Selling property is a substantial deal in every way, so finding an estate agent you can trust to get you the best price and the best possibility of a sale is crucial. Property sales aren't something most of us do every day, so selecting an estate agent to manage the transaction can be difficult. Contrary to popular belief, not all agencies are the same, and some are more effective than others. So how should you judge whos best? Read below if it helps.

Form a shortlist

Request recommendations from individuals you know and trust. Have they recently sold or know someone who has recently had a positive experience with a local agent? Do you see the same For Sale or Sold signs in your neighborhood on a frequent basis? This is critical, not only because the agent will likely know how to sell that sort of property, but also because the marketing of those homes will have produced a database of buyers who may be transferable to you.

Take a closer look

The next step is to learn more about the firms or agents on your shortlist. High on your priority list should be reputation, performance, and credibility. Make your research comprehensive. Examine their websites and learn about their businesses. Make sure you take a peek at the homes they're selling. All of this information should give you a solid picture of the more powerful agents in your region. You should then invite these brokers to come to your home and assess its value, as well as explain how they would assist you in obtaining the best possible offer from a credible buyer.

The estimation

The agents will share their thoughts on their proposed asking price, marketing strategies, and how to best attain the pricing. Make sure you ask the agents to substantiate their valuation of your home by providing you instances of similar homes that are currently on the market and those that have recently sold.

All key elements must be agreed upon

Those with clearly established expectations have the best agent-seller partnerships. Make sure you've agreed on the commission structure, list price, and contract term (what happens if your house doesn't sell after a set period of time) in writing.

What you should know about estate agent charges

To sell your home, the agent will charge a commission. Fees are frequently calculated as a percentage of the sale price. There might be additional expenses for things like advertising or photography, as well as a fee if you decide not to sell the home. A professional agent will go over everything with you in detail, and there should be no surprises. Make a value assessment based on the agent's services, and don't assume that the cheapest choice is the best. It's really rare.