Tips in hiring estate agents

Choosing a real estate agent to help you buy or sell a home is a tough decision. No matter where you may be based and live, or wherever you wish to buy or sell, you can be sure there will be stiff competition and a lot of estate agents to choose from. In all cases, whether you're the buyer or the seller, it is key to be as diligent as possible in ensuring your hire the right agents for the job. 

Ask agents to provide a list of what they've listed and sold in the past year. There are in turn websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla which can both very effectively relay this information and give you an idea of the type of agents you may be about to delegate to and hire. When it comes to this, if you're the seller, ask if these past properties are similar to yours in price, location and other salient features. Get a feel for what properties the agents sell and have for sale and from here you will be able to gauge how well they may be able to work for you and your property.

Look to try and pick a winner and an agent which in turn has been in business for a great number of years. Research how long the agent has been in business as a lot of the new start up agents do fail – and they do fail in being able to turn around and sell properties in the town to which they operate. A good agent should know about other area properties that are available "off the top of his head" and in turn know only too well how to ensure the transaction will be able to be a success. You need in any case to make sure you hire an agent who knows what they are doing as well as the local market. 

If the agent knows the property and can give you a few details that means he or she really knows your area. This will in turn show you that the agent will have a much higher chance in getting you a successful sale for your property for sale in the area. You want someone like that who's on top of the market and on the ball in getting you the sale you need. This is key as a means of getting the transaction to complete successfully.