{"id":814,"date":"2025-07-21T13:47:52","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T10:47:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/?page_id=814"},"modified":"2025-07-27T19:07:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T16:07:14","slug":"zczczc","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/?page_id=814","title":{"rendered":"How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent or Realtor"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you are already pre-approved, you are probably feeling pretty empowered right now. How hard can it be to go look at a house and put in an offer? A question that many homebuyers<\/b> in the UK face is whether or not they should even hire an agent. After all, you could just pocket that commission for yourself.<\/p>\n

Well, home buying or selling can be a difficult and winding road. It helps to have someone in your corner who knows the ins and outs of the process. If you\u2019re unfamiliar with property contracts, negotiations, or the housing market, it\u2019s a good idea to hire an expert. The expertise an estate agent provides can be invaluable.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy enough to hire an estate agent, but making the best choice for you could require some leg work. You could call any registered agent and ask them for a listing or buying contract, but that could be an expensive mistake. Instead, if you\u2019re a serious buyer or seller, weigh your options carefully, and identify what it means to be a good estate agent.<\/p>\n

A good estate agent will be communicative, a strong negotiator, and knowledgeable about the market.1<\/sup><\/span> A bad estate agent will be a weak negotiator and won\u2019t provide much insight about the area or the home.2<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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Becoming an estate agent, particularly a highly skilled one, is no small task; it requires significant training and continuous professional development. Estate agents learn about contracts, financing (in an advisory capacity), home inspections\/surveys, and everything in between. If you want the best home buying or selling adventure for yourself, you are going to need to work with people who are experienced and understand the common pitfalls that can happen during the property process. With one of the biggest purchase decisions in your life, you don\u2019t want to settle. You want to make the best choice for you.<\/p>\n

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What Does an Estate Agent Do?<\/h3>\n

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There are many active estate agents in the UK.3<\/sup><\/span> While there isn’t a single national “licence” for all, they are legally required to be members of an approved <\/span>redress scheme<\/span><\/b> (e.g., The Property Ombudsman, Property Redress Scheme).4<\/sup><\/span> Many also gain professional qualifications from or are members of bodies like <\/span>Propertymark<\/span><\/b> or <\/span>RICS<\/span><\/b>, which involve rigorous training in contracts, ethics, and other aspects of property.5<\/sup><\/span> Quality training and experience are what you want to look for in an agent.<\/p>\n

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An estate agent\u2019s role changes based on the day and the client.6<\/sup><\/span> With some clients, an agent might need to act as a supportive guide, and with others, they might need to act more like a researcher, leveraging their access to resources and finding the perfect home for you. In every case, an agent should be uncompromising in finding you your ideal home or buyer. The best estate agents are ones who will listen to you and understand exactly what you need.<\/p>\n

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An estate agent will help with everything from your initial <\/span>offer on a property<\/span><\/b>, to being there at completion (often liaising with solicitors).7<\/sup><\/span> Most of your communication from the seller or buyer will be relayed through your agent, so anytime you are changing contract conditions or going back and forth about the price, you will be doing that through your agent.<\/p>\n

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Although it\u2019s clear your estate agent is there to help you through the process and make sure you get the best deal possible, a misconception many people have is that “Realtor” is just another word for estate agent. When selecting an agent, you should know their proper title in the UK context.<\/p>\n

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What is the Difference Between an Estate Agent and a ‘Realtor’?<\/h3>\n

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Although an estate agent and a “Realtor” both help with property transactions, there is a big difference between them due to their geographical context. Both an estate agent (in the UK) and a “Realtor” (in the US) receive significant training and are affiliated with professional bodies.8<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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A <\/span>Realtor<\/span><\/b>, however, is a specific term for a real estate agent in the US who is a member of a local real estate association and also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).9<\/sup><\/span> In order to become a NAR member, they need to pass their code of ethics training and belong to a local real estate association.10<\/sup><\/span> This term and designation do not exist for estate agents in the UK.<\/b><\/p>\n

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When you begin searching for an agent in the UK, talk to local professional associations (like Propertymark) to find out who works in the area and if they can give you recommendations. Members of community associations who stand out can be great resources. That isn\u2019t the only place to discover quality estate agents, though. Next, you can try taking your search online.<\/p>\n

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Where to Find a Good Estate Agent<\/h3>\n

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Finding an estate agent depends on how much research and time you want to devote to the process. For some, picking an agent is as easy as plugging their information into Rightmove or Zoopla and seeing who has listings in their area. For others, you may want to be a bit more discerning.<\/p>\n

You can use the following methods to find an estate agent:<\/p>\n

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  • Ask Friends and Family:<\/b> If you are looking for an agent who has a record of success with people you trust, then consulting with friends and family would be a great way to find your potential agent. Combine that with online research and you will get a good sense of whether or not the agent might be a good fit for you.<\/li>\n
  • Research Online:<\/b> A reputable estate agent with a strong online profile (company website, presence on major property portals, good reviews) is a great indicator that the agent is professional and capable. Look for reviews on Google, Trustpilot, Rightmove, and Zoopla.<\/li>\n
  • Use a Referral Program (Less Common in UK for Agents):<\/b> While formal agent referral programs like those in the US are less common for general estate agents in the UK, you might find some buying agent<\/b> services that operate on a referral or matching basis.<\/li>\n
  • Contact Local Professional Associations:<\/span><\/b> In the UK, you can contact bodies like <\/span>Propertymark<\/span><\/b> or search their directories to find accredited agents in your area.11<\/sup><\/span>\n
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  • Attend Open Houses\/Viewings:<\/b> If you are looking for an agent who is active in the area you are thinking about purchasing a new home, attend open houses or property viewings to meet agents who are out and about and willing to put their feet on the ground.<\/li>\n
  • Drive Around the Neighbourhood:<\/b> You can also drive around the area and look at “For Sale” and “Sold” signs to find selling agents who are actively working in the neighbourhoods you might be considering moving into. If you see an agent with multiple listings, this can be a great indicator that they are successful and trusted by the community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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    Questions to Ask an Estate Agent<\/h3>\n

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    Every estate agent you meet and talk to should give you a better idea of what you are and are not looking for. Prepare beforehand and give yourself the chance to make an educated decision. When you are talking with a potential agent, you should know what questions to ask.<\/p>\n

    Interviewing a few different agents is a great way to get a sense of who you get along with best, and gives them an opportunity to earn your business. The first thing you want to do when discussing business with an agent is to get a sense of who they are and how long they have been working in the industry, and what professional bodies they belong to.<\/p>\n

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    About Their Experience and Track Record<\/h4>\n

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    Find out how good of a deal they have gotten for their clients in the past by finding out what their average list price to sales price is for similar properties in your area. It\u2019s important that you get a sense you can not only trust the agent you work with but that they are fully transparent and have your best interest at heart. Find out from them on average how long it takes to close a property, how they are going to communicate with you, and when they are going to be available to help. You can even ask them how they handle sales in a competitive market. Asking these specific questions should do a great job of helping you understand whether or not they will be the right fit for you.<\/p>\n

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    Their Marketing Strategies for Sellers<\/h4>\n

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    If you\u2019re selling your home, ask any agents you talk to about how they typically market properties like yours. They should outline their strategy for online portals (Rightmove, Zoopla), professional photography, virtual tours, and other promotional activities.<\/p>\n

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    Their Approach to Finding Homes for Buyers<\/h4>\n

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    If you\u2019re a buyer, you\u2019ll want to learn about their process for finding and viewing homes, how they craft offers, and their negotiating style. Ask about any recent experience they have finding homes for buyers like you. What did the process look like, and how long did it take for those clients to find and complete on a home? What strategies did the agent use to help them get their offer accepted?<\/p>\n

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    Communication and Availability<\/h4>\n

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    The process of buying or selling a home will at times require you to move very quickly, particularly when a home in your price range comes onto the market, or if you’re making or responding to a purchase offer.<\/p>\n

    Does the estate agent communicate with their clients regularly, and are they generally able to make themselves available if something comes up on short notice?12<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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    You should also make sure you have compatible schedules, particularly if you’re a buyer. Whether you plan to conduct your home search during the week, on the weekends, or both, you’ll need to find an agent that can accommodate that.13<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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    Their Market Knowledge<\/h4>\n

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    Spend some time talking with prospective agents about the local property market and how it could impact your purchase or sale. You want to get an understanding of how knowledgeable they are about local market conditions. Whether they’re helping you sell or buy, their strategy for you should account for those conditio14<\/sup><\/span>ns.<\/p>\n

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    How (and How Much) They’re Paid<\/h4>\n

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    Traditionally, the home seller pays the estate agent’s commission, which in the UK is typically around 1% to 3.5% plus VAT<\/b> of the final sale price. This information should be clearly explained in your contract. For buyers using a dedicated buying agent, the buyer will typically pay that agent’s fee directly.<\/p>\n

    Find out how much the agent takes in commission, and what you’ll be on the hook for if applicable. Additionally, be sure to ask about any additional fees their agency may charge.<\/p>\n

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    How to Tell if an Estate Agent is Good<\/h3>\n

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    One of the easiest ways to see if an agent is qualified and successful is by investigating their reviews online. Although you should take reviews with a grain of salt, a lot of negative reviews can be a serious red flag. Look at their online reviews on Google, Facebook, and other relevant platforms. If they have any public penalties or actions against them from a redress scheme, this can be another major red flag.<\/p>\n

    You can also call up their past clients or reach out to the reviewers to get the full story and hear firsthand about their experience. If most of an agent\u2019s past clients are happy and satisfied with their work, this is a great sign that the agent is good. Another source of info could be the redress scheme databases, which house information on consumer complaints.<\/p>\n

    A truly outstanding agent has also continued their education and may hold qualifications or memberships from:<\/p>\n

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    • Propertymark (NAEA Propertymark for sales):<\/span><\/b> Indicates adherence to professional standards and ongoing training.15<\/sup><\/span>\n
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    • RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors):<\/b> A highly respected professional body for property and land, indicating a very high level of expertise and ethics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      A good estate agent is a negotiator who puts their client\u2019s needs and interests before their own.16<\/sup><\/span> Although there are certain laws and regulations that create a fair environment for home sellers and buyers, there are agents who will prioritise their client\u2019s needs over a commission or anything else to make sure you get the best deal possible. Most first-time home buyers or sellers make the mistake of using the first person suggested. Whoever your estate agent is, you will be spending a lot of time with them. Doing a little research can not only save you money but improve your entire experience. Those aren\u2019t the only common mistakes people make though.<\/p>\n

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      Common Mistakes When Finding an Estate Agent<\/h3>\n

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      Since this is such a big decision, it might seem a little scary. The good news is you can learn from others\u2019 mistakes. We have put together a list of common pitfalls that home buyers and home sellers encounter when they don\u2019t have much experience.<\/p>\n

      You can make the experience a lot easier on yourself if you know what questions to ask and what to expect.<\/p>\n

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      Hire Professionals With Experience \u2013 Not Your Close Friends<\/h4>\n

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      Even though it may be tempting to hire a close friend or family member to help you sell or buy a home, this may not be the best choice. You want to work with someone who can get you the best deal possible, and although you may know someone who is an estate agent, it does not mean they are necessarily the most qualified for your specific needs<\/i>. While they might be, it\u2019s important to treat every candidate the same. You shouldn\u2019t just jump into a relationship with an agent because you know them. Sometimes your friend or family member may not have the connections or the ability to negotiate the best deal possible for you. Years of negotiation experience is going to pay off in the long run for your costs.<\/p>\n

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      Know the Difference Between Buyer and Seller Agents<\/h4>\n

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      In the UK, the clear distinction between a “buyer’s agent” and a “seller’s agent” is less formalised for most high street estate agents, but the roles are distinct. While both a buyer and a seller\u2019s agent should have a strong grasp of contracts and negotiations, their specialisations differ.17<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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      A <\/span>seller\u2019s agent<\/span><\/b> (the traditional estate agent) is someone who should have a marketing plan for your home.18<\/sup><\/span> They should be working to make sure the listing is in front of as many potential buyers as possible, and they should be able to get you the most amount of money when you sell the home.<\/p>\n

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      On the other hand, a buyer\u2019s agent<\/b> (or property search agent) should know the history of a home and area and should be excellent at understanding and knowing exactly what their buyer needs are. They should have a strong grasp of the buying process and be able to help you find the best deal possible when it comes to surveys and conveyancing. While the seller’s agent doesn’t worry about the buyer’s financing, a good buyer’s agent will ensure you are financially ready and connect you with mortgage advisors.<\/p>\n

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      Read Over Your Contract<\/h4>\n

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      Without a doubt, to many people, contracts are one of the most boring parts of the process, but it is also one of the most important. You should know how long your agent is under contract with you (the tie-in period<\/b>) and how much they will get paid.<\/p>\n

      Traditionally, the seller pays estate agent commissions (typically around 1-3.5% plus VAT).19<\/sup><\/span> The payment info should be explained in your contract. Also, your contract should describe exactly how long the contract is for. If your agent isn\u2019t doing a satisfactory job and you want to utilise someone else, you want to give yourself the freedom to change your mind after a few months. That is why you should make sure you won\u2019t be under contract for too long. It\u2019s standard to be under contract for anywhere from a few months to a year, but after that, you may want to consider revising the deal if you don\u2019t want to be locked in forever.<\/p>\n

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      Hire a Strong Negotiator<\/h4>\n

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      One of the biggest requirements of being a successful estate agent is being able to negotiate. This abstract art form is what separates elite agents from their less experienced counterparts. Knowing when you can and can\u2019t negotiate is also part of the art. If you want to get the best deal possible, you have to hire someone who can negotiate on your behalf and has a strong ability to talk the price up or down. Risky negotiation tactics such as lowballing or rejecting an offer can be handled skillfully by more experienced negotiators, so make sure you are hiring the best.<\/p>\n

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      Ask For References and Use Them<\/h4>\n

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      This is the one step that many buyers and sellers are either unaware of or unwilling to do. However, having a ten-minute conversation with a few people during the week is well worth your time. It is a great way to collect information about the agent you are currently thinking about working with. The more information you have, the better educated you are going to be, and the better your decision will be.<\/p>\n

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      In Conclusion<\/h3>\n

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      Go with your gut. Although it\u2019s important to consider different options, ultimately, the choice will be based on instinct. Consider everything, but when you\u2019re ready to decide, you should.<\/p>\n

      Identifying potential candidates can be difficult. If you trust your gut, it will usually take you in the right direction. A good estate agent should be able to help you sell or buy your home quickly. A great estate agent will hold your interests above their own and make sure you have an amazing experience.<\/p>\n

      After you have found a great agent, the next step is the fun part, house hunting!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      If you are already pre-approved, you are probably feeling pretty empowered right now. How hard can it be to go look at a house and put in an offer? A question that many homebuyers in the UK face is whether or not they should even hire an agent. After all, you could just pocket that […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-814","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/814","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=814"}],"version-history":[{"count":126,"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/814\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1451,"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/814\/revisions\/1451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.alustell.ru\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=814"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}