What Does an Estate Agent Do?

Discover what estate agents do, from valuing and marketing properties to negotiating offers and managing the sales or lettings process.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Estate Agents. Discover what an estate agent does to help you buy or sell property.

An estate agent plays a vital role in the property market, acting as the link between buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants. Their main responsibility is to help clients buy, sell, rent, or let properties efficiently and at the best possible price. But behind every transaction lies a mix of market knowledge, negotiation, communication, and legal expertise. Whether working on the high street or online, estate agents manage the entire process from valuation to completion, making them an essential part of any property journey.

Understanding the Role of an Estate Agent

An estate agent’s work is far more complex than simply showing houses. They handle everything from property valuations and marketing to legal coordination and client management. Their role involves balancing the needs of buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants while keeping transactions compliant with UK property law.

Estate agents must stay informed about market conditions, property prices, and buyer behaviour to provide accurate advice. They act as professional negotiators, ensuring both parties reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement.

Key Responsibilities of an Estate Agent

Although duties vary depending on whether they deal with sales or lettings, most estate agents share several core responsibilities.

Property Valuation

Estate agents begin by valuing a property based on its size, location, condition, and current market trends. An accurate valuation helps sellers set a competitive price and ensures the property attracts genuine interest.

Marketing the Property

Once a property is listed, the estate agent creates a marketing plan. This typically includes professional photography, detailed descriptions, floorplans, and listings on major property websites. They may also promote the property through their agency website, email lists, social media, and window displays.

The goal is to showcase the property in the best possible light and reach the widest audience, generating enquiries and viewings from serious buyers.

Arranging and Conducting Viewings

Estate agents schedule and conduct property viewings, highlighting the best features of the home while answering potential buyers’ questions. They act as intermediaries, gathering feedback from viewers and keeping sellers informed about interest levels.

In lettings, agents perform similar duties by showing rental properties to prospective tenants and ensuring all necessary checks are carried out before move-in.

Negotiating Offers

Once an offer is made, the estate agent’s negotiation skills come into play. They discuss offers with the seller, advise on market value, and aim to achieve the highest realistic price.

For buyers, agents help ensure offers are competitive and aligned with market conditions. They communicate between both sides, resolving differences and guiding the process toward a successful agreement.

Managing the Sale Process

After an offer is accepted, estate agents oversee the transaction from offer to completion. They coordinate communication between buyers, sellers, solicitors, and mortgage providers, ensuring paperwork and contracts are handled efficiently.

They also help manage timelines, keeping both parties informed about progress and next steps. This reduces stress for clients and helps prevent costly delays.

Providing Market Advice

Estate agents use their market knowledge to guide clients through pricing strategies, marketing methods, and timing. Their insights into local demand, buyer preferences, and economic conditions help clients make smarter property decisions.

In addition, many agents provide advice on how to increase a property’s appeal through staging, minor repairs, or professional photography.

Handling Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Estate agents must comply with property laws and consumer protection regulations. This includes verifying property ownership, ensuring Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are valid, and providing clear information about offers and fees.

Lettings agents must also conduct tenant referencing, ensure deposits are protected in government-approved schemes, and handle compliance with safety standards such as gas and electrical checks.

Supporting Clients Beyond the Sale

A good estate agent’s service doesn’t end when a sale or tenancy is agreed. They often assist with final inspections, key handovers, and liaising with solicitors or removal companies to ensure a smooth transition for clients.

Many agencies maintain contact with previous clients to offer future support, such as valuation updates or property investment advice.

Types of Estate Agents

Estate agents generally fall into three categories, depending on their business model and focus.

High Street Estate Agents:
Traditional agents with physical offices in local towns. They provide face-to-face service, detailed local knowledge, and hands-on support throughout the transaction.

Online Estate Agents:
Operate primarily through websites, offering lower fees but often requiring sellers to manage parts of the process themselves, such as viewings or negotiations.

Hybrid Estate Agents:
Combine the digital convenience of online agents with the personal service of local experts, offering flexible packages for different client needs.

Each model has its advantages, and the right choice depends on a seller’s priorities—whether they value personal service, affordability, or convenience.

Why Estate Agents Are Essential

Although it’s possible to sell or let a property independently, working with a professional estate agent offers significant advantages. They understand the market, attract more potential buyers, and handle complex legal paperwork. Their expertise often results in faster sales and higher selling prices compared to private listings.

Estate agents also save clients time and stress by managing communication between all parties. For buyers and sellers unfamiliar with the property process, their guidance can be invaluable.

Skills That Make a Great Estate Agent

Successful estate agents combine interpersonal skills with deep market knowledge. They must be persuasive yet trustworthy, detail-oriented yet approachable. Essential skills include:

Strong communication and negotiation abilities
Excellent organisation and time management
Knowledge of property law and regulations
Marketing and photography understanding
Ability to stay calm under pressure

These qualities enable agents to build lasting relationships and maintain their reputation in a highly competitive industry.

Estate Agents and Technology

The modern property market relies heavily on technology. Today’s estate agents use digital tools for everything from online listings to virtual tours and client management systems.

Social media platforms, email marketing, and SEO play an increasingly important role in reaching buyers and sellers. At Lillian Purge, we help estate agents harness these tools effectively, turning online visibility into tangible leads and successful sales.

Final Thoughts

An estate agent’s job is much more than matching buyers with properties—it’s about understanding people, markets, and timing. From valuation and marketing to negotiation and completion, they manage every stage of the process to ensure smooth transactions and satisfied clients.

For sellers, they provide the expertise needed to achieve the best possible price. For buyers, they offer guidance and reassurance through what can be a complex process. Estate agents remain the cornerstone of the property industry, bringing knowledge, professionalism, and trust to every transaction.