What questions to ask potential EA (as seller)?

[Mendi]

Have one coming round tonight. Have never sold a house before so not sure what I should be asking. So far the questions I've thought of are:

1. How long is the exclusivity period?

1. Fixed percentage commission or staged?

1. Will you do a floor plan?(I've noticed some don't but I think this is essential to buyers)

1. Any suggestions for how to make house look more attractive? (I've already had it all redecorated in neutral colours)

1. Advice on pricing - I need a quick sale and there are 4 other houses just like mine all on the market at the moment in the area, all at the same price (£275k). Should I price lower than that to get more viewings or should I go for an 'Offers over' with a lower start price and tell the EA what I would accept?

That's all the questions I've thought of to ask him so far. There must be more things I should be thinking of! Please tell me your tips for getting the best info and best deal out of an EA when selling.

Ask them what their commission is and if there is any flexibility with that, if they do the viewings or if you want to do them can you pay less commission. How long have the comparable properties been on the market? If its years then price yours lower but if not maybe price slightly lower?

Would you accept 250? As going too much below 275 takes you close to the stamp duty threshold.

Ask how they plan to market your property, check your happy with photos of other properties they are marketing.

Ask them what they have sold recently like yours and for how much.

Go and do a viewing with them if you can and see if you like the way they market other properties ?

Don't say too much about what you are willing to accept because they won't try as hard iykwim.

We marketed our house at offers over 310 but actually sold for 299.

Hth I'm sure someone else will be along with some other ideas :)

To make house look better have windows cleaned, and open curtains as wide as possible, a few pot plants in the front and tidy garden ( assuming you have one) - good kerb appeal.

Fresh flowers, hide all clutter, take down personnel items particularly photos.

Just marking my place as I'm in a similar position and there's great advice here

Ask them what they are going to do to sell your house that is different to any other Estate Agent in town.

Do they use virtual tours, will they hold an open day, how many applicants do they have on the books looking for a property like yours.

Don't go with the cheapest, go with the one you have most faith in.

Might be worth asking to meet the negotiators and branch manager too.

Well thanks all, your advice was helpful and I had 2 agents round at the weekend (already had a third before but not impressed).

First agent only deals in the local area (but covers whole price range) has strong branding, and has 20 staff. Second agent is a national agent but specialises in properties in my price range, also good branding (though possibly not as good in our area - but does that matter given that everyone just looks on Rightmove now?), only has 5 agents.

Agent 1 offers me 1.3% with min. 4 weeks exclusivity. Agent 2 offers 1.25% on a rolling 2 week contract. Both say they will keep the commission at same rate if I introduce another agent in due course.

I don't know how to choose. I had more of a personal leaning toward agent 2 as he seemed more interested in my objectives and how to meet them. But agent 1 has more people and therefore presumably can do more viewings.

How do I decide?

Is there any thing to differentiate their online marketing as most people look on right move and discount a lot of properties without even seeing them?

We chose a local agent because they were friendlier and we wanted to buy a house they were selling however I was never completely convinced by their photos and we hardly got any viewings.

We changed after 6 months to a much more aggressive estate agent who tbh I found quite annoying, but their photos were fantastic. They sell a life style lots of bollocks about relaxing in the garden with a glass of wine after a hard day at the beach! We ended up doing loads of viewings as they were so busy but they did sell it after 5 weeks.

Good luck hth :)

Hi Mendi
Everyone is different and has different needs from an estate agent but, moving home is often a stressful time, so a choice that many people make is to pick the agents who have a good reputation for service and friendly staff and will look after your needs and your time-scale. Go with your gut-feeling. Choose the agent you trust and like. Good luck
Chris