Questions To Ask An Estate Agent In Solihull Before Selling

If you are looking for an estate agent in Solihull, choosing the right one is one of the most important parts of selling your home. The agent you choose can influence your asking price, the interest your property receives and how smoothly your sale progresses from valuation to completion.

For sellers in Shirley, Solihull and the surrounding areas, it is worth comparing agents properly before you sign an agreement. Here are the key questions to ask.

1. How Will You Value My Property?

A strong valuation should be based on recent local sales, current buyer demand and the condition of your home. Be cautious of an agent who gives you an inflated valuation simply to win your instruction. An unrealistic asking price can leave a property sitting on the market for longer, making buyers question why it has not sold.

Ask the agent to explain how they reached their figure and to show you comparable homes they have sold in Shirley, Solihull or your specific postcode. A good estate agent should be honest about the market, even when the advice is not necessarily the highest number.

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2. What Marketing Will You Use To Sell My Home?

Selling a home takes more than placing it on a property portal. Ask your agent exactly how they plan to make your property stand out to the right buyers.

Your marketing should ideally include:

• Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket exposure
• Professional photography
• Cinematic video and drone footage
• Floorplans and virtual tours
• Social media promotion
• Matching your home with registered buyers
• A clear plan for generating viewings and offers

Oakmans combines professional property marketing with targeted social media and buyer matching to give every home strong exposure. Find out more about our property marketing.

3. What Fees Will I Pay?

Every estate agent has a different fee structure, so make sure you know exactly what is included before you agree to anything.

Ask:

• Is the fee a percentage or a fixed amount?
• Is VAT included?
• Are photography, floorplans and marketing included?
• Is there a charge if the property does not sell?
• Is there a withdrawal fee?
• How long is the contract?

A good agent should be transparent about their costs and give you a clear breakdown from the beginning.

4. Who Will Handle My Viewings And Offers?

Ask who will conduct your viewings, whether they know your home well and how quickly you will receive feedback afterwards.You should also find out who will negotiate offers. A skilled negotiator can make a real difference when there is interest from more than one buyer, or when an offer needs to be improved.

At Oakmans, our teams support sellers at every stage, from managing viewings and buyer feedback to negotiating offers and progressing the sale towards completion.

5. What Is Your Track Record In My Area?

Local experience matters when choosing an estate agent in Solihull. Ask for examples of similar properties the agent has sold in your area, how long they took to sell and what buyer demand is currently like.

For homeowners in Shirley, it is especially useful to choose an agent who understands the local market, buyer expectations and the types of property that are most in demand.

Oakmans is proud to be No.1 on Rightmove for sales agreed in B29, B30 and B31, with more than 1,300 five-star reviews. Our Shirley team also supports sellers across Solihull, Hall Green, Yardley Wood and nearby areas.

6. How Will You Keep Me Updated?

Regular communication makes the selling process far less stressful. Ask how often you will hear from your agent, whether you will have a named contact and how they will update you after viewings.

You should not be left chasing for answers. At Oakmans, we provide regular updates and have an in-house sales progression team to help keep your sale moving from offer through to completion.

7. Do I Have To Use Your Recommended Solicitor?

No. You are free to choose your own solicitor or conveyancer.

Your estate agent may recommend a legal partner they work with regularly, which can sometimes make communication easier. However, you should always compare costs, reviews and service before deciding who to instruct.

For a clear overview of the steps involved in selling, including valuations, EPCs, offers and conveyancing, read the GOV.UK guide to selling a home.

8. What Will You Do If My Property Does Not Sell?

This is one of the most important questions to ask. If your property has been on the market for several weeks without enough interest, your agent should have a clear plan.

They may need to review the asking price, photos, presentation, marketing or feedback from potential buyers. A proactive agent will discuss this with you and recommend practical next steps, rather than leaving your property unchanged.

Selling In Shirley Or Solihull? Speak To Oakmans

If you are looking for an estate agent in Solihull who understands the Shirley market, Oakmans can provide clear advice, professional marketing and support from valuation through to completion.

Book a free valuation or contact the Oakmans team to discuss your move.

Frequently Asked Questions