3 Key Things Sellers Should Expect From Their Estate Agent

The trigger for this months blog was a client who had decided to move on from their previous estate agent after feeling disappointed by the level of service they received. Only after working with a new agency did they realise just how much had been missing. With a fresh perspective, their earlier experience looked very different, prompting a wider discussion about what sellers should reasonably expect when they place one of their most valuable assets on the market.

A key theme that quickly emerged was communication. Selling a property can be stressful, and silence only amplifies that stress. Sellers should never feel left in the dark about what is happening with their home. At a minimum, agents should be in touch every couple of weeks with clear, meaningful updates. These updates should go beyond vague reassurances and include performance statistics, enquiry levels, feedback from viewings, and an honest assessment of how the property is positioned within the current market. Just as importantly, sellers should be kept informed about competing properties, price changes nearby, and what is selling in their area. Alongside this, a clear and evolving marketing and sales plan should be shared, reviewed, and discussed so everyone understands the strategy and next steps.

Proactiveness is another defining factor of a quality estate agent, particularly in slower or more challenging markets. Following up after viewings is crucial, not just in the days immediately afterwards, but sometimes weeks later. Buyers’ circumstances can change, chains collapse, or priorities shift, and a well-timed follow-up can reignite interest. This responsibility should sit firmly with the agent, not the seller. When sellers feel they have to chase for updates or push their agent into action, confidence quickly erodes. True proactiveness also means actively marketing the property, reaching out to potential buyers, and thinking creatively, rather than simply waiting for enquiries to come in. Often, a sudden burst of activity only when a client threatens to change agents exposes a lack of consistent effort beforehand.

Creativity and effort should also be evident in how a property is presented to buyers. A good agent looks beyond rigid criteria and considers whether a home might still appeal to someone for reasons that are not immediately obvious. This might mean highlighting lifestyle benefits, future potential, or unique features that set the property apart. Thoughtful presentation and storytelling can open doors to buyers who may not have initially considered the property but ultimately prove to be the right fit.

Marketing standards play a huge role in generating interest, and this is where attention to detail really matters. High-quality photography, including professional images and drone shots, is essential to showcase not just the property itself but also its setting and surroundings. Images and videos should be carefully reviewed and refined to ensure they are doing the property justice. Even small tweaks to an advert can have a noticeable impact on buyer engagement, sometimes breathing new life into a listing that has gone quiet. Strong agents regularly revisit marketing materials, updating them to reflect seasonal changes or redoing photos altogether if they feel the original content is not hitting the mark. Property videos are invaluable for conveying the emotional feel and flow of a home, helping buyers imagine themselves living there in a way static images often cannot.

Ultimately, the difference between an average and an excellent estate agent comes down to consistency, care, and commitment. Regular communication, proactive follow-up, and high-quality, evolving marketing should be standard, not exceptions. When agents invest extra time and effort into these areas, sellers not only feel supported and informed, but they also stand a far better chance of achieving the best possible outcome for their sale!

Thanks for reading!