Most historians in the country agree that Colchester is the oldest town within the UK. The settlement was made into a major town during the Roman occupation. This was because the location of the town was extremely beneficial. The benefits of the town included close links to trade thanks to the river Colne and an elevated position over the rest of the surrounding landscape. Today is no different and Colchester is still a popular place to live; with many estate agents in the town, finding property is made is easy. The properties range from modern, chic flats to quaint country cottages on the outskirts; with the correct estate agent it will be possible to find the right property for you, but what should you consider before choosing an estate agent. Here are some of the key considerations.



The most important thing to remember, not just in Colchester but in the wider world is that ultimately you will get what you pay for. Like everything in life, a balance between costs and services is important. While it may be tempting to always opt for the cheapest price, it does not necessarily mean that you will receive a great service. In some cases it will be advisable to pay a little extra to gain an estate agent that will strive to sell or find you a property with gusto. Most agencies will be willing to haggle over price but it is important to remember not to haggle too hard, the less you pay, the less effort the agent is likely to put in on your behalf.

The majority of the property selling and buying process requires a great deal of paperwork. Subsequently be sure to wear your thinking cap and take your reading glasses. When signing up to an agent there will be a contract to sign. Understanding what inclusions are in the contract is vital so you do not get hoodwinked into signing up for a poor service. In terms of specific things to look for, try to avoid sole selling agreements and clauses that will sign you up to an agent for more than two months.

Many people believe that using more than one agent will increase their chances of a quick sale. This is not always the case however, in some instances, a buyer who comes to look round your property and sees a plethora of different advertising boards on the front lawn may be inclined to believe that you are desperate to sell. The results can range from buyers putting in lower offers to the not offering at all due to the belief that there is something seriously wrong with the property. That said, having more than one agent can increase your property's visibility on the market and if they can work together well, can be rewarding.

When selecting an agent be sure to interview many. During this process take notes on each in order to have a reference when making the decision later. In addition, try not to be too heavily influenced by first impressions, while the older less pressuring agent may seem a nicer person, often the flashier, sales technique of younger players can lead to a faster sale. Make the decision predominantly on the track record of the agent; assess their success rates of selling properties and the average time that one of their properties sits on the market. At this stage a methodical and logical approach is essential.

Hopefully this information has given those in Colchester and beyond a better understanding of the process of choosing an estate agent. Naturally property is an emotive issue, having the right agent can help in easing the process and in general making it more rewarding, financially and emotionally.