Choosing a Great Estate Agent
Selling a home isn’t something most people do often. And when the time comes, one of the first — and most important — decisions is who to trust with it.
There’s no shortage of choice in Wokingham. Boards go up quickly, valuations are offered freely, and most agents will assure you they’re the right fit. But beneath the surface, there are meaningful differences in how agents think, how they price, and how they manage a sale once it’s underway.
If you’re weighing up your options, here’s what is genuinely worth paying attention to.
Do they really understand your patch?
All estate agency is local — but not all local knowledge runs deep.
A good agent should be able to talk comfortably about the street you’re on, the type of buyers it tends to attract, and how recent sales nearby have performed.
Wokingham isn’t a single market. Family-driven areas behave differently to town-centre locations. Some streets consistently attract competitive interest; others require more careful positioning.
How are they arriving at their valuation?
Valuation is part evidence, part judgement
You should expect a clear explanation of recent comparable sales, how your home compares in condition and layout, what’s currently competing at a similar price point, and where early interest is likely to come from.
If an agent suggests a figure that feels noticeably higher than others, ask how they intend to achieve it. In most cases, pricing well from the outset creates stronger momentum than starting high and adjusting later.
Pay attention to how they communicate.
How an agent communicates in the early stages is often how they will operate throughout the sale.
Selling involves moments of uncertainty — viewings that don’t convert, offers that need careful negotiation, chains that require coordination. You want someone steady, organised and comfortable explaining both good news and difficult conversations.
Look beyond photography when discussing marketing.
Professional photographs are now expected. The real question is how your home will be positioned.
Ask how they will introduce the property to the market, what narrative they will build around it, and how they will manage the crucial first few weeks.
Understand the practical terms.
Before signing anything, be clear about the length of the agency agreement, the notice period, and when fees become payable.
A final thought.
Choosing an estate agent isn’t about finding the loudest brand or the most enthusiastic promise. It’s about alignment — with someone who understands your part of Wokingham, prices with care, communicates clearly and manages the process with quiet confidence.
For homeowners considering a move in Wokingham, understanding how the local market really works is often the most valuable first step.
If you’re getting ready to place your home on the market, e-mail Nick Harris or Teresa Ling on hello@quarters.agency – we’re here to help!
