Choosing the right estate agent can be the difference between a smooth, successful sale and a stressful, drawn-out experience. With so many agents promising the best price or the lowest fee, how do you know who to trust?
If you’re thinking about selling your property in Scotland, here are seven key questions to help you choose the right agent for your needs.
1. What’s Your Track Record in My Area?
A good estate agent should have recent experience selling homes like yours in your local area. Ask for examples of similar properties they’ve sold – how quickly, for how much, and whether they achieved over the Home Report value.
Why it matters: Local market knowledge helps with accurate pricing and effective negotiation.
2. How Will You Market My Property?
Not all marketing strategies are created equal. A strong agent should offer professional photography, floorplans, premium listings on portals like Rightmove, Zoopla and ESPC, and potentially virtual staging or video tours.
Ask:
- Will my home appear on all major portals?
- Do you use social media or paid advertising?
- How do you ensure maximum exposure?
3. What Percentage of Asking Price Do You Typically Achieve?
This statistic speaks volumes. A low-fee agent may cost less upfront, but if they consistently secure lower sale prices, you could end up worse off.
Look for: Transparent performance data showing average sale price versus Home Report value or asking price.
4. Who Will Handle My Sale Day-to-Day?
Some agents promise the world during the valuation, only to hand you off to someone else entirely. Ask who will manage your listing, conduct viewings, and negotiate offers.
Why it matters: A dedicated negotiator can make a big difference when offers start coming in.
5. What’s Included in Your Fee, and Are There Any Extras?
Always clarify what’s included in the quoted fee. Some agents include photography and marketing, while others charge extra. In Scotland, you’ll also need a Home Report – check whether the agent can arrange this for you and what it will cost.
Tip: Cheapest isn’t always best. Focus on value, not just price.
6. How Do You Handle Offers and Negotiations?
Negotiating the best price takes skill. Ask how the agent will handle offers, whether they set closing dates, and how they’ll communicate with you during the offer stage.
Look for: A clear process that protects your interests and maximises competition.
7. Are You a One-Stop Shop for Estate Agency and Legal Services?
In Scotland, the legal process (conveyancing) is essential to the sale. Some agents – like MOV8 – offer both estate agency and legal services under one roof, which can save time, reduce admin, and improve communication throughout your sale.
Bonus: This is especially helpful if you’re buying and selling at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home is a major decision, and choosing the right estate agent is a crucial first step. By asking the right questions and looking beyond the headline fee, you’ll be in a far better position to sell with confidence, speed, and success.
At MOV8, we combine expert local agents, in-house solicitors, transparent pricing, and a proven track record of securing outstanding results across Scotland.
Thinking of selling?
Get a free home valuation today and see how we can help you achieve the best result for your property.
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