What Does an Estate Agent Do?

What Does An Estate Agent Do?

Buying or selling a property can be a daunting experience. That’s where estate agents come in, providing their specialist services to help you through the experience. With the help of an estate agent, you can make navigating the housing market a breeze. From marketing to property valuation, in this article, we’ll explore what an estate agent does and examine the benefits of working with one.

What is an estate agent?

An estate agent is a licensed professional who is knowledgeable and experienced in the buying and selling of properties. The estate agent is an important part of the transaction and provides valuable guidance and advice based on their expertise in the housing market. They can offer a breadth of knowledge about the housing market and can help you identify which properties are a good fit for your needs and budget. They can also help you price your home correctly and market it effectively to attract buyers.

What are the benefits of using an estate agent?

When it comes to buying or selling a property, using an estate agent is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Whether you’re an investor or a first-time buyer, an estate agent is a valuable asset who can provide a range of services to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Some of the benefits include:

Expert knowledge: An estate agent is a professional who has expertise and experience in the housing market. They can advise you on price, market trends and your area. They can also help you understand the legal and financial aspects of the transaction, making it easier for you to make the important decisions.

Speed: Estate agents can move quickly and efficiently, making the process of buying or selling a property much smoother and faster. By using their contacts and resources, they can help make everything run more quickly and efficiently, reducing the amount of time and effort involved.

Networking: Estate agents can use their network of contacts to find the perfect property for you, or to find potential buyers. Their networking skills can help you find the perfect property or buyer, even if it isn’t listed on the market.

Reduce stress: Going through the process of buying or selling a property can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re doing it for the first time or on your own. An estate agent can help reduce the stress by taking care of all the details and giving you peace of mind that everything will go according to plan.

What to expect from an estate agent

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, landlord or tenant, estate agents can be very helpful in a number of ways. Here are some of the duties and obligations of an estate agent:

1. Valuation: An estate agent can provide an accurate valuation of your property based on their knowledge of the local property market and comparable sales.

2. Marketing and Advertising: Estate agents have access to a range of marketing tools. The more and better the marketing you have, the better the chance of success. They can provide you with information on local newspapers and magazines, in addition to arranging property viewings and open days.

3. Viewings: When viewing potential properties to buy, an estate agent will be able to provide you with important information about the area and the particular property you’re considering. They will be able to explain all the details of the potential sale and of course, help you find the best available mortgage rate.

4. Negotiations: When it comes to negotiating a sale, estate agents have an invaluable role to play. They have a lot of experience in negotiating and are able to help you get the best price for your property. They may also be able to advise you when it comes to legal matters such as transferring the property, dealing with title deeds and so on.

5. Legal Support: Estate agents can refer you to legal professionals who can assist with the legal aspects of the transaction, such as conveyancing.

6. Communication and Updates: Estate agents will keep you updated throughout the process, providing regular communication and updates on the progress of the transaction.

7. Tips and Advice: Estate agents are there to provide you with valuable reassurance, top tips for selling your home and advice during the process. They are aware of all the potential risks you might face, and can provide sound advice to ensure you avoid them.

When it comes to buying and selling a property, an estate agent is invaluable. Not only do they provide valuable expertise to ensure the process is successful, but they also offer valuable reassurance and peace of mind. For more information on how to sell your home, find out everything you need to know here.

What are the typical fees charged by estate agents?

Purplebricks don't believe in charging for estate agent fees. We don't charge a commission, or a flat fee. It might seem weird in a world where you have to pay what feels like everything, to offer you all of our wonderful services free of charge. But believe us, it really is that simple.

So, is it typical for estate agents to be free? Put simply: no. Typically the fees charged by estate agents can vary depending on a number of factors such as the location, type of property, and the level of service you require. Some estate agents charge a commission fee which sits on average at 0.75 - 3% of the final sale price. Some estate agents also charge a fixed fee for their services, regardless of the final sale price of the property.

And finally, some estate agents may charge additional fees for marketing expenses such as professional photography, floor plans, advertising, and online listings.

At Purplebricks, we don’t charge commission or a percentage of the sale price. Instead, we charge a fair fixed fee, so you know exactly what you’ll pay from the start. Find out more about our estate agent fees. To find out more about how much it costs to sell your property, read our ‘Cost of Selling a Home’ article.

Get in touch with a trusted, local estate agent today

Want to buy or sell a property? Our experienced team of leading estate agents are on hand seven days a week. From valuation to price negotiation - we can help you every step of the way. Plus, we’ll list your property on Zoopla, Rightmove and many more.

Purplebricks don’t charge a commission to get you sold. Instead, we set one fixed fee, so you know exactly what you’ll pay, without any hidden costs. You can get paying this fee out the way at the start of the process or later once you’re sold—whatever works for you. Book a free property valuation or instruct Purplebricks to sell your home today.