A recent survey revealed that just one in three vendors would recommend their estate agent. For an industry built on trust and reputation, that figure is far too low.
But here’s the important part: it doesn’t have to be this way. The frustrations sellers report are not inevitable — they’re the result of poor practices that better agents avoid. With the right approach, vendors can have a positive, transparent, and successful experience.
What Goes Wrong for Vendors
The research highlights the main reasons people feel let down by their agents. These are the five recurring themes:
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Poor Communication
Sellers often feel left in the dark, waiting weeks for updates or feedback after viewings. Silence creates mistrust and anxiety. -
Over-Promised Valuations
Some agents inflate asking prices to win instructions. Inevitably, the property sits unsold, leading to reductions and disappointment which can lead to achieving a lower value as buyer see a reduction as a sign to offer a lower price. -
Weak Marketing
Grainy photos, generic descriptions, and lack of online presence mean some properties never get the attention they deserve. -
Hidden Fees & Vague Terms
Unclear contracts, tie-in clauses, and unexpected costs leave a bad taste for many vendors. -
Slow or Inefficient Processes
Sales drag on unnecessarily when viewings aren’t chased, paperwork is delayed, or chains aren’t proactively managed.
How It Can Be Different
The encouraging truth is that none of these issues are unfixable. Here’s how good estate agents turn these challenges into opportunities to shine:
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Communication: Set expectations from day one and stick to them. Regular updates — even if there’s “nothing new” — keep vendors reassured.
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Honest Valuations: Base pricing on solid evidence and market insight, not flattery. Vendors appreciate realism over false hope.
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Quality Marketing: Professional photography, detailed floorplans, and compelling descriptions ensure properties stand out online and offline.
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Transparent Terms: All fees and contract conditions should be clear from the outset, with no surprises later on.
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Efficiency: Using technology and strong processes, agents can move sales along quickly while keeping vendors informed.
Why It Matters
Selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever make. Vendors deserve to feel supported, informed, and respected throughout. When estate agents deliver on this, they build not only smoother transactions but also long-term trust and referrals.
The Bottom Line
The statistic that only a third of vendors would recommend their estate agent is sobering, but it isn’t the full picture. At Oakfield, we work hard to prove that selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful or disappointing.
We believe in clear communication, honest advice, and high-quality marketing — the very things that vendors say they value most but too often don’t receive. By focusing on transparency and treating every sale as a partnership, we consistently deliver a smoother, more positive experience for our clients.
That’s why so many sellers in East Sussex not only choose Oakfield, but also go on to recommend us.
With Oakfield, you don’t just get an estate agent — you get a team committed to doing things the right way. If you want to find out how Oakfield do differently get in touch for a no obligation chat, find our contact details here.