We present a weekly guide to help you choose the right agent.  This week, we ask what should your agent do for you?

If you’re a buyer your agent should introduce you to as many properties as possible that match your brief. This means: (1) Properties that meet your requirements, e.g. a studio flat, apartment or detached house, number of bedrooms, underground parking, etc. (2)  Within your price range. (3) Within your chosen areas.
If an agent keeps showing you properties that don’t meet your requirements, either they haven’t focused on your needs or you didn’t brief them properly.

If you’re a vendor your agent should do all they can within the law to get the best possible price for your property. Remember that you’re the boss, so keep a level head and don’t allow them to get pushy. (1) They should notify you of all viewings, preferably giving you 24 hours’ notice.  (2) They should call you on a weekly basis to provide you with feedback on enquiries, viewings or to update you on the progress of the sale of your property. (3) They should be in regular touch with all parties – buyers, sellers, solicitors and mortgage lenders – to make the deal as smooth and stress-free as possible. (4) They should be wise to any likely pitfalls. (5)  Finally, on the day of completion, they should be available to hand over the keys.