When you decide to sell your home, choosing the right estate agent is a big step. Once you've found a team you trust, you'll be presented with a contract. This document outlines the terms of your agreement, including fees, services, and the length of your commitment. Understanding these details is crucial, and we believe in honest advice, no jargon, so let's break it down.

With a Sole Agency agreement, you appoint just one estate agent to sell your property. This means that if your home sells, whether through their efforts or if you find a buyer yourself, that sole agent is entitled to the commission. The benefit here is often a more focused approach; your chosen agent is fully committed, knowing they're the only ones working on your behalf. They'll invest more time and resources into marketing your property, as their success is directly tied to yours. It's about building a strong, dedicated partnership, putting people before property.

A Multi-Agency agreement allows you to instruct several estate agents simultaneously. On the surface, this might seem like a way to get more exposure and a quicker sale. However, it often means agents are competing against each other, sometimes leading to less dedicated service from each individual agent. The commission rate for multi-agency agreements is typically higher, and only the agent who successfully finds the buyer will earn the fee. While it can create a sense of urgency, it doesn't always translate to a better or faster sale, and can sometimes lead to a less personal experience. What's more, having your property listed with multiple agents can sometimes give buyers the impression that you're desperate to sell, which might inadvertently affect the offers you receive.

Many estate agents include lengthy lock-in periods in their contracts, often 12 weeks or more. This means you're tied to them for that duration, even if you're unhappy with their service or feel your property isn't getting the attention it deserves. We often hear vendors ask, 'Why do they need 12+ weeks to get me sold?' It's a fair question, and frankly, we believe it's an unfair and unnecessary practice.

At Lloyds, we operate differently. We believe in our ability to deliver results and build trust through genuine, human connection, not through restrictive contracts. That's why we only require a 4-week term. We're confident that our fresh, energetic approach and commitment to transparency and follow-through will demonstrate our value quickly. If we're doing our job right, you'll want to stay with us because you're seeing progress and feeling supported, not because you're legally obliged.

We're here to help, every step of the way, making moving simpler, smoother, and a little more awesome. Our focus is on making your property journey in areas like Woodford Green, and Bethnal Green as stress-free as possible, keeping you informed with honest market updates and expert advice tailored to your neighbourhood.

Understanding your estate agent contracts, whether it's sole agency vs multi agency, is a vital part of selling a home.

We listen. We care. We deliver. Moving home doesn't have to be stressful – let's make it easier together.

Got questions about your next move or want to discuss selling your home with a team that puts people before property? Contact our team – we'd love to chat.