How to approach estate agents
That first step through the door can be exciting, if a little daunting. The key with estate agents is to be confident and positive. Remember, the quicker you make them your friend, the quicker they'll warm to your wishes. They may even start to show you properties before they are advertised.
Do your homework!
Think carefully about the kind of home you'd like. Would you prefer a garden or a view of the city? How many bedrooms would you like? Try to have a clear picture of what you are looking for and the price range you know you can afford. Then flash a smile and ask what they have on their books.
Begin your search
If you have a few areas in mind it's worth searching online. Most estate agents have websites that list all the properties they have on their books. Alternatively you can look around the area you're interested in, taking down the phone numbers of the estate agents from 'for sale' boards. There are also private sales in the local newspapers.
Halifax Estate Agents have a property search tool called HomeFinder that can help you to quickly find the type of property you are interested in.
You need to let each estate agent know you are 100% serious about buying. Let them know if you have an Agreement in Principle and keep up the contact. They should be able to email, call or even text you with new properties as soon as they come up.