Choosing an estate agent in Crumpsall: questions to ask before you sign

Choosing an estate agent in Crumpsall is about finding a sensible plan for your own home. Before you agree to a price or sign an agreement, ask each agent the same questions so you can compare their answers.

What evidence supports the asking price?

Ask the agent to show you comparable properties and explain why they are relevant. Compare the type of home, floor area, condition, outside space, parking and tenure. A nearby property's advertised price is not the same as a completed sale price, and a valuation is an estimate rather than a guarantee.

If the valuations differ, ask what each agent expects buyers to compare your property with and what they would do if viewings or offers are slower than expected. A higher valuation is useful only if the agent can explain the evidence behind it.

What will buyers see?

Ask to see examples of the agent's photography, floor plans and property descriptions. Check which websites will carry the advert, whether viewings are accompanied and who will answer buyer enquiries. Agree who will check the advert for accuracy before it goes live.

Tell the agent about features buyers may need to understand, such as parking rights, shared access, alterations or a lease. If a detail is uncertain, ask how it will be checked rather than treating it as settled.

What will the sale cost?

Ask for a written breakdown of the agent's fee, whether VAT is included, when the fee becomes payable and whether there are any other charges. Also budget separately for your conveyancer and other costs relevant to your sale.

Read the agency agreement carefully. GOV.UK explains that the type of agreement can affect when you owe a fee, including where an agent has sole selling rights. Ask about the length of the agreement, notice and what happens if you find a buyer yourself or change agents.

How will offers be assessed?

Price matters, but so do the buyer's funding, whether they have a property to sell, their chain and their preferred timing. Ask the agent what information they will seek and what can be verified before you decide. In England and Wales, an offer is not legally binding until contracts are exchanged.

Agree how you will hear about progress

Before appointing an agent, agree how viewing feedback will be shared and when you will review the advert. If there is interest but few viewings, ask whether the photographs, details or viewing arrangements need attention. If people view but do not offer, discuss their feedback alongside comparable evidence before deciding whether to change the price.

Talk about your Crumpsall home

Read about 10Homes in Crumpsall, compare estate agents, or contact us to discuss your home and the help you need. We can explain our proposed marketing and fees for your property.