Buying From Estate Agents 

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The main reasons most people use estate agents to sell their properties is that they have the experience, expertise and buyer reach to speed up the sale. Whether you're selling a property or looking to buy a property, a good estate agent can often simplify a property sale remarkably.

It's a good idea to check whether a potential estate agent is registered with a recognised organisation. Members voluntarily sign up to a Code of Practice, which rules out the danger or unscrupulous practices.

The main regulatory organisations for the property industry are:

• The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)
• The Guild of Professional Estate Agents (GPEA)
• The Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA)

It's important as a buyer to have a good relationship with your estate agent - this can make the difference between a smooth or problematic sale.

It's a good idea to meet with an estate agent face-to-face so that you can thoroughly discuss your requirements. This reduces the time and bother of being sent on viewings that don't match what you're looking for.

Often when attractive properties go on the market they are snapped up before you have the chance to view them. There are, however, ways to ensure you come to mind first when an estate agent receives news of a new home on the market:

• Ask whether the estate agent has a Premium Buyer Service - this gives you primary access to new properties.
• Keep in regular contact to show you are serious about buying a property, rather than merely interested in viewing opportunities.
• Make clear which of your requirements for a property are essential and which are flexible.
• Give thorough feedback to estate agents after viewing a property so they can build a clear idea of what you want.
• Ensure you have a mortgage agreement in principle
• You will need an appropriate deposit subject to the value of the property being purchased

After you've found your new home, continue to keep in good contact with the estate agent to make the legal processes like mortgage valuations move forward smoothly.

If you need to make a complaint against an estate agent, contact the Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA). This is an independent service which deals with disputes between member estate agents and consumers in the UK.

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