Buying a house? Estate agents don’t work for you – they work for the seller. Learn their tricks, what to ask (and what not to say), and how Mortgage Brokers Near Me can help you buy with confidence.
Aug 6, 2025
Buying a home can feel like stepping into a world full of jargon, pressure, and conflicting advice. One minute an estate agent is telling you there are “loads of viewings booked”, the next they’re hinting you should use their in-house mortgage broker. If you’re new to the process, it’s easy to assume the estate agent is there to help you. The truth is – they don’t work for you. They work for the seller.
I’m Will Sharman, a mortgage broker with years of experience helping first-time buyers, movers and investors. I’ve seen almost every estate agent tactic out there – the good, the bad, and the confusing. This guide explains what estate agents really do, what to watch out for, and how to protect yourself so you buy your home with confidence.
"Estate agents aren’t bad people – but their loyalty is always with the seller. Knowing that upfront changes how you approach every conversation." – Will Sharman
Estate agents are the middlemen in property transactions. Their role is to market properties, manage viewings, and negotiate on behalf of the seller. While they’ll happily answer your questions and show you around homes, remember this: their fee comes from the seller’s pocket.
That doesn’t mean they’re the enemy – but it does mean you should keep your cards close to your chest. A good example: we recently helped a client who casually mentioned to an agent that they were “happy to stretch to £300,000.” The property was on the market for £280,000. Guess what price the seller ended up holding out for? Exactly.
Sign up with more than one agent in your chosen area so you hear about new listings quickly. Give them your must-haves and budget – but don’t reveal your absolute maximum.
Use viewings to learn about the property and the area. Don’t rely solely on what the agent tells you – they may not know (or may gloss over) details like lease lengths or planned developments nearby.
When you’ve found “the one”, put your offer in writing. Be clear about conditions, such as requiring a survey or a set completion timeframe.
The agent might hint there are “other offers” or encourage sealed bids. Stick to what you can afford and get advice before raising your bid.
Once your offer is accepted, this is where we step in. At Mortgage Brokers Near Me, we’ll compare the whole market (not just a handful of lenders) to find a deal that suits you, your deposit and your long-term plans.
Key questions to ask:
What never to reveal:
No. The seller pays the estate agent’s commission. But don’t assume that means they’re “free” for you – their job is still to get the highest price possible from you.
They shouldn’t, but it happens. Ask for written confirmation and keep your offers formal.
Shop around – their recommendation may be based on referral fees, not what’s best for you.
Cross-check everything. Get your solicitor to confirm lease terms, boundaries or planning permissions.
"The best way to level the playing field is to have your own expert in your corner. An independent broker makes sure you get the right deal, not the deal that earns someone else a commission." – Will Sharman
Estate agents will always prioritise the seller – but with the right advice, you can level the playing field. At Mortgage Brokers Near Me, we’ve helped hundreds of buyers avoid costly mistakes, get better mortgage rates, and navigate the process stress-free.
Get free mortgage advice today – or call us to chat about your plans.
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Mortgage Brokers Near Me LTD is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage LTD which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The guidance and/or information contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Will Writing and some forms of Trusts and Buy to Lets. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.
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