9 ways an agent will help you sell your property

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.

Check what your home’s worth

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

Should I sell my house privately or use an estate agent?

It’s possible to sell a property privately without using an estate agent. For some sellers this may be the right choice, but it’s important to understand the differences before deciding.

Selling privately	Using an estate agent
You manage the entire process yourself	The agent manages much of the day-to-day process
You arrange and conduct viewings	The agent can arrange and conduct viewings
You negotiate directly with buyers	The agent can negotiate on your behalf
You market the property yourself	The agent can market the property through multiple channels
You won’t pay estate agency fees	Estate agency fees usually apply
Requires more time and involvement from the seller	Can reduce the amount of time needed from the seller

The best option depends on your circumstances, confidence in managing the process and how much support you’d like throughout the sale.

What should I look for in an estate agent?

Not all estate agents offer the same service, so it’s worth comparing a few before making a decision.

You may want to consider:

• Their knowledge of the local market
• Reviews from previous clients
• Their communication style
• The marketing channels they use
• Their fees and terms of business
• Any industry qualifications or professional memberships

Speaking to more than one agent can help you understand which approach feels right for you.

Why use an estate agent when selling your property?

You don’t have to use an estate agent to sell your home. However, many sellers choose to because of the support, expertise and exposure an agent can provide throughout the selling process.

1. Experience and expertise

Most homeowners only buy or sell property occasionally, while estate agents work with property transactions every day. Their experience can help sellers understand what’s involved, avoid common pitfalls and navigate challenges if they arise.

2. Local market knowledge

A local estate agent will often have valuable insight into the area you’re selling in. This can include:

• The types of homes currently attracting interest
• Levels of buyer demand
• How long similar properties have taken to sell
• Features that are particularly appealing to local buyers

This knowledge can help when setting an asking price and planning how to market your property.

3. Professional guidance

Estate agents can provide advice throughout the transaction, from agreeing an asking price to assessing offers and deciding on the next steps.

4. Access to potential buyers

Many estate agents maintain databases of registered buyers and market properties through multiple channels, helping sellers reach a wider audience.

5. Help with administration

Selling a property involves viewings, enquiries, paperwork and ongoing communication with different parties. An estate agent can manage much of this process on your behalf.

6. A degree of separation

Selling a home can be emotional, particularly if you’ve lived there for many years. Having an estate agent act as an intermediary can help keep discussions and negotiations objective.

7. Support if problems arise

Property transactions don’t always go to plan. Estate agents can help identify solutions and keep communication flowing if issues arise during the sale.

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.

• Do you need an estate agent to sell a house?

  You can sell a property privately without using an estate agent. However, many sellers choose to use one for support with marketing, viewings, negotiations and managing the transaction.

• Do estate agents negotiate offers?

  Yes. One of an estate agent’s key responsibilities is helping buyers and sellers negotiate offers and agree a price.

• Can I use more than one estate agent?

  Some sellers choose to instruct more than one agent, although this often involves a different fee structure. Always check the terms of any agreement first.

• What happens after an offer is accepted?

  Once an offer is accepted, the transaction moves into the legal stage of the sale process. Solicitors or conveyancers, lenders, buyers, sellers and estate agents may all be involved until contracts are exchanged and the sale completes.

---

Find out how to choose the best estate agent for you, and find out more about estate agent fees in our detailed guides.