What to Ask an Estate Agent Before Selling Your House in Derry

The right estate agent should be able to explain their advice clearly. If you are comparing agents, do not rely only on the highest valuation or lowest fee.

Use the questions below to understand who has the strongest plan for your sale.

What evidence supports your valuation?

Ask for more than a number. A useful valuation should explain comparable sales, current competing homes, buyer demand and the condition of your property.

If an agent gives a high figure but cannot explain the evidence, be careful. Overpricing can cost weeks of momentum.

Who is the likely buyer?

A good agent should have a view on who the property is for: first-time buyers, families, downsizers, investors, relocators or cash buyers.

This matters because the buyer profile should shape the photos, copy, portal wording and viewing strategy.

What will the marketing plan include?

Ask about photography, floorplans, property portals, social media, buyer database matching, email follow-up and relaunch plans if interest is low.

Do not accept vague answers such as “we put it online”. Most homes need more than that.

How will viewings be handled?

Find out who books viewings, who conducts them, how buyers are qualified and how feedback is reported.

If you are doing your own viewings, ask how the agent will still support buyer follow-up and negotiation.

How will offers be negotiated?

The best offer depends on price, chain position, mortgage readiness, deposit, survey risk and timing.

Ask how the agent compares offers and how they will push for the strongest outcome.

What happens after sale agreed?

Sale progression is a major part of the job. Ask who speaks to solicitors, buyers, mortgage advisers and other agents in the chain.

This can be the difference between a smooth completion and a sale that drifts.

What are the fees and contract terms?

Ask for the full fee, VAT position, tie-in period, withdrawal rules and any extra charges. Make sure the agreement matches what you have been promised.

How will you handle a slow first fortnight?

The early response matters. Ask what the agent will review if enquiries are quiet after launch. Good answers may include photo order, portal headline, pricing position, competing listings, social promotion and buyer database follow-up.

This question helps separate agents with a real campaign plan from agents who simply list the property and wait.

Can I see examples of similar sales?

Relevant examples are more useful than general promises. Ask about homes like yours in similar locations or price ranges, and what helped them sell. Local experience should show up in the detail.

Next step

If you want straight answers before selling, contact James Gorman Property. For more preparation, read the guides on choosing between estate agent valuations and preparing for house viewings.