First Time Seller - Trying to pick an agent

AlexMac

Lots of good advice above, but don't do what I usually do; over -research and over-think it!

And go with your gut.

When we last sold, I invited three agents in to value and quote terms (six seems a bit too thorough; but that's who you are?)

They were all really competitive on % fee, but the values were crazy different; £580k, £590k and £640k...

I would have avoided the toppy one as unrealistic, but the agent was the same one I'd dealt with on two previous moves (he was the wet behind the ears lad in the agency when I'd bought 15 years prior, then he had sold our house 7  years later...) but our gut said he was straight, so we went with him... and sold at £630k three days later.

So it's the luck of the draw.  Don't try to get too clever

NameUnavailable

Ask where they market the properties (you really want to be on Rightmove but some agents don't use it because of costs).

Will they do viewings for you?

If instructing on a sole agency basis (I would suggest doing this) what is the minimum time they will want to be able to market it? I would say 3 months is enough after which you can drop them or appoint other agents.

propertyrental

NameUnavailable said:

....

If instructing on a sole agency basis (I would suggest doing this) what is the minimum time they will want to be able to market it? I would say 3 months is enough after which you can drop them or appoint other agents.

!!! 3 months is the absolute maximum I'd agree to, but I'd suggest 8 weeks.

After 8 weeks you'll have a very good idea if they are doing a good job or not. If they are, you can stick with them. If they're not, you want to be able to switch.