Choosing the right estate agent can make or break your property sale. It’s not just about putting up a ‘For Sale’ sign and waiting for the offers to roll in. A good agent will secure the best possible price, manage viewings professionally, communicate regularly, and ultimately take the stress out of selling.
With so many estate agents to choose from, it can be tempting to go with the one offering the highest valuation or the lowest fee. But when the stakes are high – and your home is likely your biggest financial asset – it pays to dig a little deeper.
That’s where asking the right questions comes in.
Whether you’re selling your home for the first time or you’ve had a disappointing experience before, these five essential questions will help you identify the best estate agent to sell your house. Along the way, we’ll highlight what to expect from an estate agent – and why it’s worth choosing one who offers more than just a listing on a portal.
Why the right agent matters
Before we dive into the questions, it’s worth asking why this choice is so important. According to the latest Zoopla Price Index, the UK property market continues to move quickly, with demand for well-presented homes in the right locations still outpacing supply.
But that doesn’t mean every home sells easily – or for the right price.
Rightmove’s House Price Index regularly shows that properties which are realistically priced and well-marketed sell faster and closer to their asking price. And that all comes down to the agent behind the sale.
1. What’s your track record in my area?
When deciding how to choose an estate agent, this is one of the most important questions to ask.
A strong local track record means the agent understands what buyers want in your area, how to price your property competitively, and how to market it effectively.
Ask for specifics:
- How many properties have you sold in my postcode in the last six months?
- What percentage of asking price do you typically achieve?
- How quickly do your properties go under offer?
A good estate agent will be able to provide clear answers supported by recent data. At Hunters, our local offices use a combination of Rightmove, Zoopla and our own market intelligence to give sellers a clear picture of current conditions and recent sales nearby.
It’s also worth checking online reviews and testimonials. Recent success stories in your area can give you confidence that the agent knows how to deliver results – not just promises.
2. How will you market my property?
This is another essential part of what to expect from an estate agent. Not all agents market properties in the same way, and a weak listing can cost you time and money.
Effective marketing is what drives viewings, which in turn drives offers. Ask your agent:
- Will my property be listed on Rightmove, Zoopla and other portals?
- Do you use professional photography, floorplans and video tours?
- How do you market homes on social media or through your buyer database?
- Will you write a compelling listing description that attracts attention?
At Hunters, we understand that first impressions matter. We invest in high-quality photography, detailed floorplans and targeted digital campaigns – all designed to make your property stand out and attract serious buyers quickly.
3. Who will handle viewings and negotiations?
It’s easy to assume all estate agents offer a personal service – but that’s not always the case. Some national or online-only agents rely on centralised call centres or leave sellers to manage viewings themselves.
When you’re choosing an estate agent, ask:
- Will viewings be accompanied by a trained negotiator?
- Will I have a dedicated point of contact throughout the process?
- Who will handle buyer feedback and offers?
Experienced negotiators can often secure a higher sale price by managing offers confidently and handling bidding situations strategically. They also provide valuable insight into buyer behaviour and help resolve any sticking points that might delay your sale.
At Hunters, we pride ourselves on personal service. Our agents are based in your community and work closely with you throughout the process – from the first viewing to the final offer.
4. What are your fees – and what’s included?
One of the most common questions to ask estate agents when selling is about fees. But it’s not just about how much – it’s about what you’re getting in return.
Ask for a breakdown:
- Are your fees a fixed rate or a percentage of the final sale price?
- Is VAT included?
- What’s included in the fee – photography, marketing, floorplans, negotiations?
- Are there any upfront fees, withdrawal fees or minimum contract terms?
Be wary of agents offering rock-bottom fees. While low-cost models may seem appealing, they often lack the personal service, negotiation skills and marketing reach of full-service agents. And that could cost you far more in the final sale price than you save on commission.
Hunters offer competitive fees and complete transparency. We’ll always explain what’s included and help you choose the best package for your needs – with no hidden surprises.
5. How will you keep me updated during the sale?
Communication is one of the most overlooked parts of the sales process – and one of the most important. A good estate agent will keep you informed every step of the way, reducing uncertainty and helping you make timely decisions.
Ask the agent:
- How often will I hear from you after my property goes on the market?
- Will I receive regular updates on viewings and feedback?
- How will you keep me informed about buyer interest and market activity?
The sales process doesn’t stop when your property is listed. Your agent should be proactively chasing leads, sharing feedback and advising on next steps – whether that means adjusting your price, making small improvements or negotiating offers.
At Hunters, we use clear communication plans and regular updates, so you always know where you stand. Many of our branches also provide access to an online portal where you can track viewings, offers and progress in real time.
Bonus tip: Don’t just go with the highest valuation
It’s natural to feel tempted by the agent who values your home the highest – especially if you’re planning your next move based on that figure.
But inflated valuations can lead to disappointment. Rightmove data consistently shows that overvalued homes tend to sit on the market longer, require price reductions and attract fewer serious buyers. Worse still, if your listing goes stale, buyers may assume something’s wrong with the property.
The best estate agent to sell your house will back up their valuation with evidence, such as recent sales nearby, buyer demand in your area, and market trends. They’ll also offer a pricing strategy that reflects your goals – whether that’s selling fast or achieving the maximum price.
Want a valuation you can trust – not guesswork?
Book a no-obligation, data-led property appraisal with Hunters.
Request your valuation now.
Final thoughts: Ask the right questions, get the right results
Selling your home is a big decision, and it deserves the right support. By asking these five key questions, you’ll get a better sense of how each estate agent works, what you can expect, and who’s most likely to deliver the results you want.
To recap, make sure you ask:
- What’s your track record in my area?
- How will you market my property?
- Who will handle viewings and negotiations?
- What are your fees – and what’s included?
- How will you keep me updated during the sale?
Choosing the right estate agent isn’t just about the lowest fee or the highest valuation – it’s about trust, service and proven results. At Hunters, we combine national reach with expert local knowledge and a personal touch, helping thousands of sellers move forward with confidence every year.
