Agent Fees: What Are You Really Paying For?
When it comes to choosing an estate agent, it’s tempting to focus on the fee first. Selling a home is a major financial decision, so of course the cost matters. But while fee comparisons are easy, service comparisons are not and it’s the service that ultimately determines your result.
At Charles Bainbridge, we often meet sellers who chose the cheapest quote initially, only to discover later that low fees often come with hidden compromises. Here’s what your agent’s fee should really cover, and why the cheapest option isn’t always the best value;
1. Expertise and experience
A strong fee reflects more than time spent, it reflects knowledge earned.
Local expertise means understanding Canterbury’s sub-markets, recognising which homes attract premium buyers, and knowing how to position your property for maximum impact.
An experienced agent doesn’t just advertise your home; they anticipate questions, manage objections, and negotiate confidently to protect your price. These skills are what ensure your property sells for the right value, not just quickly.
2. Marketing that reaches the right buyers
Professional photography, floor plans, online exposure, and property brochures are the basics. But great agents go further. They craft story-driven listings, target the right audience, and use high-impact presentation to create emotional engagement.
Fee differences often come down to the quality and depth of this marketing. A well-resourced campaign isn’t a luxury it’s what gets your home noticed by the right people in less time.
3. Communication and accountability
Good agents don’t disappear after you sign the agreement. They maintain regular contact, share viewing feedback, and update you on every lead. They analyse what’s working, what’s not, and refine the approach to keep your sale progressing.
That kind of communication takes time and attention, and it’s one of the first things cut in lower-cost models. When updates become infrequent and feedback vague, you lose the insight needed to make informed decisions.
4. Negotiation and progression
Negotiation is where the real value of an agent becomes clear. It’s not just about getting an offer, it’s about securing the best possible one, then guiding it safely to completion.
An experienced agent will manage the chain, liaise with solicitors, keep buyers motivated, and handle challenges before they escalate. This work happens quietly behind the scenes, yet it’s what determines whether your sale completes smoothly or falls through.
Lower-fee agents often take on higher volumes to compensate for smaller margins, leaving less time to manage individual sales carefully. That’s where service, and results, begin to slip.
5. Value, not just cost
The best way to think about agent fees is as an investment in your outcome. A well-handled sale can easily add several percentage points to your final price, more than offsetting any difference in fee.
It’s not about paying more for the sake of it; it’s about paying fairly for genuine expertise, proactive service, and peace of mind.
6. Choosing with confidence
When comparing agents, look beyond the number. Ask how they plan to market your property, how often you’ll receive updates, who will handle negotiations, and what their recent results have been in your area.
Transparency, responsiveness, and local knowledge are worth far more than a headline fee saving.
At Charles Bainbridge, our goal is simple: to deliver a level of service that repays its value many times over. If you’d like a clear breakdown of what our fee includes, and how it can help you achieve the strongest possible sale, speak to our team today.