Behind the Scenes: What an Estate Agent Actually Does for You

When it comes to selling your home, it’s easy to underestimate just how much goes on behind the scenes. You might think that an estate agent just puts up For Sale boards, does a few viewings and maybe an online listing or two. But in reality, that’s just scratching the surface.

At Follwells, we know that selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions you’ll ever make. That’s why our team is hands-on at every stage, bringing over 30 years of local expertise to each and every move.

So, what does an estate agent really do for you?

What estate agents do that you do see

There are a few things that every seller expects when they choose an estate agent. With Follwells, you’ll see your property listed on our website and Rightmove. Professional photographs and a 360 virtual tour or detailed floorplan will be arranged. A For Sale board will go up, viewings will be booked and you’ll get constructive feedback following each appointment.

This visible side of the process is important – but it’s just the beginning. Behind the scenes, far more is happening to ensure that your sale goes smoothly and successfully.

What estate agents do that you don’t see

Getting the price right

One of the most crucial steps happens early on – pricing your property accurately. At Follwells, we base our valuations on deep knowledge of the local market and real-time data, allowing us to price homes in a way that attracts interest and delivers the best return. A well-priced home can generate competition, drive up offers and even reduce time on the market.

Read how local estate agents help homes sell for more.

Marketing that makes a difference

While online listings are vital, they’re just one tool in a broader marketing approach. At Follwells, we craft a strategy tailored to each property and the kind of buyer it’s likely to attract. That might involve using our database of registered buyers or marketing your home across social media channels.

Effective marketing is about positioning your home in the right way, for the right audience.

Negotiating with skill

Once interest builds, negotiation begins and this is where an experienced estate agent can truly add value. Negotiating with skill is about understanding the strength of the buyer, the conditions attached to their offer and how to balance competing bids. We help you to navigate these decisions calmly and confidently, ensuring you get the best possible outcome, not just the quickest.

Managing the sale from start to finish

What estate agents do once an offer is accepted is perhaps the least visible to our sellers. From that point onwards, we become the central point of contact for everyone involved: solicitors, surveyors and other estate agents in the chain.

This part of the process, known as sales progression, is essential to keeping your sale on track. We follow up, chase progress, resolve issues and keep you fully informed along the way.

Choosing the right estate agent

Of course, not all estate agents work the same way. If you’re weighing up your options, it’s worth asking: Will they be responsive? Do they understand the local market? Are they transparent about fees and the selling process?

There are also red flags to watch out for like unrealistic valuations, lack of marketing detail or poor communication once you’ve signed a contract. Find out how to spot a great estate agent and 5 red flags to avoid.

Follwells is rooted in Newcastle-under-Lyme and the surrounding area, so we’re able to bring a deeper level of insight to the table. We know house prices, school catchment areas, future development plans and what makes each street unique. That context shapes everything from pricing to presentation and gives sellers a real advantage in a competitive market.

Catch up with our team to see what it’s like to be an estate agent in Newcastle Under Lyme.

What our estate agents do for you

Follwells has been family-run from day one and our approach is rooted in trust, care and personal service. We believe in clear advice, honest guidance and results. Whether you’re selling a one-bedroom flat or a large family home, we treat every property with the same attention to detail.

Selling your home can be exciting, demanding and everything in between. Having the right estate agent by your side makes all the difference.

Thinking about selling or curious about your home’s current value? Get an instant valuation online today or contact our friendly team on 01782 615530 / email@follwells.co.uk to book your face-to-face valuation.