The Curious Tricks of Estate Agents (And Why You Might Not Need Them As Much As You Think)

When it comes to selling your home, it’s easy to feel like you need an estate agent by your side—armed with a clipboard, charm, and a mysterious list of buyers waiting to pounce. But peel back the curtain, and you’ll discover that many of the “selling secrets” of estate agents are more smoke and mirrors than magic.

Let’s unpack the common myths of estate agency, with a smile and a healthy dose of honesty.

1. Trained to Sell Your Home? Not Quite…

You might assume agents are highly trained sales experts. In reality, most are trained to list your property, not necessarily sell it. The person who gives you the initial valuation is often not the one doing the viewings—that task usually gets handed off to a junior member of staff. So don’t be surprised if the person showing your home around doesn’t know their underfloor heating from their elbow.

2. The Myth of the “Hot Buyer” List

Ah yes, the classic line: “We have a list of hot buyers ready to view your property.” It sounds impressive, but in today’s digital world, buyers don’t sit around waiting for a call from an agent. They hop onto property portals like Rightmove or Zoopla and search for what they want, when they want.

And that term “hot buyer”? In many agencies, it just means someone who’s spoken to their in-house mortgage advisor—not someone with cash burning a hole in their pocket.

3. The “Expert Valuation” Isn’t That Expert

When an agent hands you a glossy report with your home’s estimated value, it might feel official—but here’s the truth: it’s just an educated guess. Most agents use the same public data you can access online. Your home’s real value? It’s whatever someone’s willing to pay for it. And that can’t be calculated with a spreadsheet.

4. Negotiation Skills: Slightly Overrated

We all love the idea of an agent wheeling and dealing like a property mogul on a mission—but the reality is more administrative than strategic. Agents are legally required to pass on offers to you. If you say no, they go back to the buyer and ask for more. That’s the “negotiation.” It’s rarely about mind games or persuasive genius—it’s just process.

5. Professional Property Listings: Sometimes

Some agents pull out all the stops—professional photographers, video tours, drone shots, the works. Others? They snap a few pics on their phone, use a free app to draw up a floor plan, and let AI write the description. Either way, you usually have to proofread the details and flag the missing bathroom or the garden that got mysteriously cropped out.

6. Do You Really Need Them to Do the Viewings?

Many agents will insist they’re the best person to show your property. But let’s be honest—who knows your home better than you? You can answer questions about schools, the neighbours, and where the fuse box is (without awkwardly checking your notes). Plus, you’ve got more motivation than anyone to seal the deal.

These days, many agents aren’t exactly queuing up to leave the office for viewings—especially if the property doesn’t match the buyer’s criteria to begin with.

7. The Temptation of Overpricing

It’s tempting to believe the agent who promises £25,000 more than the last one. But here’s the trick: they just want your listing. After a few quiet weeks and no offers, you’ll get a call suggesting a price reduction. Not only does this waste precious time, but your home now shows as “Reduced” online—never a great look for potential buyers.

Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Emoov to Sell Their Homes

If you're thinking of selling your property and want to avoid the fluff (and fees) of high street agents, Emoov.co.uk is a smart, modern alternative. As a trusted online estate agent, Emoov helps homeowners sell their house online with the same marketing power—think professional photos, floor plans, listings on major property portals—but at a fraction of the cost.

What sets Emoov apart? You stay in control. Whether you want to conduct your own viewings or let their team assist, you're supported from start to finish by experienced property professionals, not just salespeople chasing listings. It’s a transparent, hassle-free, and cost-effective way to sell your home, especially if you’re tired of outdated estate agent tactics.

In short, Emoov gives you the tools, the tech, and the team—without the nonsense.

Final Thoughts: You Have More Power Than You Think

Estate agents can be helpful—but don’t fall for outdated tactics and salesy jargon. Thanks to the internet, property portals, and platforms like Emoov, you’ve got more control than ever before.

So whether you choose to work with a traditional agent or go online, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons—not just because someone told you you had to.

Ready to sell smarter?
Visit Emoov.co.uk and see how easy it is to get started on your own terms.