Choosing the right estate agent is one of the most important decisions when selling your home. In Swindon’s active property market, not all estate agents offer the same service, experience, or results.
Picking the wrong one can lead to wasted time, reduced interest in your home, lower offers, or even a failed sale.
It is easy to assume that all agents do roughly the same thing. However, their approach, knowledge, and level of personal service can vary widely.
Whether you are selling for the first time or have done it before, knowing what to look for helps protect your most significant financial asset.
Here are the five most common mistakes sellers make when choosing an estate agent in Swindon, and how to avoid them.
Mistake One: Choosing An Agent Based Only On The Lowest Fee
Selling a home comes with costs, so it is natural to want to keep fees down. However, choosing an estate agent solely because they offer the cheapest commission is rarely the right move. A low fee often means a more limited service.
That could mean basic photos, no personalised marketing, or slow response times when you need support.
In Swindon’s market, where good presentation and targeted promotion can increase both interest and offers, the quality of service matters. The difference between one or two per cent commission is often less significant than what you walk away with at the end of the sale.
A higher fee can easily be justified if your agent helps you achieve a higher selling price or a faster completion.
Mistake Two: Ignoring The Agent’s Local Experience
Not every estate agent has in-depth knowledge of the Swindon market. Some cover multiple towns, relying on broader trends rather than street-level understanding. But local knowledge matters more than ever regarding pricing, marketing, and negotiating.
An agent who understands Swindon knows what buyers are looking for in Old Town, Wroughton, North Swindon, or Wichelstowe.
They know what prices similar homes have recently sold for, what schools or transport links add value, and what properties are currently in demand. This knowledge lets them accurately advise you, attract the right buyers, and confidently negotiate.
Mistake Three: Believing The Highest Valuation Is Always Best
It is tempting to choose the agent who values your property the highest. After all, a bigger number sounds promising. But overpricing a home can lead to a slower sale, reduced interest, and eventually, a drop in offers, or worse, no offers.
An inflated asking price may limit your visibility on property portals and cause serious buyers to overlook your listing. As time passes, your property may become stale, and you may be forced to reduce the price, often weakening your negotiating position.
A good agent will support their valuation with evidence from local sales and current listings. They will explain their reasoning clearly, rather than simply telling you what you want to hear.
A realistic, well-supported valuation is more likely to generate viewings, competitive offers, and a quicker sale.
Mistake Four: Overlooking Marketing Quality And Reach
In today’s property market, most buyers start their search online. That means your home needs to look its best when it goes live. Choosing an estate agent that cuts corners on marketing can limit how many buyers even see your property, let alone book a viewing.
Ask how the agent promotes listings. Do they use professional photography? Do they advertise across the major property portals?
Do they have a social media presence or a database of active buyers? In a town like Swindon, where properties vary widely from one area to the next, your home needs to stand out with clear, well-crafted descriptions and attention-grabbing visuals.
Mistake Five: Not Asking About Communication And Service Levels
Selling a home can be stressful, and your agent’s poor communication worsens it. Some sellers report feeling left in the dark after listing their property, with few updates and little guidance. This often comes down to choosing an agent who doesn’t prioritise regular contact.
The best agents keep you informed from day one. They let you know how viewings are going, what buyers are saying, and what offers are on the table. If there are delays, they explain why and suggest solutions.
An agent who makes time for you, returns your calls promptly, and provides honest feedback can turn a potentially frustrating process into a smooth experience.
It’s worth asking how your agent plans to update you early, how quickly they respond to messages, and whether you will have one central point of contact.
What To Look For In An Estate Agent Instead
Choosing the right estate agent in Swindon means looking beyond flashy adverts or headline promises. You need a team that understands the local market, gives realistic advice, and commits to representing your home with care.
That includes pricing it accurately, marketing it professionally, negotiating strongly, and keeping you in the loop.
Look at recent results in your area, speak with the agent about your goals, and trust your instinct. If the agent listens to you, backs up their strategy with data, and takes the time to answer your questions, that’s a strong start.
Why Sellers Choose Miles Byron
At Miles Byron, we combine deep local knowledge with a personal, honest approach. We understand how the Swindon market behaves, not just in general, but right down to the street level.
Whether in Wroughton, Old Town, North Swindon, or further afield in Wiltshire, we’ll give you the advice and insight you need to make informed choices.
We never overpromise. We’ll provide an accurate valuation supported by market data and tailored marketing designed to highlight your property’s strengths. That includes professional photography, local advertising, and access to motivated buyers looking for homes like yours.
Our clients appreciate the way we communicate. We keep things clear, straightforward, and timely because you deserve to know exactly what’s happening with your sale every step of the way.
Ready To Sell With Confidence?
Avoiding these common mistakes puts you in a stronger position from day one. The right estate agent will not just list your home; they’ll help you achieve the correct result.
If you’re considering selling, talk to the team at Miles Byron. We’ll give you a realistic valuation, walk you through the process, and create a strategy for your property, timeline, and goals.
Book your free property valuation today and take the first step with a local estate agent who prioritises your needs.