If you’re thinking about selling your home, chances are you’ve got a few questions on your mind - not least of which is, how many estate agents should I actually speak to before choosing one?
It might feel tempting to go with the first agent who knocks on your door or offers a tempting valuation, but new insights from our latest research suggests that taking the time to compare your options is a smarter move.
3 is the magic number
According to a YouGov survey of over 1,000 UK homeowners who’ve sold in the last five years, almost half (49%) of sellers invited three estate agents to value their property before deciding which one to instruct to sell their home.
And it’s not just sellers saying so, as more than half of estate agents (54%) also believe three is the ideal number for valuations. So whether you’re selling a studio flat or a country manor, it pays to have a few conversations before signing on the dotted line.
Why not just pick one and get on with it?
Good question. But choosing an estate agent is more than just asking “How much can you sell it for?” You’re also choosing:
Someone who knows your local market inside out
A marketing strategy that fits your home and your timeline
A professional you can actually communicate with during a (sometimes stressful) process and understands your needs
Different agents can bring different strengths and offer different perspectives. You might want a quick sale or are prepared to wait to get the best value for your property. You may want advice on what to do to get your home ready for a sale to find a buyer quickly or make sure there is plenty of interest.
Do your homework
Zoopla’s MyHome tool makes it easier to shortlist agents who are active in your area. You can see which properties they’ve sold, how close they are to your home, and whether they’ve got a strong presence in your neighbourhood, before you even pick up the phone.
When it comes to choosing the right estate agent, three really is the magic number. It gives you more choice, better perspective, and a much stronger chance of finding someone who’ll help you get the best result for your sale and not just the best pitch.
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