What should you ask your estate agent?
• Is the agent a local independent or a nationwide chain?
• Is the agent used to selling similar properties to yours?
• Does the agent use a professional photographer?
• Do you like their photography?
• Would you say their pictures could be described as better than most agents?
• Does the agent use lifestyle photography and home staging?
• Does the agent use twilight photography?
• Does the agent use Drone photography?
• Does the agent select the best picture as the main one on their website and internet portals?
• Does the agent use 360° photography?
• If so, is the 360° photography complimentary to the static pictures or is it below par?
• Does the agent always provide glossy brochures with at least 4 pages?
• Do they provide a bespoke brochure or a standard, recycled format?
• Do they always provide a floor plan with all the room dimensions?
• Do they always provide a floor plan with the total area measured in square feet and square meters?
• Does the agent describe the properties in a flourished, lifestyle manner or more in a more factual, stagnant way?
• Does the agent use professional printing or cheap DIY office printing?
• Does the agent provide a weekly statistic report about online interaction for each property?
• Does the agent communicate at least once weekly?
• Does the agent accompany all viewings without charging for it?
For a further test, please call an estate agent and request a brochure.
• Are you immediately greeted by a real person? Or do you have to choose a particular numbered service with your keypad?
• Does the first person help you? Or do you have to wait to speak to someone else?
• Does the person ask to know your name?
• Does the agent ask for your telephone number and email details?
• Does the agent talk about the property you mentioned?
• Does the agent offer a possible viewing?
• Does the agent ask about your general property search requirement?
• Is your buying position mentioned and questioned?
¨• Does the agent check if you may have a property to sell?
• Do they have brochures to send you?
• Has the agent asked for your postal address?
• Is the conversation flowing? Or does it feel scripted like it's part of a standard routine?
• Did the conversation last more than five minutes?
• Did the brochure arrive within two working days?
• Was the brochure the right one, with the correct name and address?
• Was the brochure accompanied by a handwritten note or a compliment slip with a business card?
• Did you receive further communication within a week of your phone call?