Compare Online Estate Agents

How to compare online estate agents

If you’ve decided that you should use an online estate agent, the next step is to compare the numerous options in the table above to find the right firm for you. It sounds simple, but the way you compare online estate agents will depend on your property and your needs.

Compare online estate agent fees

Most people are attracted to the idea of online agents because their set fees are much cheaper than paying a high street agent a % commission of the final sale price. However, what’s included in their set fee can differ from online agent to online agent so look carefully at each package. As a bare minimum the standard rate should include the basics:

• Photography
• Floorplans
• Advertising on Rightmove and Zoopla
• A For Sale Board (which they erect for you)

Online estate agents offer a wide choice of services add-ons that you can pay extra for. You need to think about what is important to you, and be wary of simply opting for an online estate agents in-house conveyancing and mortgage service. Get a quote but remember it’s important to shop around. Take a look at our guides on how much conveyancing should cost and why it’s worth using a mortgage broker.

Compare when you need to pay commission

Most online estate agents expect you to pay upfront, whether they end up selling your property or not. If you don’t like this idea, some agents offer a “No Sale, No Fee” option, but they often work out more expensive than paying up-front.

Deferred or pay later payment options are available that mean you can pay when your property sells or at the 10 or 12 month point. Be aware that these options usually involve entering into a credit agreement with a third party agency, so read the contract carefully.

Be aware that paying up-front comes with risks.  If your property doesn’t sell, you want to switch from the online estate agent or they go out of business (like eMoov did in 2018 and most recently House Network has in 2019), then you’ll lose your money. You will see in the above table that some online estate agents offer packages that allow you to pay on completion – but they are usually relatively more expensive overall.

Compare how the online agents conduct viewings

The default option with online estate agents is that you show potential buyers around your property. With the growing popularity of PurpleBricks – a hybrid agent that offers an online service but with local property experts to conduct viewings – other online estate agents are following suit by offering add-on options to conduct viewings. Speak to the agent to understand how many viewings are included in the additional price, who will conduct them and how it will work in practice.

Be wary of jargon

If you don’t understand what you’re paying for, make sure you ask the online estate agents for clarification. Most online agents have handy online web chat facilities or are open long hours so give them a call.

A classic example is “account management” versus “sales progression”. The first often refers to dealing with your listing and organising viewings whereas “sales progression” suggests the agent will play a more active and traditional estate agent role of chasing solicitors, contacting other estate agents in your chain and so on.

Compare length of contract and property marketing

If it isn’t clear on the website, don’t forget to ask for how long your property will be advertised for. Traditionally it’s 12 months but we have seen fixed fees only covering a six month marketing period after which time, if your home hasn’t sold, you will have to pay to extend advertising.

You should also ask to see the terms of engagement and ask if there is a contract the agent can either send you or that you can read online.

Negotiate and save more

Just because online agents are a cheaper way of selling your house than high street agents, it doesn’t mean they aren’t still making money along the way. For example, we were struck by the difference in charges for Environmental Performance Certificates (EPCs), as well as the number of times that online estate agents change their fixed prices during the year.

Negotiate with your agent. They won’t want to lose your business because you want a cheaper Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and asking could save you money. Or else get quotes today and organise your own. You can find a local energy assessor to undertake an EPC for as little as £50. See our guide on EPCs for sellers.

Compare EPC Quotes now – there is usually a cheaper option

What next?

Once you’ve chosen your online estate agent, check out our step by step guide to selling your house online. We’ve covered everything so you get the most out of your online estate agent.

One of the steps we advise everyone using an online agent is speaking to the best local estate agent operating in your area first. This will be important for comparing the online estate agent offering with what your best local agent can offer in terms of fees and service. They will also be able to advise on what price you should sell for. While an online agent can give you a valuation it is likely to be based on online data. Hybrid agents with local expertise may do a better job. But nothing beats getting the opinion of your local high street agents.

Our Estateagent4me tool is free and instantly allows you to find local agents and compare them in terms of how quickly they sell homes like yours, how often they achieve asking price and fees.

Find the best performing local estate agent with estateagent4me