Buying and selling property can be an exciting adventure. An excellent estate agent can make the process much easier. You can work with a professional to find homes for sale or facilitate the sale process, but you may ask yourself “how to find estate agents near me?”
Finding a property professional with your best interest at heart is essential. You want a trustworthy agent to find the best deal for your property goals. A professional agent should always be available and reliable.
What Does an Estate Agent Do?
Estate professionals help people buy, sell, or rent homes and properties. In the UK, while there isn’t a single national “license” like in some US states, all residential estate agents are legally required to be members of an approved redress scheme (such as The Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme). Many also gain qualifications from or become members of professional bodies like Propertymark (e.g., NAEA Propertymark for sales) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which involve specific coursework and adherence to ethical standards.
Estate agents may not work a nine-to-five work day, but they will still clock a 40-50 hour work week. They will spend hours meeting with clients, hosting open houses/viewings, and showing clients through properties. They must learn the art of marketing and generating leads on new properties, actively promoting properties to potential buyers.
The average home buyer needs the expertise of an agent with experience. The right agent can make the buying experience less stressful. They will spend hours searching for the perfect property in the real estate listings, and estate professionals will have expertise in neighbourhood features buyers want, such as school catchments, transport links, and local amenities.
Estate agents can also help clients with property for sale. They will ensure that the property has a strong online presence because social media and major property portals (like Rightmove and Zoopla) have become vital advertisement channels for the property industry. While some initial searches can be done online, the full buying process often involves in-person viewings and detailed paperwork.
Someone with a background in property selling knows how to stage and market a cluttered house. Estate agents can overcome sellers’ challenges, such as advising on décor or minor repairs to enhance appeal. Their goal is to guide their client through the entire buying or selling process, from initial valuation to completion.
A considerable part of estate agents’ services involves providing cost counselling services regarding the fair market value of a property. They will guide you through the fees associated with selling a property, such as conveyancing fees, Stamp Duty Land Tax (for buyers), and their own estate agent commission rate. They will assist you with the negotiations and handle the required paperwork for the offer and agreement process.
Difference Between an Estate Agent and a Broker
In the UK, the distinction between an “estate agent” and a “broker” (in the US sense) is less formalised.
An estate agent is the primary term used for a professional helping clients buy, sell, or rent property. They typically work for an estate agency firm.
A broker is a term primarily used in the US. In the UK, if someone has higher qualifications and can own/manage an agency, they are typically referred to as a principal or director of an estate agency firm. They hold the overall responsibility for the firm and its agents.
- An estate agent’s “licence” (or qualification/redress scheme membership) allows them to help clients buy, sell, or rent properties. They usually work for an estate agency firm.
- A principal/director of an agency has more flexibility and responsibility. They can own their brokerage or manage it. They have much more independence when it comes to their work.
- Principals/directors often earn more money than entry-level estate agents because they own or manage the agency. They sometimes collect a percentage of each agent’s commission or profit from the firm’s overall performance.
There are varying roles within an estate agency:
- An Associate (or Senior Sales Negotiator/Valuer) might have advanced experience but still works under the principal/director and may not be responsible for supervising other agents.
- A Managing Director/Partner manages the daily activities of a company. They might be involved in hiring other estate agents, creating internal policies, and coordinating employee schedules while mentoring new estate agents and teaching them the market’s ins and outs.
- The Principal/Designated Person (for regulatory purposes) ensures that the firm adheres to all relevant laws and regulations, including those set by redress schemes and consumer protection legislation. The principal typically assumes legal responsibility for the actions of their estate agents.
Some Tips to Help Find Estate Agents Near You
If you’ve ever thought, “where can I find estate agents near me?” you already understand the importance of finding the right property services for your property goals. Buying or selling property is a significant investment. Finding the property you are looking for may take some time, so you want an agent that comforts you. Here are several things to consider when searching for an agent.
Determine What You’re Looking for in an Agent
Clients must determine the type of agent they need. Are you searching for a residential or commercial estate agent? Do you need an agent specialising in luxury properties, new builds, or historical homes? You will need to identify estate agents with the expertise you are comfortable with and those who can find what you are looking for.
You may prefer an agent comfortable with email correspondence rather than in-person meetings. You must choose an agent who is reliable and trustworthy. You might have to meet with a few before you find the one you want to hire.
Ask For Referrals From Friends, Family, and Colleagues
One of the easiest ways to find great estate agents is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues. Happy clients will give good suggestions, and friends and family can be completely honest about their experiences. You can talk to past clients and find out about their experiences.
Check Out Online Reviews and Ratings
Another great way to find a good agent is to research online reviews and ratings. It is a good bet that estate agents with consistently positive consumer ratings know what they are doing. On the other hand, an agent with few or consistently negative reviews might be a warning sign.
Online reviews tend to be brutally honest, so it is a great way to learn the truth about specific property services.
Star ratings are significant to consumers. A potential client reading a five-star rating about an agent will be more likely to trust them.
Research Local Estate Agencies
You can go online and research local agencies. Agencies have company websites that display their agency team. You can read the agent profiles and determine which is a good fit for you.
Potential clients can visit local agencies to inquire about their resources and services. They can direct you to the best place if they don’t offer the services you need.
Attend Local Property Events
You can attend open houses or other events hosted by local estate agents. Potential clients can observe how the agent communicates and deals with people. You can learn about the current property market and how other buyers and sellers are negotiating within that market.
Contact Professional Estate Associations
Potential clients can contact professional estate associations like Propertymark (which includes NAEA Propertymark for sales agents) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to ask about professional certifications and experience. These associations often have “Find an Expert” tools or can offer information about their members, demonstrating adherence to professional standards.
Your local estate associations (or national ones with local presence) will know the agents in your area and will be able to recommend someone who will meet your requirements.
Consider Working With a Conveyancer or Financial Advisor
It might be best to work with a conveyancer (or solicitor) or a financial advisor/mortgage broker, especially if you are considering a complex property transaction, such as a property that is in foreclosure (repossession) or in probate. Your conveyancer or solicitor is essential to prepare and review all legal paperwork involved in property transfer. A financial advisor will ensure your finances are in order for the purchase.
FAQ’s: Tips to Find an Estate Agent Near You
How do I find a good local estate agent? The best way to find a good local agent is from your close circle. Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations of agents they have worked with and liked. You can also check online for reviews and recommendations for agents in your area (e.g., Rightmove, Zoopla, Google reviews). We have compiled a list of questions to ask a potential estate agent before hiring them so you’ll have an excellent idea of who is the right fit for you.
How much do most estate agents charge? Typically, agents in the UK charge between 1% and 3.5% (plus VAT) of a home’s final sale price. The exact amount of an agent’s commission can vary from client to client, and the commission terms are negotiable. The amounts can also be affected by the area where they live or the type of agency agreement (e.g., sole agency vs. multi-agency).
How do I know if an estate agent is legit? You can verify your agent’s membership with a government-approved redress scheme (The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme). The agent must be affiliated with an agency, which you can often verify by checking the company website and their registered details. Another great way is to ask for references, and you can ask past clients about their experience with the agent.
Is 6% a lot for an estate agent? A 6% commission is generally considered high for the UK residential market (where 1-3.5% is more typical). While real estate transactions involve negotiation, clients must remember that agents live on their commissions. Hardworking agents invest much time and effort into helping their clients reach their property goals, but 6% is usually not the industry standard in the UK.
What is the difference between a ‘Realtor’ and an estate agent? An estate agent is a professional that helps clients buy, sell, or rent a property in the UK. A Realtor is a term specific to the US and refers to a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This term is not used in the UK. In the UK, you can be confident that a reputable estate agent adheres to ethical business practices if they are members of a redress scheme and professional bodies like Propertymark.
Why should you use a local estate agent? Buying and selling a house is a complicated process. You can trust a local estate agent to know the local laws, information about municipal services, school catchments, planning developments, and any specific legal requirements for buying and selling property in that area. Their local knowledge is invaluable for accurate pricing and effective marketing.
What is a broker vs. an agent? In the UK, the term broker is not typically used for residential property sales professionals. An estate agent has the skills and, increasingly, professional qualifications to help clients buy and sell property, but they typically work for an estate agency firm that holds the overall regulatory responsibilities. A senior figure in that firm, like a director or principal, has more independence and the qualifications to own or manage the agency.