When you’re choosing an estate or letting agent, it’s easy to be impressed by confidence or polished sales chat. But what really matters is finding someone honest, reliable and genuinely working in your best interests.
Here are seven signs you’re dealing with an ethical agent.
1. They don’t overvalue
Some agents inflate the price to win your instruction. It looks great at first, but when viewings don’t happen and offers don’t appear, the price ends up being reduced and time is wasted.
An ethical agent gives you an evidence-based valuation and explains why it’s realistic, even if it isn’t the highest.
2. They won’t tie you down
Ethical agents don’t rely on long lock-in periods to keep your business.
Their terms are fair and transparent, and you stay because the service is good, not because the contract traps you.
Always ask about contract length and notice periods.
3. They avoid conditional selling
Conditional selling is when an agent pressures you to use their mortgage broker, insurer or solicitor before progressing your sale.
It is poor practice and creates unnecessary pressure.
Good agents may recommend partners if you ask, but they never insist.
4. They tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable
Unethical agents say whatever you want to hear.
Ethical agents are upfront if your price is unrealistic, if an offer is weak or if there is a potential issue you need to be aware of.
Honesty avoids bigger problems later.
5. They keep you updated
You should never have to chase for news. Ethical agents keep you informed at every stage, from enquiries and viewings to offers and progression.
Silence is a sign something isn’t right.
6. They put people before profit
To an ethical agent, clients aren’t transactions. They genuinely enjoy helping people buy, sell, rent or let a home.
They go the extra mile because it matters, not because it boosts their fee.
7. They have a strong local reputation
Ethical agents earn great reviews, personal recommendations and long-term clients.
They don’t need to claim they are ethical. Their reputation shows it.
Choose wisely
The agent you pick can make or break your move.
Choose the wrong one and you could face delays, stress and unnecessary costs.
Choose well and you’ll have an honest partner who guides you through the process and looks after your best interests from start to finish.
If you’d like to understand how we work and why our approach is different, we’d be happy to talk.
There is another way
We are proud members of the Ethical Agent Network.
This is a national group of independent agents who are independently assessed to ensure they meet high standards of honesty, service, professionalism and community care.
We are the only local agency in the network.
To learn more about how we work or for advice on your move, get in touch.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East
