Cheapest estate agents in Yorkshire

The process of selling your home can be costly, lengthy, and emotionally draining. Whether you are moving due to downsizing, relocating, or dealing with life-changing circumstances, such as inheritance or marital separation, finding the easiest way to sell your home can be quite an experience.  

There are many different ways you can sell your home, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you are considering hiring an estate agent to assist you, that is a great idea. However, we all know that estate agents can often be expensive as well. You also need to find not only the cheapest estate agents Yorkshire has to offer but also the best ones.  

This is where we can help. This article will cover everything you need to know about hiring estate agents, how they work, and where you can find the cheapest ones.

What does an estate agent do?

An estate agent will assist you with all the technical aspects of selling your home. They will also help with valuation and viewings and handle complicated negotiations. Essentially, they become the intermediary between you and the buyer, which means you do not have to interact with the buyers at all. Here is what you need to know about estate agents and what they do:  

Property valuation and setting the right price  

This is the most important step when selling a home. It helps determine the price at which your home will be marketed. A well-calculated valuation will attract the right buyers and ensure that your property does not remain on the market for too long. Estate agents are trained to evaluate a property's value by considering a number of factors.  

The first thing they will consider is the local housing market, which includes recent sale prices of similar homes in your area. This is a comparative analysis that will help them establish a benchmark. The estate agent will also assess your home’s location, taking into consideration all nearby amenities, such as schools, shops, transport links, parks, etc. Anything that might significantly impact the buyer’s interest in your property.  

Then, the condition of your property will be considered. For example, features like modern kitchens, energy efficiency, bathrooms, and overall maintenance levels are all weighed against drawbacks like necessary repairs or outdated interiors. There will also be additional elements, such as unique architectural features, outdoor spaces, or extensions.  

Once this evaluation is completed, the agent will recommend a realistic asking price that will generate the most interest while also leaving room for negotiation.  

Marketing your property  

Without effective property marketing, your home will not reach the right audience. Estate agents have traditional and digital marketing strategies that will help maximise exposure in the UK’s competitive housing market. The first step is to create a compelling property listing. This will include high-quality photographs that highlight your house’s key features, as well as a professionally written description.  

The listing should include details such as room dimensions, energy efficiency ratings, and nearby amenities. Most estate agents will list your house on popular online platforms like Rightmove or Zoopla. These are widely used by buyers all across the UK. Social media is a great way to promote the home you are selling, so platforms like Facebook and Instagram might also come into play.  

A well-executed marketing plan will ensure that your home stands out in a crowded market and attracts the right buyers.  

Organising viewings  

Viewings are important during the property selling process. They give potential buyers an opportunity to see the home in person and imagine themselves living there. Estate agents can help you with viewings, making them as effective as possible. Usually, your agent will organise the viewings, offering flexibility to get as many buyers to visit as possible.  

Some agents prefer to have an open house event, while others prefer to arrange individual appointments instead. They’ll also advise you on how to prepare your home. It needs to be tidy, well-lit, and overall welcoming. After all, this will be the first official impression for potential buyers.  

During the viewings, your agent will highlight the home’s key features, such as layout, upgrades, or any unique selling points. They will also answer all the questions that the buyers might have. Virtual viewings are also very popular in 2024, as buyers get to see the home before they physically visit.  

Negotiations  

This is where the estate agent will truly prove their skills and value. They act as the intermediary between you and the buyer, securing the best possible outcome for you. Their expertise will ensure that the process is handled professionally, reducing any potential stress.  

When a buyer expresses interest in purchasing your home, they will submit an offer. Your agent will review the offer and provide you with professional advice. If the offer is below the market price, your agent will attempt to negotiate the price with the buyer to achieve a figure closer to what you desire.  

By acting as a buffer, estate agents can help you avoid any emotional distress when selling your home. They ensure that the negotiation process is professional and productive.  

Completion  

After the price has been accepted, the offer will move into the completion phase, where the sale is finalised. This stage will involve a couple of key steps, but your estate agent should ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Of course, if you do not wish to work with an estate agent to sell your home, you do not have to. The easiest and quickest way to sell your home in the UK is to work with us, The Property Buying Company. We are cash home buyers who will purchase your home regardless of its condition. Additionally, we will buy it six times faster than any estate agent can sell it.

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

When selling a property with a Yorkshire estate agent, there are several fees and costs to consider. These will vary depending on the estate agent you choose, the value of your property, and any additional services required. 

Most traditional estate agents will charge a percentage of the final sale price, usually ranging from 1% to 3% plus VAT. For example, for a £200,000 property, that could be anywhere between £2,400 and £7,200, including VAT. There are also fixed-fee options for online and hybrid agents, starting at around £500 to £1,500, regardless of the property’s sale price. 

Solicitors or licensed conveyancers will handle the legal aspects of the sale, and their fees range from £800 to £1,200, depending on the complexity of the transaction.

An Energy Performance Certificate is required by law to sell your home, and if you do not already have one, this usually costs between £50 and £120. Additionally, there are marketing costs for premium listings, professional photography, virtual tours, etc. This can typically range from £100 to £500 but is not strictly necessary.

Cheapest estate agents in Yorkshire

If you are seeking the cheapest estate agents Yorkshire has to offer, you will most likely come across online estate agents. However, all agents have different fees and benefits. Sometimes, it is more advantageous to conduct the sale through a local estate agent. 

Here are a couple of the cheapest estate agents in Yorkshire you should consider:

1. Preston Baker - Offers residential sales, lettings, and mortgages. They provide customisable property marketing options, which include professional photography and targeted online advertisements. Their fees are competitive, and they offer flexible packages. 

2. Linley & Simpson - Specialising in sales, lettings, and property management, Linley & Simpson is known for their local expertise and extensive branch coverage across Yorkshire. Their marketing includes professional brochures and listings on major portals. They charge only upon successful sale or rental. 

3. Reeds Rains - Offers sales, auctions, and lettings. Their team possesses strong local market knowledge and a broad national reach. Reeds Rains’ fees typically range between 1% and 2% of the sale price. There are fixed prices for lettings, while mortgage and conveyancing will incur additional costs.

4. Richard Kendall Estate Agent - As a long-established agent with over 50 years of experience in the Wakefield area, Richard Kendall Estate Agent is worth considering. They focus on customer service and include marketing on major property platforms. There are no upfront fees; commissions are competitive and usually start at 1%.

5. Stoneacre Properties - They cover Leeds and nearby areas, providing full-service sales and lettings. Expect property valuations, premium marketing, and support throughout the sale. Their prices and packages are customisable, with rates typically starting at 1.25%.

Other cheap ways to sell your house in Yorkshire

Selling your home with an estate agent is a great idea; however, not everyone wishes to work with an estate agent. If they are too expensive for you, there are other options to consider. For instance, cash house buyers will handle all the work for you and are much quicker, as well.

The Property Buying Company is here to make your life easier. All you need to do is enter your postcode at the top of the site, and after answering a couple of questions, we will give you a call. We are cash home buyers and will purchase your home in at least seven days… or longer if that is your preference!