Choosing an estate agent isn’t just about who gives you the highest valuation or the lowest fee.
It’s about who you trust to guide one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make.
Too often, sellers choose based on a polished pitch or a flattering figure. It feels good at the time. But once your home is live, the reality of how that agent works quickly becomes clear.
A better approach is to ask sharper questions from the outset.
Here are five (from ten we recommend) that will help you separate confident sales talk from a well-structured strategy. We’ll share the next five in part two.
1. How will you ensure I achieve the best price?
A high valuation might win your attention, but it doesn’t guarantee a strong outcome.
Ask how the agent actually measures success. What percentage of the asking price do they typically achieve? How do they negotiate when offers come in?
The strongest agents will talk about evidence, positioning and negotiation strategy, not just headline numbers.
2. What do your first four weeks of marketing look like?
The early stages of a sale are where momentum is built or lost.
Ask how they plan those first few weeks. How do they generate interest? How do they manage enquiries? What happens if activity slows?
A good agent will have a clear, repeatable process they can explain with confidence. Without it, your property risks drifting without direction.
3. What kind of contract will I be tied into?
This is one many sellers overlook.
Some agents rely on long tie-in periods, which can leave you stuck if the service doesn’t match the promise.
Ask what flexibility you have if things don’t go to plan. The best agents don’t need to rely on lengthy contracts. They rely on delivering results.
4. Who will actually handle my sale?
The person who values your home isn’t always the one managing it day to day.
Ask who will carry out viewings, negotiate offers and keep you updated. Consistency matters.
You want someone who understands your property and your situation, not a handover that loses momentum.
5. What happens if a buyer isn’t ready to proceed?
Not all offers are equal.
A buyer who still needs to sell their own home, or hasn’t fully committed financially, can delay or derail your sale.
Ask how the agent qualifies buyers. Do they check their position properly? Do they keep backup buyers engaged?
A strong agent won’t just bring you offers. They’ll help you choose the right one.
A more considered way to choose
As founding members of the Ethical Agent Network, and part of its advisory panel, we believe estate agency should be built on honesty, transparency and doing the right thing for clients, not just securing instructions.
That starts with giving clear advice from day one, even when it’s not the easiest message to deliver.
These five questions won’t take long to ask, but they will quickly show you which agents have a genuine plan and which are relying on persuasion alone.
In part two, we’ll share five more questions to help you make your decision with even greater confidence.
If you’re thinking of selling in Thetford and would like a straightforward conversation about your next step, we’re always here to help.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East
