When it comes to buying and selling houses, things aren’t always straightforward. Over the next 8 weeks, Tim and Julia Haycocks, owners of Stowhill Estates Berkshire, will be offering honest advice, practical tips and straightforward opinions on navigating the Berkshire property market.
As this is our first week, we’re tackling perhaps the biggest question of all: how do you choose the right estate agent?
“I’m thinking of putting my property on the market, but I’m worried about choosing the wrong agent. What should I look for to make sure I choose the right one for me?”
(P.B, Finchampstead)
My Nan sadly passed away last year at the age of 100, and my mum is currently choosing an agent to sell her house in Bristol, so this is something we’ve been discussing a lot recently.
Most people focus heavily on the fee. In reality, what matters most is the value the agent adds and the outcome they achieve. It’s not just about cost, it’s about return.
For example, ask what percentage of asking price they typically achieve. Our average is currently 103.6%. If an agent markets a home better, creates more competition and negotiates more strongly, a slightly higher fee can easily pay for itself.
It’s also important to look at what you’re actually getting for your money. Are the photos professionally taken? Is there a proper video, or just pictures set to music? Are you getting floorplans, a brochure and well-written copy, or simply a quick upload to Rightmove?
Your online listing is your digital shop window, and presentation matters. Properties marketed with video can receive up to 403% more enquiries than those without.
Check where the agent advertises properties too. Rightmove is still the biggest portal, but others such as Zoopla and OnTheMarket can add value. Have a look through the agent’s current listings and ask yourself whether they feel carefully presented. Your home is probably your most valuable asset, so it deserves more than a rushed listing and a handful of average photographs.
Does it matter if the agent is a household name? Less than it once did. If buyers are searching online, visibility comes from how well your property is marketed, where it appears, and how compellingly it is presented, not simply the size of the logo above the door.
It’s also worth thinking about the experience you want. If communication, discretion and personal service matter to you, a smaller independent agency may be a better fit, particularly if you want to deal with the same person throughout.
Ask about contract lengths and notice periods too. You don’t want to be tied into a long agreement with someone who isn’t performing when all you really want to do is sell well and move on.
Also ask whether the person you meet at the valuation will remain involved. Will they handle viewings, negotiate offers and stay as your point of contact, or will you be passed to another team once you sign?
Ultimately, choose the agent you like and trust to represent both you and your home properly, not simply the cheapest or the one with the highest valuation figure. This person could be part of your life for several months, so it helps if you don’t mind them being in it!
All the best,
Tim & Julia
