Buying Your First Home Through an Estate Agent: A Guide for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home is exciting and daunting. One important ally you’ll meet early in that journey is the Estate Agent. Here’s how they can help and how Home at Last can make the process smoother, less stressful, and more successful for you.

Who are Estate Agents and what are their standards?

In the UK, Estate agents are often members of Propertymark (formerly NAEA), a professional body promoting ethical standards and consumer protection in estate agencies. They typically charge the property Seller a commission between 1 - 3.5% but work with 'Home-buyers' to progress a sale once an offer has been made.

Contact Home at Last today to book a free consultation.

Key ways Estate Agents support First-Time Buyers

1. Market insight & access to listings - Estate Agents track what’s selling and at what price. They can suggest neighbourhoods suited to your budget and preferences and even share listings before they hit the public market.

2. Arranging & attending viewings - Estate Agents schedule property visits and provide local insight. This can be especially valuable if you’re not familiar with the area.

3. Negotiating offers - Estate Agents use their experience to advise on offers and help negotiate with the Seller.

4. The Paper Trail - The property process includes a mountain of paperwork. Estate Agents help navigate everything, from offer documentation to liaising with Solicitors and can help you so you don’t miss critical deadlines.

Working with Estate Agents can feel overwhelming especially when you’re unsure of the “right” questions to ask or how to negotiate. That’s where Home at Last comes in to:

• Prepare you for every interaction – At Home at Last we will help you understand Estate Agent jargon, prepare your viewing checklist, and identify red flags before you commit.

• Manage communication – We can liaise directly with the Estate Agents on your behalf, ensuring your interests are protected and nothing gets lost in translation.

• Negotiation support – We’ll guide you in making offers strategically, so you’re neither overbidding nor missing out on opportunities.

• Keep the process moving – At Home at Last we track progress with the Estate Agent, Solicitor and Mortgage Broker, ensuring timelines are met and delays are avoided.

Think of Home at Last as your personal guide bridging the gap between you and the Estate Agent, so you stay in control at every stage.

The Buying Timeline: 

1. Get Mortgage Ready – Obtain a Mortgage Decision in Principle to show you're a serious buyer.

2. Property search & viewings – Your Estate Agent (and Home at Last) share listings and arrange viewings, including off-market opportunities.

3. Make & negotiate your offer – The Estate Agent negotiates with the Seller’s side; Home at Last helps you offer the right price and let you know the terms.

4. Instruct a Solicitor and conduct searches – After the offer is accepted, your Solicitor handles legal work while the Estate Agent and Home at Last keep communication smooth for the exchange of contracts and purchase completed. 

Tips for your first Estate Agent experience

• Be clear on your budget and priorities it shows you are serious and save time.

• Ask lots of questions, for example about running costs, lease terms, or the property condition.

• Work only with regulated Estate Agents check if they have Propertymark membership and adhere to The Property Ombudsman (TPO) adds protection.

While Estate Agents are a vital part of the home-buying process, having Home at Last by your side means you’ll go in prepared, confident and with someone firmly in your corner.

If you’re a first-time buyer looking to work with Estate Agents effectively and avoid costly mistakes book your free consultation today and let us guide you from first viewing to final key handover.

Home at Last – helping first-time buyers feel confident, informed, and excited about homeownership.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice.