Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at some of the most common questions we're asked at Link Agency
What are your fees for selling a house?
Link Agency’s fees for selling a property range from 1% + VAT to 2% + VAT, depending on the package you choose. We offer three tiers of service:
Comprehensive Package: Includes professional photography, expert floor plans, plus enhanced marketing on Rightmove with a Premium Listing and Feature Property Display.
Second Tier Package: Includes professional photography, expert floor plans, and enhanced marketing.
Third Tier Package: Designed primarily for rental property stock, this is our most cost-effective option with a minimum fee of £1,750 + VAT.
Let us know if you’d like more details on which package suits your needs!
Are you on Rightmove?
Yes, we list our properties on Rightmove, Zoopla and Onthemarket.com. Our listings are detailed and comprehensive, featuring:
High-quality photographs – We use a professional photographer who spends up to two hours capturing up to 20 high-quality images.
Detailed floor plans – Every room is labeled with accurate measurements, along with the overall floor area.
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) – This is uploaded for easy reference.
Video tours and drone footage – We offer immersive video tours and high-shot drone images/videos of the property and surrounding areas.
Local area insights – Our listings provide information on local schools, broadband providers, and typical internet speeds.
Check us out on Rightmove here: Link Agency Rightmove
What Information Does an Estate Agent Need Before Selling Your House?
Property Information Required:
To ensure we can accurately and legally market your home, we need details on:
Key Features & Alterations – Any significant changes or updates since the last sale.
Material Information – Any details that could impact a buyer’s decision, ensuring full transparency.
Land Registry & Restrictions – We review the title and check for any covenants or legal constraints.
Property Condition – Disclosure of defects, subsidence, flood risks, or other insurance-related concerns.
Construction Details – What the property is built from and whether a mortgage has ever been declined.
Vendor Information Required:
Identity & Compliance Checks – We must verify the seller’s identity and confirm they are legally allowed to sell the property.
Previous Sale Data – We review past sale prices and local market trends to provide an accurate valuation.
Final Steps Before Marketing
Once all checks are completed, we create a set of property particulars for marketing. We ask sellers to review and approve these details before listing the property to ensure all information is correct and legally compliant.
By gathering this information, we help ensure a smooth, transparent, and legally sound selling process.
What does the agreement look like with an estate agent?
Most estate agent agreements are on a sole agency basis, meaning that only one agent is responsible for selling the property. This allows the agent to work effectively without consistantly knocking elbows with other agents.
Typically, estate agency contracts operate on a no sale, no fee basis. As defined in the Estate Agents Act, this means the seller only pays a fee if there is an unconditional exchange of contracts with a buyer.
However, some agents use a "ready, willing, and able buyer" contract. Under this type of agreement, the seller must pay a fee if the agent finds a buyer who meets the agreed terms—even if the seller later decides not to proceed with the sale.
At Link Agency, we use a sole agency agreement. In some cases, we may request a contribution towards marketing costs upfront. It’s important to note that not all contracts are the same. Some online agents advertise no commission but charge high upfront fees, which may reduce their motivation to secure a sale, potentially leading to lower service quality.
What should I expect from a market appraisal walk-around?
A market appraisal walk-around typically takes around an hour, though it can sometimes be shorter. During this time, the estate agent will ask various questions to assess both the property's saleability and the seller’s motivation.
It’s important to remember that the agent is also looking to secure your business, so the conversation will likely cover not just the potential asking price but also the terms of engagement.
A good estate agent will highlight any areas of the property that could benefit from improvements before going to market. They will also provide comparisons with similar properties that have recently sold or are currently listed, helping you understand market conditions and determine a competitive asking price.
Additionally, a knowledgeable agent will explain the entire selling process, emphasizing the importance of receiving the right advice from the outset and throughout the transaction until completion. They should also be well-versed in relevant legal requirements, such as the Estate Agents Act and other evolving legislation that sellers must comply with. Since property regulations change frequently, a competent agent will ensure you are kept informed and compliant.
How long will it take to sell my house?
The time it takes to sell your house can vary based on several factors, including market conditions and pricing. Here’s a breakdown of the process with Link Agency:
Initial Contact & Market Appraisal
After your initial inquiry, we will arrange a visit to your property to conduct a market appraisal. Following this, we will send you a proposal outlining our marketing strategy and fees.
Marketing & Listing
Once you agree to proceed, we provide formal terms via an e-signable document. We then arrange for professional photography and floor plans, which are typically ready within 36 hours. As soon as these are completed, we will list your property on major platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and On The Market. Many buyers have alerts set up, meaning early interest is common.
Viewings & Negotiations
We arrange and often conduct viewings on your behalf, as sellers can sometimes struggle with this part of the process. We gather feedback, negotiate offers, and work to secure the best possible deal for you.
Sales Progression & Completion
Once an offer is accepted, we notify both parties' solicitors with a memorandum of sale. Sales progression is a critical stage, requiring expertise to navigate potential issues in the chain. We proactively monitor progress to ensure a smooth transaction.
Typical Timelines:
We aim to secure a buyer within 12 weeks, though our initial contract is 16 weeks to allow for market variations.
Once a sale is agreed, the legal process typically takes 5 to 20 weeks, with 12 to 16 weeks being the average.
In chain-free situations, completion can happen in as little as 5 weeks, while some cases may take up to 24 weeks, depending on complexities.
On average, Link Agency sells homes faster than the UK average, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
What should I expect from a market appraisal walk-around?
A market appraisal walk-around typically takes around an hour, though it can sometimes be shorter. During this time, the estate agent will ask various questions to assess both the property's saleability and the seller’s motivation.
It’s important to remember that the agent is also looking to secure your business, so the conversation will likely cover not just the potential asking price but also the terms of engagement.
A good estate agent will highlight any areas of the property that could benefit from improvements before going to market. They will also provide comparisons with similar properties that have recently sold or are currently listed, helping you understand market conditions and determine a competitive asking price.
Additionally, a knowledgeable agent will explain the entire selling process, emphasising the importance of receiving the right advice from the outset and throughout the transaction until completion. They should also be well-versed in relevant legal requirements, such as the Estate Agents Act and other evolving legislation that sellers must comply with. Since property regulations change frequently, a competent agent will ensure you are kept informed and compliant.
How do you handle viewings?
At Link Agency, we aim to conduct viewings personally whenever possible, as an experienced agent significantly increases the likelihood of securing an offer. However, if a potential buyer requests a viewing at a time that does not suit the agent, and the seller is comfortable conducting it, this can be an option.
That said, agent-led viewings tend to be more effective. Sellers often try to oversell their property, highlighting features that may not resonate with the viewer. An agent, on the other hand, takes an objective approach, allowing the viewer to explore freely while providing relevant information when needed.
A typical viewing lasts around 30 minutes, with some variation. When an agent is present, they can gauge the viewer’s level of interest through their questions and guide them toward making an offer. If a buyer is eager to proceed, the agent can offer valuable advice on structuring and timing the offer for the best chance of success.
While the agent is legally required to represent the seller, a skilled agent understands the importance of creating a balanced deal that satisfies both parties, ensuring a smoother transaction with minimal risk of the buyer or seller backing out.
How Should I Handle Viewings for My Property?
1. Be Prepared in Advance
Be at the property at the property well before the scheduled viewing time. Ensure the house is warm by turning on the heating, and create a welcoming atmosphere by making a fresh coffee or airing the rooms if neccessary.
2. Clean and Tidy Up
Vacuum the carpets, tidy up all rooms, and remove any clutter. A clean and well-presented home makes a great first impression.
3. Manage Pets
If you have pets, especially dogs, make arrangements to keep them out of the way to avoid distractions.
4. Assign One Person for the Viewing
Decide on a single person to conduct the viewing. Anyone else in the property should keep interactions minimal, simply greeting viewers with a “hello.”
5. Let the Viewer Take the Lead
Allow potential buyers to explore at their own pace and in the order they prefer. Avoid directing them or asking unnecessary questions—they have already been pre-qualified by the agent.
6. Answer Questions Concisely
If the viewer has questions, answer them briefly and to the point. Avoid going off-topic or providing too much information that isn’t relevant.
7. Be Polite but Not Overly Friendly
Maintain a professional yet welcoming attitude. While offering a drink might seem polite, keep in mind that it may extend the viewing time unnecessarily and make it harder for the buyer to move around comfortably.
By following these steps, you’ll create a smooth and positive experience for potential buyers, increasing your chances of a successful sale.