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?