Estate agents do not always have the best reputation, and it is worth being honest about that. In its 2025 Veracity Index, published in December 2025, Ipsos found that public trust in estate agents had fallen by five percentage points compared with the previous year.
It is not a comfortable statistic for the industry, but it raises an important question for anyone thinking about selling their home: how do you find an estate agent you can genuinely trust?
This is not a sales pitch. It is a straightforward guide to what every homeowner should expect from an estate agent, helping you judge us, and anyone else you speak to, by the same standards.
What should you always expect from an estate agent?
Good service should not be considered an added extra. There are certain standards every homeowner should expect when selling a property, regardless of which estate agent they choose.
Honesty about price and value
A property valuation should be supported by genuine evidence, including recent comparable sales and knowledge of the local market. Be wary of a figure that sounds appealing but cannot be properly justified.
Clear fees from the outset
You should understand exactly what you are paying, what is included and when fees become payable. These details should be clearly explained and provided in writing before you commit.
Regular, straightforward communication
You should never be left wondering what is happening with your own property. A good estate agent should keep you informed about viewings, feedback, interest and developments throughout the process.
Accompanied viewings and useful feedback
Viewings should be handled professionally, with honest feedback provided afterwards. That feedback may not always be what you want to hear, but it can provide valuable insight into how buyers are responding to your home.
Support after an offer is accepted
Agreeing a sale is only part of the process. Your estate agent should continue working proactively to keep the transaction moving, communicating with the relevant parties and helping to address issues that could cause delays.
Your interests put first
Your agent is working on your behalf. Advice should reflect what is right for you, rather than simply securing the quickest or easiest transaction.
What should you never accept?
Knowing what a homeowner should expect also means recognising when those standards are not being met.
You should think carefully before choosing an agent if you experience:
- Pressure to make a quick decision when you are not ready.
- An inflated valuation with little evidence to support it.
- Poor communication or repeatedly having to chase for updates.
- Unexpected fees or charges that were not made clear at the outset.
- Being passed between different people without clear responsibility for your sale.
- An agent who talks more than they listen or avoids giving straight answers to straightforward questions.
Choosing an estate agent is an important decision. You should feel comfortable asking questions, challenging advice and taking the time you need before committing.
How can you tell a good estate agent from the rest?
Pay attention to how an agent behaves before you sign anything, because it can tell you a great deal about the service you are likely to receive afterwards.
Ask how they arrived at their valuation and whether they can support it with recent local evidence. Look at how clearly they explain their fees, contract and marketing approach. Consider whether they listen to your priorities rather than simply telling you what they think you want to hear.
It is also worth looking beyond an agent’s own marketing. Independent reviews and testimonials can give you an insight into the experiences of previous clients.
Independent accountability can provide another valuable layer of reassurance. Anyone can describe themselves as trustworthy, but external standards mean considerably more when somebody else is checking that those promises are being upheld.
Why we chose to be an Ethical Agent
There is another way to approach estate agency, and it is one we have chosen to commit to.
We are proud members of the Ethical Agent Network (EAN), a national network of independent estate agents assessed against standards covering honesty, service, professionalism and community care.
Membership is earned rather than simply bought, and it can be taken away if those standards are not maintained. We are the only agent in our area to hold membership, giving our clients an additional level of independent reassurance about the standards we promise to uphold.
For us, it means putting our commitment to ethical estate agency in writing and allowing someone other than ourselves to hold us accountable.
If you would like to know more about the Ethical Agent Network, please get in touch or visit their website.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if an estate agent is trustworthy?
Look at how they behave before you commit. They should be honest about your property’s value, explain their fees and terms clearly, communicate openly and take the time to understand your circumstances. Independent reviews and external accountability can also provide useful reassurance.
What is the biggest red flag when choosing an estate agent?
An unusually high property valuation with little evidence to support it should prompt further questions. Always ask an agent to explain how they reached their figure and to show you relevant, recent local sales that support their recommendation.
What should I expect from an estate agent when selling my home?
A homeowner should expect honest valuation advice, transparent fees, regular communication, professional viewings, useful feedback and proactive support throughout the sale, including after an offer has been accepted.
What is the Ethical Agent Network?
The Ethical Agent Network is a national network of independent estate agents assessed against standards covering honesty, service, professionalism and community care. Membership must be earned and maintained, providing an additional form of accountability beyond an agent’s own promises.
Choose an agent with confidence
Whether or not you ever choose to work with us, you should feel confident about the standards you are entitled to expect when selling your home.
Ask questions, look for evidence and pay attention to how you are treated from the very first conversation. A good estate agent should be able to earn your trust rather than simply ask for it.
If you are thinking about selling and would like to talk through your options, we are always happy to help. And if you know someone who is about to choose an estate agent, please share this guide with them. It could help them make a much more informed decision.
Source: Ipsos Veracity Index 2025, published December 2025.
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