Choosing an estate agent is one of the most important decisions you will make when selling your home. The right agent can mean a faster sale, a better price, and a process that feels manageable. The wrong one can cost you both time and money.
Most sellers focus on two things when choosing an estate agent: fees and valuation. Both matter, but neither tells you much about the quality of service you will receive. Knowing what to look for in an estate agent goes beyond who charges the least or who quotes the highest price.
What does an estate agent do when selling your home?
Your agent is responsible for:
- Pricing your property accurately based on local market evidence
- Creating marketing materials, including photography, floorplans, and portal listings
- Managing viewings and feeding back buyer interest
- Negotiating offers on your behalf
- Progressing your sale from agreed offer through to completion
Sales progression is where many agents fall short. It involves keeping your solicitor, your buyer’s solicitor, and all other parties in the chain moving in the same direction. A good agent stays involved throughout. A poor one disappears once the board goes up.
How do you start narrowing down your options?
Research found that nearly one in five sellers said the most important factor when choosing an agent was that the agent was already selling other homes nearby, with local reputation and expertise close behind. An agent active in your area understands what local buyers are looking for, what similar homes are achieving, and how quickly properties are selling. That knowledge directly affects how they price and market your home.
Start by checking which agents have sold properties similar to yours nearby, reading reviews, and asking neighbours who have recently sold. Aim to invite at least three agents to value your property before making any decisions.
What should you look for in a property valuation?
The valuation appointment is often where sellers make their first mistake. It is tempting to go with the agent who quotes the highest figure, but that instinct can be costly.
Overvaluation is something to be aware of when choosing an estate agent. If a property is priced too high from the outset, it is likely to sit on the market without generating serious interest. A price reduction may then be needed, and buyers notice when a figure drops on property portals. That can create doubt in a buyer’s mind, even when there is nothing wrong with the property.
Keep an eye out for the following during your valuation appointment:
- A clear explanation of how the figure was reached
- Evidence from recent local sold prices, not unsold listings
- An honest assessment of your property’s strengths and any factors that could affect the sale
- A realistic time frame for achieving a sale at that price
How do you know if an estate agent is trustworthy?
Professional credentials are a practical indicator of standards. Estate agents are not currently required by law to be licensed or qualified. However, under the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007, all estate agents who engage in residential work must belong to an approved redress scheme. The two main schemes are The Property Ombudsman and the Property Redress Scheme.
Check reviews carefully. Look for consistent themes rather than isolated comments, and pay attention to how the agent handled problems, not just the cases where everything went smoothly. Any agent can look good when a sale goes without a hitch. What separates a good agent from a poor one is how they respond when things get complicated.
What questions should you ask before you commit?
Try to ask the following questions before signing an agency agreement. Doing so will give you some good insight into how they operate and whether they are the right fit for you.
- How many properties similar to mine have you sold locally in the last six months?
- What is your average time from listing to agreed sale?
- How do you handle sales progression once an offer is accepted?
- Who will be my point of contact throughout the process?
- What does your marketing include, and what does your photography look like?
- What are your fees, and what exactly is included?
- What are the terms of the agency agreement, including the tie-in period?
That last question matters more than most sellers realise. Some agency agreements include tie-in periods of 12 to 16 weeks, meaning you cannot switch agents without potentially paying two sets of fees. Always read the contract before signing and ask for clarity on anything that is not straightforward.
What is the difference between sole agency and multi-agency?
When you instruct an estate agent, you will typically be offered a sole agency or a multi-agency arrangement. It is worth understanding the difference before you decide.
Sole agency means you appoint one agent to sell your property. If that agent finds your buyer, you pay their fee. It is the most common arrangement and usually comes with a lower commission rate. Multi-agency means you instruct more than one agent simultaneously, with the fee going to whichever agent finds your buyer. This can increase exposure but usually comes at a higher commission rate.
For most sellers, sole agency with a well-chosen local agent is the right starting point. Multi-agency tends to work better for properties that are difficult to sell or have been on the market for some time.
How do you choose the right estate agent?
Choosing the right estate agent takes a little research, but it is time well spent. Local knowledge, transparent communication, and a proactive approach to sales progression are what make the real difference between a sale that runs smoothly and one that does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas do Michael Anthony cover?
We have branches in Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Hemel Hempstead, and Tring, covering a wide area across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, get in touch and we will be happy to help.
How long does it take to sell a home?
This depends on the local market, the price, and the buyer’s circumstances. On average, the conveyancing process takes 8 to 12 weeks from offer accepted to completion. Accurate pricing and proactive sales progression are the two biggest factors in keeping things on track.
What is included in your valuation?
Our valuations are free and come with no obligation. We assess your property based on recent local sold prices, current buyer demand, and the specifics of your home. You will leave with a clear, evidence-based figure and an honest view of the current market.
How do you keep sellers informed throughout the process?
Regular communication is central to how we work. You will have a dedicated point of contact who will keep you updated at every stage, from listing through to completion.
Michael Anthony Estate Agents
Michael Anthony has been helping people buy, sell, let and rent in Milton Keynes since 1999. Our team has deep local knowledge across every neighbourhood and price point in the city. If you are thinking about making the move, we are the people to talk to.
Find out more about our Milton Keynes branch, book a free property valuation, or get in touch with our team.
Published: June 2026