Can anyone become an estate agent

A.� Yes, anyone can act for you in selling a property. However, to ensure you chose one that is regulated by their own industry check the agents are members of the National Association of Estate Agents or the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Long and well-established agencies will often have the letters ANAEA or FNAEA, meaning they are associates or fellows of the National Association of Estate Agents.

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A.� It's important for you and your potential buyers. If you find the staff friendly and trustworthy then the chances are that the buyers will too. Appearances are particularly important if it is the agent rather than yourselves who is going to be showing potential buyers around the property.

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A.� If an estate agent's office is in a central location then it likely to attract more passing interest. Have a look yourself and see which ones display the most properties for sale and how well they are presented.

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A.� Local knowledge can be a very useful tool, especially in rural areas where experience of services and amenities can be very helpful for newcomers. Ask your neighbours if they have good or bad experiences with particular firms. Look around the neighbourhood and see which agents have the most signs up and the most sold signs. Have a look at the local paper and see which agents have the largest and best presented advert.

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Local reputations aren't the be all and end all though, as the rash of on-line estate agencies are proving. If you have a particularly desirable property or live in a high demand area or so called 'hot spot' you will often want to advertise it as widely as possible so a national, or on-line agency, or certainly an agency with a comprehensive website, will maximise your exposure to potential buyers around the country.

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A.� It is usually worth getting a minimum of three valuations. When you do note how thoroughly the agent inspects the property. If you have friends or neighbours who have bought similar places locally try and find out how much they paid. That will give you a rough idea of going rates and help you spot any unrealistically high or low valuations.

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However, don't chose an agent solely on price. Find out about the range of services and the terms they offer. Will you have to show would be purchasers around yourself or will the agent do it If they are to be the 'sole agents', don't sign a long-term contract so that if you are not happy with the agents you can quickly dispense with their services and find another agent. Check where your property is going to be advertised and how often.

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