Selling your house is both an exciting and stressful process. Thankfully, estate agents are on hand to help you manage the sale of your property effectively. This support comes at a cost, but estate agent fees are a small price to pay to secure the quick and successful sale of your property. Read on to find out more about estate agent fees, from what’s included to key questions you should ask. 

What are estate agent fees?

Estate agent fees are charges paid to estate agents for handling the sale of a property when you sell your home. These fees typically cover services such as marketing the property, conducting viewings, negotiating offers, and managing the sales process. For property sales, fees are usually a percentage of the final sale price. It’s important when selling your house to have a clear understanding of what your estate agent’s fees are and what they cover. This will make sure you’re getting good value for your money without any unexpected costs. 

Who has to pay estate agent fees? 

If you’re selling your house, you will be the one who pays the estate agent fees. The cost is usually agreed upfront and paid upon completion of the sale, often as a percentage of the final sale price. Buyers do not pay estate agent fees when purchasing a property. Sellers should always review the terms of the agreement to understand the fee structure and any additional charges before signing a contract.

How are estate agent fees charged? 

Estate agent fees are most commonly charged as a percentage of the sale price of the property. In some cases, estate agents may offer a sliding scale, where the percentage charged goes up for higher-value properties. Most estate agents will offer a fixed fee to manage the sale of your house, generally starting from around £999. You may see some online agenda offering to sell properties for “free” or without estate agent costs. However, it’s worth noting that management services such as scheduling viewings or marketing the property are charged separately, often adding up to a higher fee. 

What affects how much estate agent fees are? 

There are a number of factors that can affect how much you’ll pay in estate agent fees. Being aware of these will help you to plan for the sales process, giving you a clearer picture of what services you need and how much they will cost. Factors include the type of estate agent you choose—whether high street or online—the fee structure they use (fixed fee or percentage of the sale price), the level of service provided, and the location and value of your property. Understanding these elements can help you compare what services are on offer and to choose one that suits your needs best.

What questions should you ask about estate agent fees? 

There are a number of questions you should ask before you start working with an estate agent: 

  • How much are the fees? 
  • What services are included as part of the fees? 
  • What services are additional and cost more? 
  • How many properties like yours have they sold in the area?
  • How close are previously agreed sales to the initial asking prices? 

Asking these questions will help you to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money while still receiving a great level of service. 

What should you expect to get for your estate agent fees? 

When you pay your estate agent fees, you should expect the same high level of service, no matter how much of the sales process they are managing. Your estate agents should be there to provide expert advice throughout the sales process, with insights into pricing strategies and the local market. They should communicate regularly, keeping you updated on viewings and offers, as well as any feedback from potential buyers. A good estate agent will also help you negotiate the best possible price, Ultimately, their role is to make the process smoother and less stressful for you.

Buy your next home with Michael Anthony  

When you choose Michael Anthony to help you sell your next home, you’ll benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our team. We’ll help to ensure that the process remains as simple and stress-free as possible, from organising viewings to managing offers. We’ll be available to answer any questions you might have, sharing our insights into the property market so that you can make the most informed decisions. 

Get in touch with the team at Michael Anthony today and tell us about your property.

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