What does an estate agent do? Tasks when buying and selling
An estate agent brings owners and prospective buyers together and sees the sale through. Precisely which tasks the agent takes on should be set out clearly in the agency agreement. Brokerage is no substitute for an independent structural survey, nor for legal or tax advice on the contract.
Preparing the property and the starting point
At the outset, the goal of the sale, the known property details and the available documents are brought together. Together they produce a price position that can be explained and justified, and the basis for the Exposé, the property brochure. Features that have not been clarified should be flagged as such and not advertised as confirmed advantages.
Organising the marketing and handling enquiries
A suitable marketing plan sets out how the property is presented and to whom. That includes appealing, factually accurate information, handling enquiries and arranging viewings. Owners should be able to see which measures were agreed and which were actually carried out.
Coordinating negotiations and the next steps
The agent can pass on offers, collate follow-up questions and help coordinate between the parties involved. Financing commitments, structural assessments and the review of the contract remain the responsibility of the relevant professionals in each case. Discuss early on which services are included up to handover.
A specific question about your property?