights; these can affect who may sell your property and when you owe fees.
Ask what happens when the contract ends, especially if a buyer introduced by the agent later completes. Don’t rely on verbal assurances. Request amendments in writing, and keep a signed copy for your records.
How Will They Price and Market Your Home?
Once you understand the fees and contract, ask how the agent will set your asking price. A sound Property valuation should reflect your home’s condition, features and current market evidence—not simply the figure you hope to achieve.
Ask which comparable sales and active listings they’ve considered, how they’ll account for differences, and when they’d recommend reviewing the price. You want a clear rationale, not an inflated estimate designed to win your instruction.
Next, discuss Marketing strategies. Ask where and how the agent will promote your property, including online portals, their website, social media and local channels.
Find out who’ll prepare the listing, whether professional photography and a floor plan are included, and how they’ll present your home’s strongest features.
Agree how they’ll handle viewing enquiries, gather feedback and report results, so you can assess whether the campaign is reaching suitable buyers and adjust it promptly if needed.
Have They Sold Homes Like Yours Nearby?
Ask whether the agent has recently sold homes like yours in the area, and request specific examples. Find out when each property sold, its asking price, final sale price, and time on the market.
Ask how its features, condition, and location compare with your home, and what those comparisons suggest about your likely buyer.
Don’t rely on broad claims about Property experience. Check the agent’s recent results for homes with similar size, style, and price range.
If your property has unusual features or needs a particular buyer, ask how they’ve handled comparable sales.
Local expertise matters because demand can vary between streets and neighbourhoods. Ask what attracts buyers nearby, which properties compete with yours, and whether local market conditions have changed.
Request evidence, such as recent listings or sale records, and speak to past clients if possible.
Conclusion
Before you instruct an estate agent, make sure you understand the fees, contract terms, pricing strategy and marketing plan. Ask how notice works, whether you’ll pay if you find a buyer yourself, and what happens when the agreement ends. Request recent examples of similar local sales, and get every promise in writing. These questions may feel awkward, but a clear conversation now can help you avoid unwelcome surprises later—and give your home’s next chapter a more confident start.
