Is cheapest best?

• How much do you think my property's worth?
• How much commission do you charge?
• Why is your commission at this price?
• What else is included?

Evaluate carefully your agents answer

• Your agent should justify the reasons for a high commission rate, such as higher advertising coverage, using other networks for out-of-town applicants, well known internet property sites etc. If they will not be swayed from the original price structure, maybe they believe in their service and do not want to compromise it by reducing the fee. If your agent seems like a hard bargainer with their fees, then hopefully this trait will shadow when negotiating with a potential buyer for your property who has offered below the asking price.

• If your agent agrees to match the lower rate immediately, at first glance, it may be a great money saver, however, ask yourself whether this would be a good match with potential hard bargain buyers. If they're an easy knock-over when agreeing fees, who's to say they won’t be a push-over when it comes to agreeing the price of your property? Of course, they might not be, but it's a good idea to think about the prospective outcome and which may prevent yourself in falling short. 

Would you prefer an agent who's been in the business for a long time?

• Agents who have been in the property business for a longer time can use their  experience to help secure a sale at the correct price for you and help the smooth running of the sale through to completion. This experience can be a positive attribute when is comes to dealing with any chain or survey issues. This is when their skills will shine the most - especially if a buyer attempts to renegotiate the price after a slightly negative survey.

• Agents who are new to the business may well have a fresh approach, new tactics and flair. Maybe this is a good trait as they may find other methods and alternative routes on your behalf, which could improve service.

• This is when you'll need to have a hard bargaining agent on your side. If they convinced you to pay their full commission rate - then they should be good at preventing your buyer from renegotiating the price.
  
• It shouldn't matter whether they've been in the business for a long or short duration. If they have confidence within themselves - they should be able to keep the ball rolling.

As we've always been told 'you get what you pay for' so you need to choose your agent carefully, it could save you money in the long run.
 
Tell us about your experience: e-mail nicki.keeley@landandbrandnewhomes.co.uk