How do you choose an estate agent?

Rightmove report that new instructions were up 2.1% in January, the first positive rise in over a year, but how do prospective sellers choose their agent? A survey by the Property Academy has found 'Confidence in ability' was rated by more sellers than any other single quality and far outweighed the minority of sellers (16%) who based their choice of agent on fees. 71% of respondents placed 'Likeability and Trust' in their top five criteria for choosing an agent in 2019, while back in 2009 just over half (57%) chose an agent based on trust. Building a rapport, engaging and communicating regularly with both sellers and buyers throughout the house buying process, will undoubtedly maximise customer satisfaction.