When it comes to selling your Edgware home, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right estate agent. A great estate agent can easily be the difference between a smooth, profitable sale and a stressful experience that drags on for months.

But with so many agents in North London to choose from, how do you know which one to pick?

We can’t claim to not have a vested interest here, of course. Nevertheless, please read on and see if it makes sense to you.

Here is our guide on what to look for and how to make an informed choice when picking the estate agent you want to work with you to sell your home.

It isn’t written to tell you what we do or don’t do ourselves as an estate agent in Edgware; it is written to help you think about what things will matter to you (and of course, if you do want to know what we do, we would be happy to let you know).

Local Knowledge Matters

An estate agent who knows Edgware well will understand:

What similar properties are selling for.
What local buyers are looking for.
How to highlight the features that make your home stand out.

💡 Tip: Ask agents about recent sales in your area, down to your actual street. Their answers will not only reveal their own experience selling homes in the area but also reveal their knowledge of it.

It not only shows how well they are tuned in to the local market, but may also give you clues about their attitude towards the area you live in.

Compare Valuations

Often, sellers look to get valuations from at least three different agents. It can feel like a sensible move, if you think it helps avoid overpricing or under-pricing your property – both things that are worth avoiding.

Too high: Your property may sit unsold, with the risk it will go “stale”.
Too low: You run an obvious risk of leaving money on the table.

The best agent will back up their suggested price with evidence of recent sales, not just provide a tasty-looking number purely to win your instruction. If an agent can’t convince you with relevant evidence, it is worth pausing to consider why that is and where their figure comes from.

But you may not need to get more than one. You can do a lot of research prior to inviting agents. You can research the types of homes they specialise in selling, the areas they are most engaged with, and how quickly the homes they list sell (and how many need to be reduced in price before selling).

Ask around – the local Edgware ‘Next Door’ and community pages on Facebook are a great source. Ask there, and people will be very happy to share their thoughts! Also, check out online reviews. Follow the agents’ social media.

If you get the sense that you really like and trust an agent, and they are the one for you, remember that when you are inviting them out. The exercise in them justifying their valuation figure is the same, whether you invite one or three.

If you do like and trust an agent already, and you believe the valuation they offer you based on the evidence they show you, ask yourself what the reason is to invite other agents out? Doing so can just confuse matters and lead agents to try to outbid each other to win, rather than offering you advice in your best interest.

Marketing Approach

A well-thought-out marketing strategy attracts more buyers, and greater competition amongst those buyers usually means a better sale price. Ask potential agents about:

Their approach to photography and floor plans.
Online listings on property portals.
Social media and email marketing.
Their thoughts about virtual tours, video walk-throughs and other marketing you have seen that appeals to you.

If you are going on the open market, then the more exposure you have, the more likely you are to secure strong offers. If an agent is recommending pre-portal or off-portal viewings, ask them to explain the benefits of accepting those viewings, and, certainly, any offers that come from them, without testing the whole market too.

There are legitimate reasons they could give you, but it depends on circumstances (yours and those of the buyers they bring to you).

You don’t want to risk feeling that a sale to a select buyer without wider advertising was for an agent’s benefit, not yours – but if they can explain why it makes sense and you trust their reasoning, it can also feel like the best way to sell your home.

Fees and Contracts

Estate agents may charge either a percentage of the sale price or a fixed fee, but either way, when they are discussing it with you, make sure you find out certain things.

Check whether the fee they have quoted is inclusive of VAT.
Ask what’s included in the fee, e.g. is photography included or provided at an extra upfront cost, will the agent offer to accompany viewings, are there any marketing activities that incur further fees?
Check what the length of the contract is, and whether it is sole agency or sole selling rights.

Communication and Service

Selling your home can be stressful – even at the best of times! This is why it matters to choose an agent who you can trust to communicate not only clearly, but regularly. Look for an agent that will promise to provide the following:

Prompt responses to calls and emails.
Honest advice, even when it may not be what you want to hear.
Regular, detailed and constructive updates both during the marketing period and conveyancing.

💡 Tip: Trust your instincts. If an agent comes across as pushy or dismissive, they may not be the right fit.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right estate agent in Edgware shouldn’t be about the cheapest fee or the highest valuation. It’s about finding someone you trust to market your home effectively, negotiate strongly on your behalf, and manage and guide you through the process with confidence.

Take the time to compare agents and do research in advance. Ask plenty of questions. Really try to think about which agent gives you confidence, but even when they do, don’t be afraid to ask them to back up what they are telling you with real-life examples.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an Estate Agent

How many estate agent valuations should I get?
Many sellers choose to have three agents to value the property, so you can compare advice and avoid being swayed by a single opinion. It isn’t a bad idea, but it can lead to agents competing with each other for your business, which may not actually work in your favour.

What is a fair estate agent fee here in Edgware?
Estate agent fees vary. Many charge between 1% and 2% of the sale price plus VAT, but you can find agents charging less or more. Our best tip is to be set on what you are looking for in an estate agent and to always confirm what’s included in the fee.

Do I need to use a local Edgware agent?
No, your agent can be distant due to modern marketing methods, but you still need to feel confident in your choice. Local North London estate agents usually have better knowledge of the area and may be able to demonstrate greater buyer demand, which can help you sell faster and for a higher price.

Should I choose the agent who gives the highest valuation?
Not automatically. An inflated valuation could delay your sale. Look for an agent who provides evidence and a clear strategy. If that is the agent offering the highest valuation, and you are confident in that valuation yourself, there is every reason to choose them, but if they can’t justify it, it may be a red flag.