Online Estate Agent

Selling guide

Seven steps from valuation to contracts

Selling a home involves several stages, from establishing its value and choosing an estate agent through to accepting an offer and completing the legal transaction.

A Dublin home prepared and staged for sale

Who handles what?

The sale process, task by task

Both models can support a complete sale. The main practical difference is that online services often ask the homeowner to conduct viewings, while the agent manages the listing, enquiries and offers.

  1. 1

    Understand your property’s value

    Start with a realistic view of what your property may achieve. Review comparable homes and seek a professional valuation where appropriate.

    Traditional agent: Included
    Online agent: Included
  2. 2

    Choose how you want to sell

    Compare traditional, online, hybrid and fixed-fee estate agents. Consider the total fee, services included and how involved you want to be.

    Traditional agent: Guidance and support
    Online agent: Guidance and support
  3. 3

    Prepare the property

    Declutter, complete minor repairs, clean thoroughly, prepare gardens and outdoor spaces, arrange professional photography, and have the required information available.

    Traditional agent: Included
    Online agent: Included
  4. 4

    Launch the property

    Your listing should communicate the strongest features with professional visual assets. Ask exactly where it will be advertised.

    Traditional agent: Included
    Online agent: Included
  5. 5

    Conduct viewings

    Viewings may be conducted by the agent or homeowner. Give buyers sufficient space to explore while remaining available for useful questions.

    Traditional agent: Included
    Online agent: Usually seller-led
  6. 6

    Manage offers

    Review every offer alongside the buyer’s financial position, mortgage approval, chain and ability to progress. The highest initial offer is not always the strongest.

    Traditional agent: Included
    Online agent: Included
  7. 7

    Sale agreed

    Once an offer is accepted, the legal process progresses between solicitors. Until contracts are signed, the transaction is not complete.

    Traditional agent: Guidance and support
    Online agent: Guidance and support

Exact services differ between providers. Check the written service list, including photography, portals, viewings, negotiation and sales progression, before you appoint an agent.

Compare agent models