Selling House - What to ask when they come and value it??

n_earnshaw

Hi all. It's my first time selling my house and have booked three estate agents to come and value the house. I've asked the basic questions around the fee for selling, price of HIP and how they market the property, but just wanted to know of any other types of questions I should be asking them. I want to make sure I don't get sucked in by the sales speak and want to make sure I'm putting it on with the best people.

Any help or experience would be great as it's totally unchartered water for me.

Many thanks in advance

BrixMorta

Make sure they are members of the NAEA and Ombudsman. Try and establish how long the key staff have been within the EA office. (you’ll be surprised how many agents move staff around from office to office) Ask if they have any testimonials you can see. Lastly, don’t sign up for a long sole agency in case you regret your decision.

GDB2222

If you sign up for say 4 weeks sole agency, terminable after 2 weeks notice, make sure the notice can be given during the 4 weeks. The agencies present you with their terms, but it's all negotiable. I would re-write the contract to suit yourself.

sarkin

Ask them how the market is in your area, if they say the market is strong and healthy with lots of sales, walk away and find an estate agent who will tell you the truth.

Doozergirl

One thing that you must absolutely not tell them if you want a genuine, impartial valuation is what you think the house is worth. If they ask you, tell them you'd rather not say as you don't want that to influence their valuation in any way.

It's so important because agents will always be influenced by what you say because they want your business.

Jorgan_2

Ask them how they came up with the valuation figure? What other similar properties have they sold in the last few months. A figure based on sales more than six months old is worthless, comparable sales in the last two months is what you need to know. How often will it be adervertised and where? See if they will negotiate on the fee, if they readily start slashing their fee, I would be inclined to walk away. If they can't negotiate a decent fee what will they be like at negotiating a decent sale price for you?