Choosing an agent is easier when you know what to ask before signing anything. This guide covers the key questions to put to estate agents about valuations, marketing, communication, fees, and sales progression so you can make a more confident decision about your property.

How did you value my property?

Start by asking how the agent reached their suggested asking price. A good agent should be able to explain the figure using recent local sales, similar properties, current buyer demand, and their knowledge of your area.

Do not automatically choose the agent who gives you the highest valuation. Some estate agents may suggest an ambitious asking price to win your instruction, only to recommend reducing it later if buyers do not respond.

Ask what comparable properties they have sold recently and how their suggested price compares. You should come away understanding the reasoning behind the valuation rather than simply being given a number.

It is also useful to ask how long they think the property may take to sell. No agent can guarantee a timescale, but their answer can tell you whether their expectations are realistic.

How will you market and manage my sale?

Ask exactly how the agent plans to promote your property. Find out whether the service includes photography, floor plans, online property listings, accompanied viewings, and a professionally written description.

Strong estate agents should have a plan beyond simply uploading the property to a portal. Ask whether they already have suitable buyers registered and how they will follow up with people who enquire or attend a viewing.

You should also find out who will conduct the viewings. Will the agent show buyers around, or will you be expected to do it yourself? If the agent handles them, ask how quickly you will receive feedback afterwards.

Another important question is what happens if interest is lower than expected. A good agent should review buyer feedback and discuss possible changes rather than automatically telling you to cut the price.

Ask about negotiations too. When an offer arrives, you want to know how the agent will assess the buyer's position and whether they will actively negotiate on your behalf.

Who will I speak to and what will it cost?

The person who carries out the valuation may not be the person who manages your sale afterwards. Ask who your regular point of contact will be and how often they will update you.

Communication can make a huge difference during a property sale. Reliable estate agents should keep you informed about viewings, feedback, offers, and progress without making you chase for every update.

A more personal service can be particularly reassuring. Many homeowners prefer speaking with someone who knows their property and situation rather than repeating themselves to different people each time they call.

You should also ask for a full breakdown of the fees. Find out whether the agent charges a fixed amount or a percentage of the final selling price, whether VAT is included, and whether any marketing services carry additional costs.

Do not forget the contract. Ask about the sole agency period, notice requirements, withdrawal charges, and whether you might still owe commission if a buyer originally introduced by the agent purchases the property later.

Professional estate agents should explain these terms clearly. If the answers are vague or you feel pressured to sign quickly, take more time before making a commitment.

What happens after I accept an offer?

Getting an offer is only one stage of selling a property. Ask how involved the agent remains once you have agreed to a sale.

Good estate agents should help keep communication moving between you, the buyer, solicitors, and other parties in the chain where appropriate. This can be important when surveys, mortgage applications, searches, or legal enquiries cause delays.

Ask how they check the buyer's position before recommending that you accept an offer. For example, are they part of a chain? Do they need a mortgage? Are they ready to instruct a solicitor?

You should also ask how regularly they chase progress after the sale is agreed. A proactive approach can help identify problems earlier and give you a clearer idea of what is holding things up.

Finally, ask what happens if the sale falls through. Knowing how the agent would restart marketing and contact previous interested buyers can give you confidence that there is a plan if things do not go smoothly.

Conclusion

The questions you ask your agent can reveal far more than a sales pitch. Focus on the valuation, marketing strategy, communication, fees, contract terms, buyer checks, and the support you will receive after accepting an offer.

Take time to compare estate agents and choose someone who gives straightforward answers and makes the service feel personal. The right support should help you feel informed and confident throughout your property journey, rather than leaving you to chase for answers.