Estate Agents
Estate Agents | UK Home Values
Estate agents are usually an integral part of the selling process. There are two areas you should clarify prior to instructing an agent: the size of commission, and when that commission is to be paid.
The standard practice is 'sole agency', which means one agent will market your property. In return, s/he will take a commission based on the final selling price. Commission is normally paid after completion of sale.
Buyers and sellers are also entitled to withdraw from a sale before contracts are exchanged - about one sale in three fails in England and Wales. A common cause of delay is the time taken to obtain replies to enquiries made to a Local Authority. The buyer will want, for example, to learn whether any planning applications might affect your dwelling.
If time is critical, you can carry out these searches yourself. For example, the planning register is a public document. It will list all planning applications and permissions in your local area.
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