Thinking of Selling Your Home? 5 Questions to Ask Your Estate Agent

Getting your home valued is an important first step if you are thinking about selling. But a valuation is about more than simply putting a figure on your property. A good estate agent should be able to explain how they arrived at that figure, demonstrate their knowledge of the local market and give you a clear idea of how they would approach the sale.

If you're meeting an estate agent to value your home, here are five questions worth asking.

1. How do you value a property, and what are the key factors you take into account?

A property valuation isn't based on one factor alone. An experienced estate agent will consider a combination of factors, including the property's size, condition, layout, BER rating, location, garden, parking and any additional features or improvements. The BER rating is worth understanding in particular, as it affects both a buyer's likely running costs and how they perceive the property.

Most importantly, the valuation should be supported by evidence from comparable properties. Looking at what similar homes have recently sold for provides a much more meaningful indication of current market value than simply looking at asking prices.

Our negotiators bring this evidence together with what they're seeing on the ground week to week, so the figure you're given reflects both the data and the day-to-day reality of your local market.

2. How well do you know the local market?

Local knowledge matters. Property markets can vary considerably from one neighbourhood to the next, and even between different roads or developments.

Ask your estate agent what they are seeing in the local market. How much demand is there for properties like yours? What types of buyers are currently looking? How quickly are comparable properties selling? And are buyers generally paying close to asking price?

An agent with strong local knowledge should be able to talk about the market based on recent experience and transactions, rather than relying solely on broader national or regional trends.

Our own negotiators are based local to our offices in Terenure, Ranelagh, Dun Laoghaire, Fairview and Navan and in the areas they cover from Harolds Cross and Monkstown to Clontarf and Drumcondra. This means their knowledge comes from being on the ground day to day.

3. What are the key selling points of my property? And what improvements, if any, would you recommend before selling?

An estate agent should be able to identify what makes your property attractive to potential buyers.

It could be the location, a south-facing garden, a recently renovated kitchen, generous living space, parking, a home office or proximity to schools and transport links. Sometimes the features that appeal most to buyers aren't necessarily the ones a homeowner notices.

It's also worth asking whether there are any improvements worth making before going to market. This doesn't necessarily mean undertaking major renovations. Decluttering, decorating, improving kerb appeal or simply presenting the property at its best can sometimes make a significant difference. Our negotiators see properties across the local market every week, so we can give you an honest view of which improvements are likely to add value and which aren't worth the spend.

The important question is whether the likely benefit justifies the cost. Not every improvement will add enough value to make it worthwhile.

4. What would you recommend as the asking price, and what do you realistically think the property could achieve?

This is perhaps the most obvious question, but it's important to understand the difference between an asking price and an expected selling price.

Your agent should be able to explain the thinking behind their recommended asking price and how it relates to the evidence they have gathered.

It's also worth asking how they would approach pricing strategically. Depending on the property and the market, the objective may be to price competitively to generate strong interest, or to position the property differently based on its characteristics and likely buyer demand.

Don't be afraid to ask an agent to explain their valuation, particularly if you receive different valuations from different agents. The highest valuation isn't necessarily the most realistic one.

Wondering what your own home could be worth? Our local negotiators can give you an up-to-date valuation based on recent comparable sales, current buyer demand and what we're seeing in your local market.

5. How would you market the property and manage the sale?

Once you have a valuation, the next question is how the agent intends to turn that valuation into a successful sale.

Ask how they would present and market your property, including photography, floor plans, online listings, social media and their own database of potential buyers.

It's also important to understand how they manage the sales process. How will they communicate with you? How will they handle viewings and offers? How will they keep potential buyers engaged? And what happens once a sale is agreed?

This is exactly the role a dedicated negotiator plays for you, staying by your side from the first viewing through to the final closing.

A strong marketing campaign can create interest, but good communication and careful management of the sales process are equally important.

A valuation is about more than a number. It’s an opportunity to understand your property’s position in the current market, what buyers are looking for and the best way to approach a sale.

Next Steps

At Quillsen, we take great pride in our people, they are experienced and knowledgeable in both property and their local area. Their knowledge and expertise allow us to achieve the best for you.  At every point on your selling journey, we will help you to get the best possible outcome. Our valuations are carefully prepared to ensure that your expectations are met and indeed, in many cases, exceeded. As an independent, family-owned agency with PSRA-licensed negotiators across Dublin and Navan since 1956, we bring decades of local experience to every valuation. We'd love to help you sell yours.

Find out more about what our clients have said about us. And if you'd like to start your journey now get in touch or request a valuation.

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