How to choose an estate agent that is right for you!
Which is the best estate agent in the UK?
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Picking an estate agent is going to be one of the hardest decisions you make in your house selling journey. How can you distinguish the best estate agents from the rest?
With over 56,000 estate agents and property auctioneers in the UK alone, choosing the right one can be daunting. The abundance of options, many of which seem identical, only complicate the decision.
A good estate agent can make selling your home a smooth process, while a poor choice can lead to delays, complications, and potentially lower your asking price. Should you choose an estate agent based on first impressions, word of mouth or who is the cheapest? In this article we will cover all of this and more!
Key takeaways:
Choosing the right estate agent can significantly impact the success and ease of your home selling process, making it essential to research and compare options carefully.
Ensure your shortlisted estate agents are members of professional bodies like The Property Ombudsman, RICS or NAEA Propertymark to guarantee professionalism and accountability.
Selling to The Property Buying Company means you get a guaranteed house sale in as little as 7 days.
How do you choose an estate agent to sell your house
To choose an estate agent to sell your home, you will need to take a systematic approach to ensure you get the best value and service. We would recommend you take these following steps to choose an estate agent to sell your house:
1. Research
Start by driving or walking around your local area to identify active estate agents with a strong presence in your neighbourhood. Complement this with an online search to see who are actively listing properties. This will give you a good sense of the most engaged agents in your area.
Ask friends, family and neighbours for recommendations based on their experiences with local estate agents. Online tools like GetAgent can also help you compare estate agents in your area. To evaluate their marketing strategies, check major property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla to sell if their listings are well-presented.
We would recommend that you formulate a list of five estate agents at this stage, with a mix of traditional, online and modern.
2. Shortlisting potential estate agents
Next, make sure each of these estate agents are members of professional bodies such as The Property Ombudsman scheme, NAEA Propertymark or RICS. You can verify their membership on the relevant websites. If an estate agent is not a member of at least one of these bodies, it’s best to avoid them to make sure you have recourse if issues arise.
Read online reviews on platforms like Google or Trustpilot to gauge customer service experiences. Focus on 1-star and 4-star reviews, as these tend to be the most honest. If an estate agent primarily uses Reviews.io and has poor Google reviews, it’s a red flag since Reviews.io does not verify its reviews.
3. Interviewing estate agents
Invite at least three shortlisted estate agents to your home for a house valuation. This will provide you with a realistic idea of your home’s market value. Average these valuations to get a balanced perspective, as some estate agents might give higher or lower estimates.
Prepare a list of questions about their fees, marketing strategies, tie-in periods and how they handle viewings:
What is your commission rate, and what does it include?
Are there any additional costs we should be aware of?
Do you charge a fee upfront or only upon successful sale of our home?
Can we negotiate your fee, and if so, under what conditions?
How will you market our home to attract buyers?
Will you provide professional photography?
Can you provide examples of similar homes you have successfully marketed?
What is the length of your tie-in period?
Are there any penalties for terminating the contract early?
What happens if the house doesn’t sell within the tie-in period?
How will you manage viewings for your home?
Will you accompany all potential buyers during viewings?
How will you provide us feedback after each viewing?
Obviously, if you are using an online estate agent, you will be required to conduct house viewings yourself, unless you pay an added extra.
4. Look at their valuations
Once you get the house valuations back, compare the valuations and consider the marketing plans each estate agent proposes. Be wary of significantly higher valuations which might be unrealistic.
Assess whether they offer premium listings, virtual tours, and local or national advertising. Check their track record in selling homes quickly and achieving asking prices.
5. Fee structure
Traditional estate agent fees usually range from 0.9% to 3.6% of the sale price, including VAT, while online estate agents may charge an upfront fee ranging from £149 to £1,499. Some modern estate agents may be entirely free. Negotiating the fee, aiming for around 1.2% for sole agency contracts, especially for higher value homes.
6. Review contracts
And finally, before you choose your estate agency, you should carefully read the contract terms, focusing on clauses like sole selling rights and the conditions under which you are liable to pay fees.
7. Don’t
Don’t bother with this lengthy process of due diligence, sell to The Property Buying Company instead. We are one of the UK’s leading cash house buyers with thousands of excellent reviews on Trustpilot.
We offer a hassle free alternative to selling on the open market, buying your home directly with our own cash reserves. Without the need for extensive research, interviews or finding a buyer on the open market. We can save you time, stress and a lot of money, by helping you sell in as little as 7 days.
5 Tips for choosing the best estate agent for you
When selling your house, selecting the right estate agent is vital to ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. The right estate agent will not only help you achieve the best possible price for your home but also navigate you through the complexities of selling your home.
Here are 5 top tips for choosing the best estate agent for you:
1# What is their local expertise?
Choosing an estate agent with a strong presence and extensive experience in your local market can be a significant advantage, particularly if your house is in high demand, such as a 2 or 3 bedroom terraced or semi-detached home.
Local estate agents have a thorough understanding of local values, buyer preferences and market trends. This knowledge enables them to price your home accurately and market it effectively to potential buyers in your area.
However, if your home is not in high demand, you might want to consider using a modern estate agent. These estate agents often employ innovative marketing strategies and extensive online tools to reach a broader audience. Some modern estate agents can find a buyer in as little as 28 days, offering a quick and efficient sale process.
2# What are their credentials?
When picking an estate agent, consider their professionalism and credentials. Reputable estate agents often belong to recognised professional bodies and hold relevant qualifications. These can include memberships or qualifications from:
NAEA Propertymark
The Property Ombudsman
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Members of these organisations adhere to agreed codes of practice, and their offices will typically display the relevant logos. If you have any doubts about an estate agent’s membership, you can verify it on the trade body websites.
As part of their professional commitment and membership, estate agents need to ensure several key areas are in play:
Professionalism and training: Estate agents must maintain high professional standards by ensuring their staff receive ongoing trading to stay up to date with the latest skills and industry developments.
Redress schemes: All member estate agents participate in redress schemes. If you have a complaint about their services and cannot resolve it directly with the company, you can refer your complaint to the redress scheme, which will adjudicate to resolve the dispute.
Reputation: Maintaining a good reputation is vital for estate agents to sustain their business. This requires a professional approach to all aspects of their work.
Client identification: When taking on ewn sellers and buyers, estate agents must collect basic information and identify documentation to ensure they know who they are dealing with.
Compliance: Estate agents must be registered with HMRC to comply with all obligations under money laundering regulations.
By choosing an estate agent who meets these professional standards, you can be more confident in their ability to manage the sale of your home efficiently, ethically and successfully.
3# What are your priorities?
When it comes to selling your house, there are various types of estate agents, each specialising in different aspects of the selling process. Traditional high street estate agents excel at achieving full market value (or more0 for your home due to their local market knowledge and personalised service.
On the other hand, online and modern estate agents can help you achieve around 95% or more of your house’s value through their innovative marketing strategies and broader reach.
However, it’s important to consider the time it takes to sell your house. Traditional and online estate agents can take upwards of 3 months to sell a house on the open market, whereas modern estate agents can get a sale in as little as 28 days.
Fees are another important factor. Traditional estate agents usually charge between 1% and 3% of your final selling price plus VAT. Online estate agents usually have a fixed fee, around £1,499. In contrast, some modern estate agents offer their services completely free of charge.
Choosing your top priority –whether it’s achieving the highest price, a quick house sale, or minimising fees – can help you find the right estate agent who aligns with your specific needs and goals. This approach can help you get the best possible outcome for your house sale.
4# What is their communication like?
Whichever estate agent you choose, it’s important that they are responsive, clear in their communication, and keep you updated throughout the selling process. To ensure your estate agent is proactive and attentive, check their online reviews for any recurring complaints about complacency or poor communication.
Consistent negative feedback in this area can be a red flag, indicating that the estate agent may not be diligent in managing your house sale.
5# Are they transparent?
When choosing an estate agent, prioritise transparency regarding their fees, terms and conditions. Avoid estate agents with hidden charges or unclear contract terms as these can lead to unexpected costs and complications.
Evaluate the estate agent’s past performance by looking at how quickly they sell homes and how close they come to achieving their asking price. This information will give you a clear indication of their effectiveness and reliability.
Here at The Property Buying Company, we eliminate the need for extensive vetting and we will always ensure professionalism from the start. Our straightforward process and guaranteed cash offer can give you peace of mind from your initial enquiry.
What makes an estate agent stand out?
When it comes to picking an estate agent, you should always try to find one that stands out from the rest. An outstanding estate agent excels in providing exceptional customer service. This includes a proactive approach, where estate agents actively market your home, follow up with potential buyers and keep you informed at every stage. This is the sort of service you won’t get with an online estate agent.
Effective marketing is important for a successful house sale. Top estate agents utilise professional photography to showcase your house in the best light, employ innovative tools like virtual tours and drone footage, and use premium listings to attract more buyers.
A deep understanding of the local market is another key differentiator. Estate agents with strong local market knowledge are aware of house trends, buyer demographics and pricing strategies. Their established relationships with local buyers and other estate agents can significantly increase the pool of potential buyers for your home.
Transparency and honesty are vital in building trust with clients. The best estate agents communicate clearly and honestly about pricing, market conditions and any potential challenges. They provide transparent fee structures with no hidden costs, ensuring you understand exactly what you are paying for.
The Property Buying Company stands out from the rest as one of the best house selling solutions in the industry. Not only are we a cash buyer offering exceptionally fast house selling timelines, we also have a modern estate agency branch which can help you sell in as little as 28 days, and help you achieve 95% or more of your market value.
Want to find out more? Fill out our postcode form below:
How do you know if an estate agent is good?
Apart from checking an estate agent’s membership involvement, and looking generally at online reviews, there are a few specific ways you can check if your estate agent is good, such as:
Personal interactions & first impressions
A good estate agent should always make a strong first impression. When you first meet them, assess their professionalism, punctuality and preparedness. They should listen to your needs, answer your questions thoroughly and provide clear explanations of their process.
Have a client-centric approach
An excellent estate agent prioritises your needs and goals. They should tailor their approach to your specific situation, whether you are looking for a quick house sale, the highest price, or a stress-free process. Their willingness to adapt and customise their service is a key indicator of their commitment to you.
Innovation & modern practices
Look for estate agents who use modern technology and practices. This could include using social media advertising, virtual tours, or data analytics to target potential buyers more effectively. An estate agent who stays updated with industry trends is likely to offer better service.
Transparency in valuation & fees
Good estate agents provide honest and realistic house valuations, supported by data and comparable house sales in your area. They should also be upfront about their fees, with no hidden costs, and offer clear explanations about their services.
Availability and flexibility
An excellent estate agent is available and flexible, accommodating your schedule for meetings and viewings. They should be easy to contact and willing to work around your needs, ensuring that you feel supported throughout the selling process.
Post-sale support
Consider the support the estate agent offers after an offer has been accepted. A good estate agent will assist with negotiations, paperwork, and liaising with solicitors, ensuring that the sale proceeds smoothly until completion. Their involvement doesn’t end once a buyer is found; they should guide you through to the end.
Community involvement and networking
Estate agents who are actively involved in the local community and have a strong network of contracts, including solicitors, surveyors and contractors, can provide added value. Their connections can help you get a quicker and more efficient sales process.
Commitment to continuous improvement
A good estate agent is committed to continuous learning and improvement. They seek feedback from clients and strive to enhance their services based on client experiences. This dedication to professional growth is a sign of reliable and forward thinking estate agents.
How can you tell if an estate agent is bad?
Here at The Property Buying Company, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional customer service to our customers. Unfortunately, not all house selling companies maintain the same standards.
Choosing a bad estate agent can lead to numerous issues, from difficulty in selling your house due to poor pricing and advertising to missing out on suitable homes as a buyer because of a lack of information. Here are some warning signs that you might have a bad estate agent:
Lack of communication
Effective communication is vital in the housing sector. If your estate agent doesn;t take the time to keep you informed about the progress of your house transaction, you can never be certain that things are moving as you’d like.
A good estate agent should regularly update you, answer your questions promptly, and proactively reach out to provide updates. An estate agent who fails to communicate adequately may be overwhelmed with too many clients or simply not invested in your transaction, neither of which serves you well.
Poor listening skills
A great estate agent not only provides information but also listens to your needs and concerns. If your estate agent ignores your input or fails to adjust their approach based on your feedback, they are not serving your best interests.
Listing is just as important as talking, and the best estate agents will adapt to your needs to achieve the desired outcome.
Ineffective leadership
Your estate agent should guide you through the complexities of house transactions, offering advice on everything from house valuations to negotiating offers and coordinating with other professionals involved in the sale.
Poor leadership in an estate agent manifests as indecisiveness, lack of initiative, and failure to advocate for your best interests. You need an estate agent who will confidently lead the process, ensuring all aspects are handled efficiently and effectively.
Pressure tactics
Feeling pressured by your estate agent can quickly period trust and make you uncomfortable with their advice. Bad estate agents often push clients towards decisions that benefit them rather than their clients. They may rush you into making choices that don’t align with your best interests.
Finding the best estate agent near you
To find the best estate agent near you, start by conducting a thorough online search. Begin by typing estate agent into your Google search bar and look for the Google Business feature that lists local businesses. If you do not see this feature, you can also search for estate agents directly in Google Maps. These tools will give you a list of estate agents in your area, complete with ratings and reviews.
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Once you have a list of potential estate agents, filter them by their Google ratings. Focus on estate agents with reviews between 4 and 4.9 stars. Ratings within this range generally indicate consistent, high-quality service.
Additionally, pay attention to the number of reviews an estate agent has; more reviews often signify a reliable and well-established service. An estate agent with numerous reviews and a high rating is usually more trustworthy than one with fewer reviews.
For a more comprehensive assessment, check if the estate agent is listed on Trustpilot. Be aware that many estate agents operate as franchises, meaning reviews on Trustpilot might reflect the main company rather than the specific local branch. But, this can still provide useful insights into the general quality and reputation of the agency.
You can also consider modern estate agents who operate from a central headquarters but have regional managers with local expertise. These estate agents often combine the benefits of local knowledge with the resources and efficiency of a larger organisation. This can be particularly advantageous if you are looking for a blend of personal service and broader market reach.
Trust your instincts and choose an estate agent you feel comfortable with and who demonstrates a genuine interest in helping you achieve your gloss. Professionalism and a proactive approach are key indicators of a good estate agent.
Is it best to use a local estate agent when selling your home?
When deciding whether to use a local estate agent to sell your home, there are several different things to consider. Local estate agents are well known for their personalised service, handling most, if not all aspects of the sale process.
They use their deep knowledge of the local market to connect you with potential buyers. This expertise can be particularly beneficial when targeting local buyers who are familiar with the area. However, one disadvantage is their higher commission rates, usually ranging from 1% to 3% +VAT of your final selling price.
Another potential disadvantage of local estate agents is that their service offerings have remained relatively unchanged over the past few decades. In contrast, modern estate agents have evolved to meet the needs of today’s sellers more efficiently.
Modern estate agents also provide a personalised service, managing the entire sale process and often finding buyers more quickly than traditional local estate agents. Additionally, modern estate agents usually cover all legal costs, including legal fees, which can result in significant savings for the seller.
In a different category altogether are cash house buyers like The Property Buying Company. We offer an extremely streamlined service, which can buy your home directly. We can be an attractive option for anyone needing a quick sale, as transactions can be completed in as little as 7 days. Furthermore, we also cover all associated fees, providing a hassle-free experience.
Can you negotiate with estate agents?
Yes, it is possible to negotiate traditional estate agent fees. While fees are an important consideration, the estate agent’s performance should be your primary focus. A good high street estate agent will justify the fee you pay by providing excellent service and achieving strong results.
To make an informed choice, compare estate agents based on performance data rather than just their fees. Look at their success rates, time to sell, and customer reviews. The percentage of the house sale that the agent takes as a fee is often negotiable, although some high street estate agents may have fixed costs they cannot change.
One non-negotiable aspect of the fees is VAT. The 20% VAT should be included in the quote you receive from the estate agents, but always double-check this to avoid any surprise costs later on.
Negotiating with online estate agents can be challenging since they typically have fixed upfront costs as part of their service package. Companies like Strike or Purplebricks, for example, offer set prices that leave little room for negotiation.
Fortunately, modern estate agents operate on a no-fee basis, eliminating the need for negotiation altogether. Similarly, our service is also free, meaning you won’t incur any costs as a seller.
Should you use more than one estate agent?
Deciding whether to use more than one estate agent when selling your home depends on your specific needs and priorities for the sale. Each type of agency agreement –sole, joint and multiple — has its own advantages and disadvantages that can significantly impact the sale process.
Sole agency agreements
A sole agency agreement involves a single estate agent handling the sale of your home. This option tends to have the lowest fees, averaging around 1.5% +VAT, and simplifies the management of the sale since you only deal with one company for viewings, photographs and other logistics.
If your house is in a desirable area, it may attract sufficient interest through this sole agent. Additionally, property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla already provide broad exposure to potential buyers.
However, there are downsides to a sole agency agreement. You might reach a smaller market compared to using multiple agencies, potentially resulting in lower offers. Moreover, if you become dissatisfied with your estate agent, you could be locked into the agreement for a set period, usually two or five months, unless you negotiate a shorter term.
Multiple agency agreements
On the other hand, a multiple agency agreement allows you to engage several estate agents simultaneously. This approach can widen the market of potential buyers, especially if the estate agent has different specialities or buyer lists, such as those targeting the luxury market.
The competition among agents often leads to faster sales and potentially higher offers, as each estate agent strives to close the deal.
The major drawbacks of multiple agency agreements are the higher fees, usually around 2% to 3% +VAT, and the potential for estate agents to pressure you into accepting offers quickly. Furthermore, having multiple listings of your home can appear desperate to buyers, potentially diminishing its perceived value.
Joint agency agreements
A joint agency agreement is a middle ground where you employ two agents to collaborate on the sale. This can be advantageous if you wish to combine the local expertise of a regionale estate agent with the broader reach or specialised market knowledge of a national or luxury house agent.
However, joint agency agreements also come with higher fees and require careful consideration of each agent’s contributions to ensure the extra cost is justified.
When choosing between using one or multiple estate agents, consider your main objectives for the sale. If a rapid house sale is vital, a multiple agency agreement might be the best choice despite the higher fees. Conversely, if you are in no rush and your house is in a high demand area, a sole agency agreement could be more cost-effective while still attracting quality offers.
If you are uncertain, starting with a short-term agency agreement can be a good strategy. This allows you to test the market and gauge your home’s appeal without a long-term commitment, giving you the flexibility to switch to a different arrangement if needed.
Can you ask an estate agent for valuation?
Yes, you can certainly ask an estate agent for a house valuation, and it is usually free of charge. Estate agents offer free valuations as an essential part of their service, serving as a key step in attracting potential clients.
Requesting a valuation from an estate agent provides you with an expert’s perspective on the current market value of your home. This process involves a thorough assessment of various factors, including your home’s location, size, condition and recent sale prices of comparable properties in the area.
The estate agent will visit your home, take measurements, and consider any unique features that might add value to your property. There are several benefits to obtaining a valuation from an estate agent:
Accurate market insight: Estate agents have access to the latest market data and trends, ensuring that the valuation reflects the current housing landscape.
Setting realistic expectations: A professional valuation helps you set a realistic asking price, which is important for attracting potential buyers and achieving a timely sale.
Marketing strategy: Understanding your home’s value allows the estate agent to develop an effective marketing strategy tailored to your target audience and price range.
Negotiation power: Armed with a professional valuation, you have a stronger position when negotiating offers with potential buyers.
While the initial valuation is usually free, it’s important to choose a reputable estate agent who has extensive knowledge of your local market. This ensures that the valuation is accurate and reliable. You can ask for valuations from multiple estate agents to compare their assessments and choose the one that best aligns with your expectations and selling goals.
Should you use an online estate agent?
Deciding whether to use an online estate agent to sell your house depends on various factors, but recent trends suggest that there may be more effective alternatives. While online estate agents like Purplebricks, Yopa, Strike and Sold offer the appeal of fixed fees rather than commission-based fees, they do not necessarily provide faster or superior service compared to traditional estate agents.
Limitations of online estate agents
Speed and efficiency
Despite their reputation for convenience, online estate agents are not inherently faster than traditional estate agents. The time it takes to sell a house often depends on market conditions and the estate agent’s expertise, rather than the mode of operation.
Service quality
The quality of service provided by online estate agents can vary. While they offer lower upfront fees, this sometimes comes at the cost of personalised service and local market knowledge. Sellers may have to take on more responsibilities, such as managing viewings and negotiations, which can be time-consuming and stressful.
Advantages of modern estate agents
Modern estate agents, often referred to as hybrid estate agents, have emerged as a superior alternative, blending the strengths of both traditional and online models.
Balanced approach
Hybrid estate agents bridge the gap between the low costs of online estate agents and the high service standards of traditional estate agents. They offer comprehensive service packages that include professional photography, marketing and property viewings, ensuring a hassle-free experience for sellers.
Completely free service
Modern estate agents, like The Property Selling Company are completely free for the seller, they even cover your legal fees.
Speed
Modern estate agents are designed to be efficient, often able to complete sales in as little as 28 days. They use advanced technology and extensive buyer networks to speed the selling process.
While online estate agents once represented a significant innovation in the housing market, they have been largely surpassed by modern hybrid estate agents. These new-age estate agents offer a more balanced, efficient and cost-effective approach to sell your home.
If you are looking to sell your house quickly, efficiently and without unnecessary costs, considering a cash house buyer is likely your best option. The Property Buying Company stands out in this category, offering a fast, hassle-free sale with no fees and comprehensive support, ensuring the best experience for sellers.
Should you change estate agents
Before you decide to change estate agents, and your house is struggling on the open market, there are four factors to consider:
Price:
Make sure your home is priced competitively based on the current market conditions. Overpricing can deter potential buyers, while competitive pricing can attract more interest and offers.
Marketing:
Effective marketing is vital to reach potential buyers. This includes professional photographs, engaging descriptions, and widespread online and offline advertising. Poor marketing can limit your home’s visibility and appeal.
Location:
While you cannot change your home’s location, you can highlight its advantages. Emphasise proximity to desirable amenities like schools, parks or public transportation attract the right buyers.
Presentation:
The way your home is presented can significantly impact buyer interest. Ensure your home is clean, well-maintained and staged toa appeal to potential buyers. Small improvements can make a big difference in attracting offers.
You have control over three of these factors, and unless your house is on wheels, you cannot change its location. However, you can adjust your marketing strategy to attract different types of buyers. For example, if your home is near a school, target parents. If it’s close to a train station, appeal to commuters.
If your current estate agent isn’t proactive and isn’t showing efforts to help you sell your home, it may be time to consider changing estate agents. Here are some signs that it might be time for a switch:
Lack of communication: If your estate agent is not regularly updating you on the status of your home or responding to your inquiries promptly, it’s a red flag.
Inadequate marketing efforts: An effective estate agent should be actively marketing your home through various channels, including online listings, social media and local advertising.
Few viewings: If your home is not getting any viewings, it could indicate that your estate agent’s marketing efforts are not reaching potential buyers.
No offers: If your home has been on the market for a while with no offers, it’s worth discussing alternative strategies or considering a new estate agent.
Switching estate agents can bring a fresh perspective and new strategies to help sell your home. Ensure you choose an estate agent who is enthusiastic, communicative and knowledgeable about the local market to improve your chances of a successful sale.
Making your final decision
Ultimately, choosing the right estate agent to sell your home involves several steps to make sure you get the best service and value. Start by researching both local and online estate agents to identify those with a strong presence in your area. Complement this with recommendations from friends, family and neighbours, and use online comparison tools to evaluate their marketing strategies.
After shortlisting potential estate agents, verify their credentials by checking memberships in professional bodies like The Property Ombudsman. Read online reviews on platforms like Google and Trustpilot, pay close attention to honest 1-star and 4-star reviews to gauge their customer service.
Once shortlisted, invite at least three estate agents for a home valuation, average their estimates and prepare a list of detailed questions about fees, marketing plans and viewing management.
Comparing the house valuations and marketing proposa;s of the estate agents is vital. Be cautious of unrealistically high valuations and check if they offer premium listings, virtual tours and a strong advertising strategy.
Traditional estate agent fees usually range from 0.9% to 3.6% of the sale price, while online estate agents charge upfront fees. Before finalising your choice, thoroughly review the contract terms, focusing on clauses like sole selling rights and early termination penalties.
For those seeking a hassle-free alternative, companies like The Property Buying Company, offer a straightforward process, buying homes directly with our own cash reserves, thus avoiding extensive research, interviews and the need to find a buyer on the open market, and potentially completing the sale in as little as seven days.
Contact us for a speedy house sale
If you are looking for a speedy house sale, then selling with The Property Buying Company is hands down the best route for you to take. But, we understand that with us you will be taking a slight hit, as we only offer 75% to 85% of your house value. Here’s why we are the better choice when compared to estate agents:
Speed of sale:
The Property Buying Company can buy your house in as little as 7 days, estate agents can help you sell in 3 months. This rapid turnaround is particularly beneficial for anyone in urgent need of funds or looking to move quickly, whereas traditional estate agents may take several months to find a buyer and then go through conveyancing.
Guaranteed sale:
Selling through a traditional or online estate agent does not guarantee a sale, in fact almost a third of all house sales fall through, due to financing issues or buyer’s change of mind. In contrast, we use our own cash reserves to buy your home directly, ensuring a guaranteed house sale without the uncertainty of potential delays.
Hassle-free process:
The process of buying with is streamlined and straightforward, reducing the stress associated with selling your home. There is no need for extensive research, multiple house valuations, staging your home for viewings or negotiating with potential buyers.
No fees:
Traditional estate agents will charge 0.9% to 3.6% of your selling price, if you use an online estate agent, although their basic package is free, you may pay up to £1,499 in additional fees. The Property Buying Company however, covers all associated fees, including legal costs.
Avoid market fluctuations:
Selling through a traditional estate agent can be affected by market conditions, potentially leading to longer waiting times and lower offers. A cash buyer like The Property Buying Company provides a set price for your home, allowing you to avoid market volatility and secure a fair offer quickly.
For those seeking a fast, guaranteed and hassle-free sale, The Property Buying Company offers one of the best alternatives to traditional estate agents, providing financial and practical advantages that can significantly ease the home selling process. If you want to get started, fill out the postcode form below:
Frequently asked questions
Who is best to sell your house with?
If you are looking to sell your house fast, then The Property Buying Company is the best company to sell your home with. This is because they can sell your house in 7 days, and you won't face any legal or marketing costs.
If you want to sell your house for full market value then you should consider selling via The Property Selling Company, our modern estate agency branch, who will also cover all your selling and legal costs, helping you to sell in as little as 28 days.
How do I choose an estate agent?
There are over 56,000 many estate agents to choose from in the UK, which can make picking the right one feel extremely difficult.
In all honesty, you should pick an estate agent which you feel comfortable with, who you have a good rapport with, and who has shining reviews online.
How do the sale prices offered by The Property Buying Company compare to those achieved via traditional estate agents?
The Property Buying Company offers competitive Below Market Value prices that reflect the current market value of your home. While traditional estate agents may achieve higher sale prices, they also involve significantly longer sales processes and legal costs. We can provide you with a fair price quickly, without the hassle and fees associated with open market sales.
Will I get less money for my home if I sell to a cash buyer compared to selling on the open market?
Selling to a cash buyer like The Property Buying Company may result in a slightly lower offer compared to the open market. However, the benefits of a fast, guaranteed sale with no fees, no need for repairs, and no risk of the deal falling through can outweigh the difference in price for many homeowners.
Who is the best estate agent to sell a house?
There are quite a few “good” estate agents on the market nowadays. If you are looking for traditional estate agents you may want to consider:
Savills
Preston Baker
Knight Frank
Strutt & Parker
Countrywide
If you are looking to pay additional fees for basic services, then the best online estate agents are:
Purplebricks / Strike (the same company)
Yopa
Emoov
And, if you are looking to actually sell your house for free, sell in 28 days, and get 95%+ of your market value, then the best modern estate agent is:
The Property Selling Company
Can you provide examples of successful sales to The Property Buying Company?
Yes, The Property Buying Company has successfully purchased hundreds of homes over the past 12 years, helping homeowners move on quickly and efficiently. You can find our testimonials here.
Are there any testimonials from past clients who have sold their homes to The Property Buying Company?
Absolutely. We have had many satisfied customers over the years, praising The Property Buying Company for our transparent process, quick transactions and excellent customer service. These testimonials are available on our Trustpilot.
Are there any disadvantages to selling my home to a cash buyer like The Property Buying Company?
The main disadvantage might be a slightly lower offer compared to what you might achieve through a traditional sale. However, this is offset by the speed, convenience and certainty of a cash sale, making it an attractive option for many homeowners.
What should I be aware of before deciding to sell my home to a cash buyer?
Before selling to a cash buyer, ensure you understand the offer being made and confirm there are no hidden fees or obligations. With The Property Buying Company, transparency is key; we provide clear terms and cover all associated costs, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
How do market conditions affect the decision to use a traditional estate agent vs a cash buyer?
In a buyer’s market, selling through a traditional estate agent can be slow and uncertain. A cash buyer offers a guaranteed sale regardless of market conditions. In a seller’s market, while traditional sales might fetch higher prices, the quick and certain sale offered by cash buyers remains a strong advantage.
Is it better to sell to a cash buyer in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?
Selling to a cash buyer is advantageous in both markets. In a buyers market it avoids the lengthy process and low offers common in slow markets. In a sellers market, it provides a quick, hassle free sale without the uncertainties of buyer financing and contingencies.
What are the long-term financial impacts of selling my home to a cash buyer?
Selling to a cash buyer like The Property Buying Company can provide immediate financial relief and allow for quick reinvestment. The slightly lower sale price is often balanced by the absence of fees and the ability to move quickly on to new financial opportunities.
How might accepting a lower offer from a cash buyer affect my future housing options?
Accepting a slightly lower offer for the benefits of a quick sale can provide immediate funds for your next home purchase. The certainty and speed of the sale can help facilitate a smoother transition and allow you to seize new housing opportunities without delay.
What are other quick sale options besides The Property Buying Company?
Other quick sale options include property auctions or selling via part exchange. However, The Property Buying Company stands out due to its commitment to transparency, no hidden fees and excellent customer service.
How do auction houses compare to cash buyers for selling a home quickly?
Auction houses can provide a quick sale but come with uncertainties regarding the final sale price and additional fees. Cash buyers like The Property Buying Company offer a guaranteed price and straightforward process, making it a more liable option for those seeking a fast sale.
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