Are you struggling to choose the right Estate Agent?

Knowing how to choose an estate agent can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also trying to plan a move, pack up your home and think about where you are heading next. The right agent makes the whole process smoother, keeping you informed at every stage, while the wrong one can leave you feeling unsupported at the exact point you need them the most. Here’s what to look for.

Start with local knowledge

An agent who genuinely knows your area will understand what buyers are looking for locally, how your street or village compares to others near you, and what has recently sold close by. This local knowledge often makes the difference between a realistic asking price and one that either undersells your home or is so inflated that it puts buyers off before they’ve even booked a viewing.

Ask how long the team has worked in the area, and whether they live locally themselves. Agents with genuine roots in the community, rather than a regional call centre, tend to bring a level of insight that is hard to replicate, from knowing which streets are in demand to understanding what local buyers really care about.

Check their track record and reviews

A good track record speaks for itself. Look at how long the agency has been established, how many properties they have sold locally, and what past clients say about working with them. Reviews are a useful way to get a sense of how an agent communicates, whether they keep clients updated, and how they handle the trickier parts of a sale.

Longevity matters too. An agency that has been trading in your area for decades has usually built its reputation on repeat business and word of mouth, which says a lot about the service you can expect to receive.

Look for proper accreditation and protection

Not all estate agents are held to the same standards. Look for membership of a recognised redress scheme, such as The Property Ombudsman, along with relevant industry bodies like the National Association of Estate Agents. These schemes exist to protect you as a seller and give you somewhere to turn if something goes wrong. The Property Ombudsman’s consumer guidance explains more about what protections you should expect from any agent you work with.

Ask about marketing and presentation

How your home is presented online has a real impact on the number of viewings you get. Ask what’s included as standard, such as professional photography, a clear floorplan, and how your property will appear on the major portals. A well presented listing helps your home stand out and gives potential buyers a genuine feel for the space before they even step through the door, which matters more than ever when so many people start their search online.

Trust your gut and ask questions

Beyond the practical checks, it’s worth paying attention to how an agent makes you feel. Do they listen to what matters to you? Are they upfront about pricing and timescales, rather than telling you what you want to hear? At Michael Anthony, our directors are involved in the business every day, so you don’t have to look too far for someone who can answer a question or pick up the phone. That kind of accessibility is worth asking about wherever you go, since it often reflects how you’ll be treated once your property is actually on the market.

Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about fees, contract terms, and how often you’ll receive updates once the process begins. A confident, straightforward answer is usually a good sign.

Getting an accurate valuation first

Before you commit to an agent, it’s worth getting a proper valuation so you know what to expect. A property valuation gives you a realistic starting point based on the current local market, rather than a guess based on what a neighbour’s house sold for years ago.

Choosing an agent you can trust

Established in 1989, Michael Anthony has been serving Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding villages for over 30 years. We’re proud to be a genuinely local, independent agency, with our directors, Michael and Mark, still closely involved in the business every day rather than sitting behind the scenes.

If you’re weighing up how to choose an estate agent for your own sale, we’d love the chance to show you what sets us apart. Get in touch with our team to arrange a valuation or simply have a chat about your options.

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