Here are some tips to help you choose a suitable estate agent
Buyers tend to scour the areas where they want to buy, and visit agents based in the locality. They also subscribe to mailing lists, as well as visiting websites both for estate agents and dedicated comparison organisations. It's a good idea to make sure your estate agent subscribes to these sites.
Don't feel obliged to sell through the same agent you're buying from.
Check for a local presence: look out for boards, preferably reading 'sold', not just 'for sale', look in local papers; personal recommendations are invaluable. Mortgage Talk can advise on these and a number of related issues and recommmend which estate agents in your region might be the best match for your circumstances.
Valuations
Anyone can give a high valuation figure, but actually obtaining this figure when the property is sold is another matter. Ascertain if the figure is a result of experience and knowledge of the area, or whether you're being told what you want to hear. If you're unsure, ask to see comparisons of previous sales in the area that have been passed by a mortgage surveyor. Placing your property on the market at a realistic price will assist in the selling process.
Fees
Negotiating a low fee with an agent may prove to be a false economy, because it won't necessarily generate the high levels of enthusiasm needed to get the best result. Remember, estate agents work for money, so why not create an incentive to benefit both parties? A full asking price deserves a full fee but you might want to agree a downward sliding scale if offers fall below it.
Contracts
Be careful when authorising an agent. Read the contract small print carefully, as you may find yourself signed up and legally bound for a long period of time. If this is the case, in the event of poor service, you will not be able to go elsewhere, unless of course you're prepared to fork out two fees. If you're not, insist on a time period of your choice. Month to month or even week to week if you can get away with it!
Multiple agents?
You want to get as many people as possible to know that your property is on the market. This could mean using internet estate agents or at least more than one agent. If you decide to use multiple agents, check the small print on their contracts. They may insist on 'sole agency', which means that even if you sell your home privately or through another agent, you'll still be charged a commission fee.