Choosing an estate agent is one of the biggest calls you'll make when you move. And it's easy to pick on gut feel, a shiny valuation, or whoever comes in cheapest. Here's what we'd actually ask if it were our own house going on the market.
1. Who's valuing it — and how well do they know Buxton?
A valuation is only as good as the person giving it. Ask who's actually coming round, and how long they've sold in the area. Howard's been valuing homes across Buxton and the High Peak for 37 years — he prices to what's selling on your street, not to a national average.
2. Will the same person look after my sale start to finish?
At a lot of agencies you meet the valuer once and never see them again. Ask who you'll deal with day to day, and whether they'll still be there when an offer lands and things get fiddly.
3. What's the marketing, really?
"We'll put it on Rightmove" is the bare minimum. Ask to see the photography, the floorplan and the video — the things buyers judge your home on before they ever book a viewing. Better marketing brings more viewings, and more viewings tend to mean a better price.
4. How do you handle offers and progression?
Getting an offer is the easy bit. Getting to completion is where sales fall over. Ask how they qualify buyers, how often they'll chase the solicitors, and who's on the phone when a chain wobbles.
5. What's the fee — and what does it include?
Cheap isn't the same as good value, and nor is expensive. Ask for the fee in plain terms — commission, VAT, any upfront marketing — and exactly what you get for it. No surprises on completion.
None of this is complicated. A good agent will answer all five without flinching. If you're weighing up a move in Buxton or the High Peak, Howard or I are happy to come round for an honest appraisal — no pressure, no jargon. Give us a call on 01298 214441.