Selling process
Questions to Ask an Estate Agent
Before instructing an estate agent, ask about: how they reached their valuation (and the evidence), their fee and exactly what it includes, the contract type and tie-in period, how they’ll market the home, their track record in your area (sold prices vs asking, time to sell), and who handles viewings and sales progression. The answers reveal whether they’ll get you the best price and a smooth sale — or just win your instruction.
What is your property worth?
Get genuine offers from checked & vetted buyers.
- Evidencenot flattery
- Tie-incheck before signing
- Progressionsaves the sale
Questions about the valuation
Start with the valuation: "How did you arrive at this figure, and what comparable sold prices support it?" Be wary of an agent who over-values to win your instruction, then pushes for reductions later — a common tactic. Ask what they’d list at versus what they expect it to sell for, and how long similar homes have taken. A good agent justifies the price with evidence, not flattery (see how much is my house worth?).
Questions about fees and contract
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What’s your fee (% + VAT)? | Know the true cost |
| What’s included? | Photos, floorplan, portals, viewings |
| Sole or multi-agency? | Affects fee and exposure |
| Tie-in / notice period? | How long you’re committed |
| Any extra/withdrawal fees? | Avoid nasty surprises |
Questions about marketing
Ask how they’ll market your home: which portals (Rightmove, Zoopla), professional photography, floorplans, and video/virtual tours, and how they’ll make your listing stand out. Good marketing drives the viewings that drive offers, so this matters. Ask to see examples of their recent listings — are the photos and descriptions high quality? A poorly marketed home sells slower and for less, whatever the valuation promised.
Questions about track record and service
Probe their track record in your area: "What’s your average sold-price-to-asking-price ratio, and how long do your homes take to sell?" Ask how many similar homes they’ve sold locally recently. Then service: who conducts viewings (the agent or you), and crucially who handles sales progression after an offer — chasing solicitors and the chain is where sales are saved or lost. Check their reviews and redress scheme (TPO) membership too.
Weighing an agent against alternatives
The right agent earns their fee through a better price and a smoother sale — these questions help you find one who will, not just one who flatters your valuation. But if speed and certainty matter more than maximum price, weigh the agent route against a cash buyer (faster, no fees, but lower price) or auction. We can help you compare your options so you choose the route — and if it’s an agent, the right questions to choose well.
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Written & reviewed by Lisa Hayes, Founder
Lisa Hayes is the founder of Ready Steady Sell and an independent UK home-selling expert with over a decade helping homeowners weigh cash house buyers, property investors and the wider fast house-sale industry — without pressure or hidden fees. Every guide is reviewed for accuracy under our editorial standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, no sales talk
What questions should I ask an estate agent?
How they reached the valuation (with evidence), their fee and what it includes, the contract type and tie-in, how they’ll market the home, their local track record, and who handles viewings and progression.
How do I avoid an agent over-valuing to win my instruction?
Ask what comparable sold prices support their figure, and what they’d list at versus expect to sell for. A good agent justifies the price with evidence, not flattery.
What should I check in an estate agent’s contract?
The fee (% + VAT) and what’s included, whether it’s sole or multi-agency, the tie-in and notice period, and any extra or withdrawal fees, before you sign.
What makes a good estate agent?
Evidence-based valuation, strong marketing (good photos, portals, floorplans), a solid local track record (sold-to-asking ratio, time to sell), and active sales progression after an offer.
Who handles sales progression matters — why?
Because chasing solicitors and the chain after an offer is where sales are saved or lost. Ask whether the agent actively progresses sales or just lists the home.
Is an estate agent always the best route?
Not always — for maximum price with time, yes; but for speed and certainty, weigh it against a cash buyer (faster, no fees, lower price) or auction. Compare for your priority.