Cheapest estate agents in Newcastle: Save on selling fees

If you are planning to move, you are probably interested in selling your current home first. We all know that this process can be rather costly. However, regardless of the reason why you want to move away, selling your home is usually straightforward if you hire an estate agent.  

This guide will inform you about everything you need to know about estate agents, how they operate, and what you can expect from them. It does not matter if you are selling your home due to inheritance, marital split, or any other reason; an estate agent will be able to assist you on this journey.  

Bear in mind that there are good and bad estate agents, and price does not always reflect the quality of their work. Therefore, if you want to know how to find the cheapest estate agents in Newcastle without sacrificing the quality of their services, this blog will certainly be of assistance. 

What does an estate agent do?

An estate agent helps you buy, sell, rent, or let properties. They act as an intermediary between buyers and sellers, or landlords and tenants. A good estate agent will conduct property valuations, set competitive prices based on market trends, create listings with photographs and descriptions, and much more. They are in charge of the entire process, from start to finish, which is why it is always easier to sell and buy a home by hiring an estate agent compared to doing it alone.  

Property valuation  

The first thing your estate agent will do is value your home. They do this by using their market knowledge, the experience of selling similar homes, and information about the market from trusted sources, such as the Land Registry. This can help them determine how much your home can be sold for.  

Property valuations can also be treated like an appointment. You get to meet and talk to your estate agent for the first time and see how they operate. This can help you ascertain whether this estate agent is the right choice for you. Remember that you should always book valuations with more than one estate agent.  

A good estate agent has experience in understanding what types of features people are interested in buying depending on the area. Thus, they will be able to provide you with advice on how you could improve your chances of selling your home for a higher price.  

Marketing your home  

Once you choose an estate agent you like, they will assist you in marketing your home. An estate agent should arrange for your home to be photographed professionally. Some will provide you with an accurate floor plan and write detailed and appealing descriptions to attract potential buyers. This will be uploaded online and used in the brochure.  

In most cases, you should not be asked to pay any additional fees for photography since that is expected to be included in the percentage fee. This is why, before hiring an estate agent, you should discuss the overall price and talk about any “hidden” service charges as well.  

Before you can start marketing your home, it is a legal requirement to have an EPC, Energy Performance Certificate. This will inform your potential buyers about your home’s energy use and typical costs. Naturally, this is something your estate agent will discuss with you.  

Manage viewings  

After the marketing process is complete, it is time to arrange viewings. Your estate agent will be responsible for this. They will also guide potential buyers around your home, answering any questions they may have. You do not need to be present for the viewings, as your estate agent will ensure that all the work is done and your property is secure once the viewings are over.  

Your estate agent could also arrange an open house, which means having multiple potential buyers visit at once. The great advantage of having an estate agent by your side is that they are seen as an impartial party. They will answer all the buyers' questions and spare you the hassle of showing people around your home.  

Negotiations  

One of the key aspects of an estate agent’s job is to manage negotiations and act as the “middleman” for all potential buyers and homeowners. Offers will be made to the estate agent, who will then pass the offer back to you. Of course, you are not obliged to accept the offer if you do not wish to. Typically, your estate agent will advise you on whether that offer is reasonable or not.  

If you do not like the offer, you can propose a counteroffer. This is where the negotiations truly begin. Naturally, you do not have to be the one negotiating the deal, as your estate agent will handle all the work for you instead.  

Is the buyer serious?  

Can you actually trust the buyers? Well, this is yet another responsibility your estate agent should manage. They are responsible for verifying the buyer’s source and availability of funds when purchasing property. They will relay this information to you, which will also cover whether the buyer needs to sell a property, requires a mortgage, is a cash buyer, etc.  

Sales progression  

Your estate agent will issue a Memorandum of Sale to you, the buyer, and solicitors once a deal has been made. That information will contain everything you need to know about each other’s solicitors. The job of an estate agent does not conclude once an offer has been accepted. Instead, this is where good estate agents will excel, as they can help make the entire process much easier for you.

What fees do I pay when selling with a Newcastle estate agent?

Although every agency has different prices, they all charge for similar services. Therefore, if you are selling your home through a Newcastle estate agent, here are the fees you will be expected to pay:

Usually, Newcastle estate agents will charge you a percentage of the final sale. This is typically around 1.1% plus VAT. For example, if your home was priced at £177,877, you would be paying your estate agent £2,000. Of course, this price will also vary depending on whether you work with a sole agency or multi-agency. Sole agencies tend to have lower fees. 

The Energy Performance Certificate is necessary if you wish to sell your home, and it usually costs around £60–£120, depending on the provider. Legal fees for solicitors and handling the sale will usually range from £800 to £1,500. This covers searches, transfer of ownership, and contracts. 

Let’s also not forget about any additional costs for services. You can choose not to take these additional services, as well. However, these additional costs could also be necessary as they can include things like potential mortgage exit fees. If you opt for premium marketing packages, you might also be charged additionally.

Cheapest estate agents in Newcastle

If you are trying to find the cheapest estate agents in Newcastle, you should consider online estate agents. But keep in mind that every estate agent will provide you with different fees and benefits. The expenses will depend on the services they offer. Based on their reputation and reviews, here are some of the best and cheapest estate agents you should consider:

• Strike - With its free basic package, Strike is a great choice. They earn revenue through optional services, such as removals or mortgage advice. Strike provides you with valuation, photos, floor plans, marketing, and negotiations. 

• Purplebricks - The price starts at £999 and can go up to £1,499 in London areas. Purplebricks is a local property expert offering professional photos and floor plans and will advertise on all major platforms. There are premium packages for enhanced services. 

• Yopa - The starting price is £999, offering “no sale, no fee” options. Yopa is a dedicated local agent with an online control panel. They will market on key platforms and provide you with optional add-ons, such as viewings. 

• 99home - You can choose to pay £99 for the starting package, or £599 for their most expensive services. 99home provides you with flexible package options, virtual tours, account managers, and advertising on hundreds of websites. 

• Visum - Offers basic monthly property listings starting at £49. The main features include listings on Zoopla and other reputable platforms with pay-as-you-go options for additional services.

Other cheap ways to sell your house in Newcastle

Although selling your home with an estate agent is easier and will save you time, the prices can add up. So, if you are searching for other ways to sell your home, The Property Buying Company is the right answer. We are cash house buyers, and we’ll give you an offer regardless of the state of your home. We offer a quick and hassle-free option to sell your home in Newcastle… in as little as 7 days! 

All you have to do is enter your postcode on our website, answer a few questions, and we’ll get in contact with you. This streamlined approach provides you with a convenient alternative to traditional property sales, as we focus on simplicity and speed.