When selling your property, there are a few crucial decisions you need to make. One of them is which estate agent to choose to sell your property. Your estate agent will be the bridge between you and your buyer and can be the difference between you selling your property quickly and it languishing on the market for months.
However, picking the right agency for your property can be trickier than it seems. It’s estimated that over 55,000 estate agents were operating in the UK at the end of 2024, with hundreds working in the Greater Manchester area. With so much choice, you should know how to sort the bad from the good.
Local Knowledge
We may live in a globalised world, but when it comes to property, a local mindset is useful. If you opt for a traditional agent, the agency you’re working with should demonstrate an established knowledge of your area. This is so that they can price your property appropriately and fill potential buyers in on where you live. This is particularly important for the Manchester market, which has a fair degree of nuance and sees a wider influx of people moving to the city.
As such, when assessing your estate agent, ask them what experience they have of working in the area, and what their presence is like there. Check out how many properties they have listed in your area currently, and question what resources they have to market your property to both local and broader buyers.
Similar Properties
As well as area knowledge, your estate agent should have a good handle on how to sell your specific property. This is especially important if you have a unique home with attractive features that they should promote, but it’s as crucial if you have a simple one-bed flat in Chorlton.
Before contacting estate agents, look at current and former listings that match your property’s spec. Then, when meeting with an agent, ask them how quickly these properties moved, and how much interest they’ve had if they’re still active. A good agent should have just as much of a handle on your home’s selling potential as you do.
Fees
It’s always a good idea to consider a wide range of estate agents to find a fee that matches your needs. Don’t forget that some UK online estate agents may not charge anything at all. An online agent may provide access to a wide buying pool for free, or else for a smaller fee than traditional high street estate agents. Remembering that you can save money with your estate agent is vital, as fees can vary considerably and those on the higher end of the spectrum can charge a pretty penny. Some estate agents may charge up to 3.6% of your property’s value. This gives agents a reason to get the highest price possible, but it can also impact your profits. In a process as costly as selling your home, any loss of overall profit can be a big deal — and when you tie in how well someone can sell your property and their market knowledge, it’s easy to see why your choice of estate agent is crucial.
Don’t just go with the first option out there; do your research, and you’ll be rewarded.
