Key Things To Check with Your Estate Agent before Listing your Property

Selling your property can be an exciting milestone, but it also comes with its fair share of risks, costs, and stress especially if you’re not fully informed. To help you navigate the process with confidence, here’s a detailed guide to the key questions and checks you should make before selecting an estate agent.

1. Verify the Agent’s Registration

Your first step should always be to confirm that the agent is legally registered.

• All practising estate agents in Zimbabwe must be registered with the Estate Agents Council of Zimbabwe (EACZ)

• They must also hold a valid Compensation Fund Certificate

Working with an unregistered agent could put your transaction and your money at risk.

2. Understand All Costs and Commission Fees

Selling a property involves several costs. As a seller, it’s crucial to know exactly what you’ll be responsible for:

• Commission: Agents typically charge 5% of the final selling price, inclusive of 14.5% VAT

Other possible costs may include:

• Legal fees
• Valuation fees
• Advertising costs (if not covered in the commission)
• Statutory costs such as Capital Gains Tax and outstanding local council rates

Clarify:

• What fees are included in the commission
• What fees are excluded
• When each fee is due (e.g., commission after sale, capital gains tax before transfer)

3. Know Your Mandate Options

When signing a contract with an estate agent, you’ll typically choose between:

• Exclusive Sole Mandate: Only one agent has the right to sell your property during the agreement period

• General/Open Mandate: You may list your property with multiple agents; only the agent who makes the sale earns the commission

Be sure to understand the obligations of both parties under each type of contract before committing.

4. Assess the Agent’s Market Knowledge

An experienced estate agent should:

• Be active in your neighbourhood
• Have recently sold similar properties
• Be able to reference a list of potential buyers or leads

This local knowledge can speed up your sale and improve your chance of securing a competitive offer.

5. Evaluate Their Marketing Approach

Ask your agent about their property marketing strategy. A good agent should list your property on:

• Major property portals (like www.property.co.zw)
• Social media platforms
• Their own website
• Print or local advertising channels (where relevant)

A multi-channel approach increases visibility and maximises your chances of finding the right buyer quickly.

6. Confirm Market Price Positioning

Price is a critical factor when selling your home. A good estate agent should help you:

• Use comparable sales data from your neighbourhood
• Consider the size, condition, and location of your property
• Understand current market trends and buyer demand

You can also view property pricing statistics on www.property.co.zw to better position your home in the market.

Tip: Your final asking price should balance your goals whether it’s a quick sale or securing the highest possible offer.

7. Prepare Your Property for Sale

Ask your agent for feedback on your property’s condition and presentation. Small improvements (repairs, painting, decluttering) can significantly impact:

• The number of viewings
• The quality of offers you receive

Staging your property well improves first impressions and buyer confidence.

8. Set Viewing Times That Work for You

Coordinate with your agent to set clear and convenient viewing times. This ensures:

• You’re not inconvenienced by last-minute requests
• The agent can organise and group appointments efficiently
• Serious buyers can view the property without delays

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right estate agent is one of the most important decisions you'll make in the property-selling journey. By checking credentials, understanding all costs, and ensuring the agent is informed, proactive, and well-connected you place yourself in the strongest position to sell quickly and with minimal stress.

Visit www.property.co.zw to explore Zimbabwe’s largest property marketplace and connect with verified estate agents in your area.