10 questions to ask every estate agent
Every sale is different.
You can probably feel it already — the nerves, the excitement, the sense that you’re about to take your first real step toward selling your home. And then the noise begins. Well-meaning advice from family, tips from colleagues, neighbours’ tales of “quick” moves or “nightmare” sales.
But here’s the truth: every sale is different.
What happened when a relative sold a decade ago has little relevance to today’s market. That’s why, if you’re selling for the first time, the best thing you can do is cut through the noise. Ask the right questions and understand the process before you get started.
10 questions to ask every estate agent
If you’re inviting agents out, these are the questions that really matter:
If their suggested price feels high, can they show you recent sales from the last three to six months that support it? Was that the asking price, the final price, and how long did the sale take?
If they drop their fee immediately just to win your instruction, how confidently will they negotiate when it truly counts?
Can they show you real examples of how they market homes like yours?
Do they have a pre-launch strategy that reaches their database before the portals?
Can they show you a list of active buyers already registered who may suit your property?
Do they use professional video and photography — and what does that content look like in practice?
What percentage of their listings actually reach completion, not just Sold STC?
On average, what’s the gap between the price they market at and the price they ultimately achieve?
How many of their listings typically require a price reduction before selling?
How long is their sole agency agreement, and why? If it’s lengthy, what does that say about their confidence in selling your home quickly?
These aren’t trick questions — they’re clarity questions. The answers show whether an agent has a strategy or is simply relying on wishful thinking.
The step-by-step process for first-time sellers
Step one: Valuation
Book a valuation 3–6 months before you plan to move. This isn’t just about price — it’s about understanding timelines, expectations and the decisions that follow.
Step two: Strategy
Agree on the marketing approach. Discuss any light improvements or staging, and make sure you’re aligned on how the property will be positioned in the market.
Step three: Preparation
This is where the marketing toolkit is created: professional photography, video, floor plan, EPC and a compelling description that tells the story of your home.
Step four: Pre-launch
Before appearing on the portals, your property is introduced to a database of active buyers. This builds early momentum, generates viewings and helps identify serious interest ahead of the public listing.
Step five: Full launch
Your home goes live across the portals and wider marketing channels, supported by ongoing buyer communication and proactive follow-up.
From initial valuation to full launch, the process typically takes two to four weeks depending on the property and the level of preparation required. The difference between drifting and moving is all in how well these steps are managed.
Selling your home for the first time doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Yes, the noise can be loud and the advice can be contradictory — but with the right questions and a clear plan, you can move forward with confidence.
If you’re ready to take the first step, book your valuation today. We’ll guide you through the process, answer the questions others avoid, and help you move forward with precision and pace.