Estate Agents

What does an Estate Agent do?

Estate agents are business that are concerned with the selling ,renting, buying or management of property.
In terms of buying and selling property, an estate agent will provide some or all of the following services:

Valuation
The estate agent will advise you on the value of your property. The figure will be based on the location, size, features and condition of the property as well as less tangable considerations such as desirability and market behaviour.
Advertising
The estate agent will advertise the property locally using a variety of media. They will usually provide a for sale sign.
Viewing
A representation of the estate agent will accompany prospective clients when they wish to view your property. You do not need to be present when the client views your property and the presence of the estate agent's representative gives added security.
Other roles
Estate agents may also offer conveyancing or surveying services.

So long as the estate agent does not insist on performing your conveyancy, you may engage an estate agent or not as you please. There are alternatives to estate agents, and some other services you may use in addition.

You are not obliged to use any third party agencies to advertise your property. You are at liberty to find a buyer yourself using another method.

If you intend to hire a solicitor, you should check that there is no overlap in the duties performed by the solicitor and the estate agent.

See also: Estate Agents and alternatives

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