Whether it’s your first time or you’re an experienced home buyer or seller, the whole process tends to feel tumultuous and daunting. This is why it’s important to make sure you’re working with a dependable estate agent who has your best interests in mind. Choosing the right estate agent versus one that is inexperienced and untrustworthy could completely make or break your experience. Below is our comprehensive guide to finding the best estate agent for your needs.
Understanding the Role of an Estate Agent
Before choosing an estate agent, it’s important to understand who an estate agent actually is. The terms estate agent, Realtor, and broker are often used interchangeably in general conversation, but in the UK, there are some key differences in meaning and regulation compared to the US.
A real estate agent is a licensed professional who represents buyers or sellers in real estate transactions. In the UK, the common term is estate agent. Unlike the US, there isn’t a universal “licence” for all estate agents. However, they are legally required to be a member of an approved redress scheme (such as The Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme). Many also choose to be members of professional bodies like Propertymark (which includes NAEA Propertymark for sales agents) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). These memberships require adherence to a strict code of ethics and provide access to various professional resources and training.
The term Realtor is specific to the US and refers to a real estate agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This term does not apply to agents in the UK.
Finally, a broker is a term primarily used in the US for an agent with additional education and licensing requirements, allowing them to own and manage real estate firms. In the UK, an estate agency firm is typically managed by a director or principal, but they are generally referred to as “estate agents” collectively.
Now that you understand the role of an estate agent, let’s go over their responsibilities. For buyers (often represented by a buying agent or property search agent in the UK), responsibilities include property searches, market analysis, scheduling and attending viewings, negotiation of price and terms of purchase, handling paperwork, and providing referrals for other services (e.g., solicitors, surveyors). For sellers, estate agents are responsible for property evaluation (valuation/market appraisal), developing a marketing strategy, providing staging advice, conducting viewings and open houses, negotiation of offers, and providing closing assistance (liaising with all parties until completion).
The expertise of a good estate agent is crucial to any successful property transaction.
Qualities of a Good Estate Agent
Like any professional you hire for a service, you want to make sure that your estate agent is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to get the job done. Here are a few qualities you should try to identify when deciding on an estate agent:
- Experience: Does your estate agent have an adequate history of experience in the property industry, particularly in your local market? Do they have a deep knowledge of local market trends and property values?
- Communication Skills: Is your estate agent able to keep you informed on all parts of the buying/selling process? Are they timely in their responses to you and the numerous other parties involved, including lenders, surveyors, and solicitors?
- Negotiation Skills: Does your estate agent have the capability to effectively advocate for your interests? Do they seem able to negotiate through offers, counteroffers, and concessions to achieve the best outcome?
- Trustworthiness: Does your estate agent provide accurate information, disclose any conflicts of interest, and prioritise your interests? Do they seem like someone you’d want to build a long-term relationship with for any future transactions? Look for membership in a redress scheme and professional bodies.
- Attention to Detail: Is this estate agent able to handle the numerous meticulous transactions involved in buying/selling a home? Can they ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, such as money laundering checks and property information forms?
By focusing on these qualities during your search, you will be able to easily identify estate agents who are equipped to provide you with exceptional service.
Where to Find Potential Estate Agents
Now that you understand the role of an estate agent and which qualities to look for when choosing the best estate agent for your needs, it’s time to begin actually looking for one. There is no one-stop-shop for property professionals, but we’ve listed sensible places to begin your search below.
One of the most reliable ways to find a good estate agent is through personal referrals from friends, family, and colleagues. If somebody you know and trust had a positive experience with a certain agent, it’s likely that you will, too. This also extends to social media and online communities. Asking your local Facebook group co-members, Instagram friends, or posting on forums like Nextdoor are also great and simple ways to yield recommendations from people in your community.
Another beneficial method of finding an estate agent is by attending open houses or property viewings. Whether you are buying or selling, this allows you to interact with an agent without any commitment and see how they handle prospective buyers, present properties, and answer questions. And, if you are buying a home, using this method to find an agent could introduce you to more great properties in your area!
If you’re still not getting any solid leads, you can also try visiting local estate agency offices. These establishments are probably the closest thing to a one-stop property shop that you can find. Visiting a larger, well-known office may be the right decision for you if you’re looking for a firm with an established reputation, broad network, and consistent processes. If you’re more interested in personalised service, local expertise, and flexibility in their operations, then you may have more luck visiting a small/boutique estate agency office or working directly with an independent agent.
With access to the internet and online review sites like Google, Trustpilot, Rightmove, and Zoopla, there is no shortage of ways to identify potential estate agents in your area. As long as you make sure to keep your own specific needs in mind during your search, you should be able to find the right estate agent for you in no time.
The Final Steps to Narrowing Down the Right Estate Agent
Once you’ve found one or more estate agents that have hiring potential, it’s time to ensure compatibility. Though you may be eager to finish the agent selection process and move forward with the next steps of buying or selling your home, it’s important to remind yourself that choosing the right estate agent versus one that is not a good fit could completely change your experience. This is where it’s most important to be thorough and take the appropriate amount of time to make your decision.
To ensure compatibility, make sure you’re asking the right questions when interviewing potential agents, such as:
- What are your areas of expertise, especially in this specific local market? How many years of experience do you have?
- What is your approach to marketing homes (for sellers)? What does your typical marketing package include (e.g., professional photography, virtual tours, portal listings)?
- How do you prefer to communicate? What is your typical availability, including evenings and weekends?
- How do you handle negotiations to achieve the best outcome for your clients?
It’s also crucial to confirm you understand your agent’s fee structure, including commission rates (usually 1-3.5% plus VAT in the UK) and any additional fees for specific services. Ensure that the quoted fee is inclusive of VAT, as required by The Property Ombudsman.
Another way you can set yourself up for success while choosing an agent is to monitor for any suspicious or negative behaviour. Before you sign any contracts, keep an eye out for some common red flags:
- Consistent delays or failure to respond to inquiries. Communication is key!
- Agents who pressure you into making quick decisions or making unreasonably high/low offers.
- Lack of specific local market knowledge or inability to answer detailed questions about recent sales in your area.
- Negative reviews or unresolved complaints from past clients, particularly on a redress scheme’s public record.
If something about an agent feels off to you, you’re probably right and it’s not worth your time to move forward with them.
Conclusion: Trust Your Instincts
Using these tips, you can go confidently into the last step of the estate agent selection process: making your final decision. As long as you trust your instincts and keep your own needs in mind, it’s likely that you will have no problem finding a suitable estate agent. If you’re still not sure, you can consider a short trial period (if the contract allows) to see how the agent works before fully committing.
Remember, a good estate agent is not just a facilitator, but a trusted advisor who can guide you through one of the most important transactions of your life. Someone who is passionate about their work and enthusiastic about helping you will likely go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction. By doing your homework, identifying positive qualities, looking in the right places, and asking the right questions, you can and will find an estate agent who truly represents your interests.