In summary:
- Estate agents offer sellers experience and expertise, including specific local knowledge on sold prices and demand
- Agents give sellers access to their network of contacts when finding potential buyers, as well as marketing the property across various channels
- Estate agents take on the stress and hassle of dealing with buyers, and help to make the selling process less emotionally taxing
- Agents act as a safety net if anything goes wrong and are always on hand to give advice on problems and possible solutions
Most sellers choose to use an estate agent to make sure they attract the best range of potential buyers to their property. We take a look at what an estate agent is and what they do, and how an agent could help you to sell your home.
Starting with the basics, we explain what agents are and what they will normally do for you as a seller. Then we explain all the likely benefits of using an estate agent rather than choosing to sell your home privately.
What is an estate agent?
An estate agent is a professional who helps with the process of buying, selling, renting or managing property. This could be residential property (homes) or commercial property, such as offices or factories.
Some estate agents have industry qualifications and professional memberships. These can include being members of or holding qualifications from:
- Rightmove Certificates and Qualification for Agents
- NAEA Propertymark propertymark.co.uk
- Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) rics.org
- The Guild of Professional Estate Agents guildproperty.co.uk
“We believe that professionalism truly matters. Full qualification enhances our expertise, sets us apart from many other agencies, and underpins our commitment to excellence.”
– Mike Taylor, Managing Director at Burns & Reid in St. Helens
What does an estate agent do?
An estate agent has many roles in the process of buying, selling, renting and managing property. If you’re selling your home, the agent will usually:
- Value your property and give you a marketing price (the price they will aim to sell the property for)
- Market your property through their chosen channels, for example in advertising, on portals like Rightmove and in branch window displays
- Identify potential buyers, then organise times for viewings, when potential buyers can look around the property
- If someone wants to buy the property, the agent will negotiate this between you and your new buyer
- Give you advice throughout the process to make sure that you reach your chosen goal
- Help to keep the buying process moving and work to resolve any problems
“There are usually six different parties involved in a single transaction (one seller and one buyer of a freehold house), all of whom have their own jobs to do. Selling a home is about ensuring all those parties work together to achieve an outcome that suits both the seller and the buyer.
“Add in the timeframes, costs and emotions that go with moving, and you have a very good reason to work with an estate agent you trust.”
– Katie Hendra, self-employed estate agent, Nested Worthing
Find estate agents near you
Why sell your property with an estate agent?
You don’t have to use an estate agent, but here are some of the advantages of using an agent to sell your home.
1. Experience and expertise
Estate agents are experienced in the field. Most people sell a home once every seven years, while agents do it day in day out.
2. Local knowledge
A good agent will know the local market in detail. For example, they will know what types of properties have sold locally, and for how much.
3. Professional advice
An agent will be available to give you professional advice on reaching your property goals.
4. Networks and connections
A good agent will give you access to their network of contacts who are looking to buy in your area.
5. Organisation and administration
Agents take on the stress and administrative burden of arranging and conducting viewings, and dealing with potential buyers.
6. Formalising the process
Having an agent as a ‘go-between’ can help take the emotion out of the selling process. This is especially helpful when you are selling your own home, as it is a very personal possession.
7. Safety net
Agents act as a safety net if something goes wrong and can help to guide you through the problems and possible solutions.
8. Marketing and exposure
Agents will place your property onto portals like Rightmove to get the best exposure across the market and the country.
9. Risk reduction
Agents can reduce the risk of making a mistake during the transaction, as they have more knowledge and experience than most sellers.
Find out how to choose the best estate agent for you, and find out more about estate agent fees in our detailed guides.
Written by Jan Moys, Rightmove Editorial Team
Jan has worked as a writer and content expert for… Read moreCopyright © 2000-2026 Rightmove Group Limited. All rights reserved. Rightmove prohibits the scraping of its content. You can find further details here.