Estate agents are often the first people who come to mind when you think of getting shown around houses, but there is a whole lot more going on in the background. A good estate agent will guide buyers and sellers through the property transaction with less hassle. From valuing homes to doing paperwork, they are involved every step of the way.
For the seller, an agent's work begins with determining a realistic price based on the local market and recent sales. They'll coordinate professional photography, draft listings, and market the property online and in branch. And then there are viewings — either managed by the agent or left up to the homeowner, depending on the agreement.
For the buyers, agents are the middleman. They respond to queries, arrange viewings, and transmit offers. When a sale is agreed, they usually nudge solicitors, mortgage brokers, and the rest to keep things in motion. It's not always glamorous, but a good agent can be the difference between a painless sale and a stressful one.
How Estate Agents Get Paid
Most estate agents are on a commission-only basis, so they will only be paid if and when a property is sold. The typical charge is normally a percentage of the final price — between 0.75% and 3% is standard. There are some who add VAT on top, so check what's covered before signing a thing.
There are also up-front fixed-fee estate agents, sometimes internet-based, who get paid in advance. The service may be less expensive, but you might have less assistance or do more of the work yourself. High street agents tend to provide a more active service, particularly with regard to handling offers and getting things through once a deal is reached.
Sellers must always read the contract carefully. Some agents bind you for weeks or even months, so you can't change to someone else if you're not satisfied. You must always ask questions before signing.
Choosing the Right Estate Agent
All estate agents are not the same. Some are brilliant at bringing viewings through the door but not so skilled at negotiating. Others may advertise a high asking price to attract your custom, only to reduce it subsequently when there is not the interest.
It is beneficial to glance at recent sales in your neighborhood and observe which real estate agents are actually selling homes, rather than merely listing them. Internet reviews are helpful, but word of mouth persists. If your neighbor had a positive experience, that is worth more than a five-star review on Google.
Don't be afraid to meet more than one agent before deciding. Ask how they plan to market the property, how often they'll update you, and whether you'll deal with one person or be passed around a team. Personality matters too — you'll be speaking to this person a lot over the coming weeks or months.
The Changing Role of Estate Agents
Over the past decade, the property market has changed a lot. Online portals like Rightmove and Zoopla have shifted how people search for homes. Some sellers even try to go it alone through private listings. But estate agents still play a key role, especially when things get complicated.
Whether it's a first-time buyer with mortgage slippage or an extended chain that's on the verge of collapse, agents tend to be the ones holding the whole thing together. They may not be wearing suits as frequently nowadays, but they're still the ones fielding the calls, oiling the rows, and pursuing signatures.
Even with additional tech involved in the process, a good agent still provides local knowledge, human skills, and a little bit of determination — things that can't be automated. Contact us for more information if you are Searching for an estate agent in the North East?.
