Sellers: What Happens Once Your Home Is Listed?

 

Your Lancaster or Morecambe home goes live on Thursday afternoon. By Tuesday, three letters have landed on the doormat, two look handwritten, and an estate agent has knocked on the door claiming they were “just valuing a property nearby”.

It can feel unsettling, especially if nobody warned you it might happen. You may start wondering whether these agents know something you don’t.

Usually, they don’t. It is simply one of the less-talked-about parts of putting your house on the market.

 

Why do other estate agents contact you?

The moment your property appears online, every estate agent in Lancaster can see that you are a genuine seller at a known address.

Finding homeowners who might be thinking of moving is one of the hardest parts of estate agency. A live listing removes that uncertainty. Other agents know you want to sell, so some will immediately try to persuade you to change agents.

This activity often begins during the first week, long before anyone can reasonably judge how well your marketing is working.

 

What should you expect?

Sellers may receive:

• Letters claiming an agent has a buyer for their street.

• Handwritten-looking notes asking them to get in touch.

• Doorstep visits from agents who were “just passing”.

• Telephone calls from companies offering to buy the property.

• Leaflets suggesting the home is worth more than its asking price.

Some approaches may be genuine. Others are simply marketing designed to start a conversation. You don’t need to respond immediately or allow an unexpected caller into your home.

 

“We have a buyer for your house”

This is a common claim, and it can sound very tempting. The simplest response is to ask for more information.

Has the buyer seen your property online? Are they in a position to proceed? Why does the agent believe your particular home is right for them?

If the buyer is genuine, the other agent can contact the estate agent already marketing your home and arrange a viewing. There is no reason for a serious buyer to miss out.

Quite often, “we have a buyer” means the agent has somebody on a general mailing list who once expressed an interest in the area. That is not the same as having a motivated buyer waiting for your home.

Pass the letter to your existing agent and ask them to investigate. A genuine opportunity will stand up to a few straightforward questions.

 

“Your home is worth more”

This is usually the claim that causes sellers the most doubt. Nobody wants to think they may be selling their home too cheaply.

However, a valuation is an opinion, not an offer. An agent who has not inspected your property, considered its condition or properly compared it with recent Lancaster sales cannot guarantee you a higher price.

The market determines value through buyer interest and offers. Increasing the asking price without evidence can lead to fewer viewings, a longer wait and reductions later.

Look at what an agent has sold locally, what prices those homes actually achieved and how long the sales took. Evidence matters far more than the biggest suggested figure.

Should you ever change estate agents?

Sometimes changing agents is the right decision.

Poor photographs, a lack of feedback, consistently weak communication or no viewings without a sensible explanation are all genuine concerns. If you raise these issues and nothing improves, it may be time to reconsider your options.

First, identify the real problem. If the asking price is preventing interest, moving to another estate agent at the same price is unlikely to change the outcome.

Before switching, check your agreement’s tie-in period, notice requirements and fee terms. You could become liable for two fees if a buyer introduced by your original agent later purchases the property.

What should you do?

Keep any letters and leaflets, but don’t feel pressured to respond. If an agent claims to have a specific buyer for your Lancaster home, send the details to your existing agent and ask them to check.

Ignore price suggestions from anyone who has not properly inspected your property, and never feel obliged to let an unexpected visitor inside.

Most importantly, speak to your agent if you are worried about your marketing. A good estate agent will explain the response, share feedback and recommend changes when they are genuinely needed.

Thinking of selling your Lancaster home?

At JDG, we would rather prepare sellers for these approaches before they happen than explain them after an unexpected knock at the door.

If you are considering selling a home in Lancaster, Morecambe or the surrounding area, please get in touch. We will talk you through what the first month on the property market really looks like, including the awkward parts people don’t always mention.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Why do other estate agents contact me when my house is on the market?

A live property listing identifies you as a genuine seller. Competing agents may contact you in the hope of winning your business. It does not necessarily mean your current agent is underperforming.

Should I trust a letter saying an agent has a buyer?

Ask for details. A genuine buyer should have seen your property, be able to proceed and be willing to arrange a viewing through your existing estate agent.

Another agent says my house is worth more. Should I switch?

Not because of a higher valuation alone. Compare recent local sales, achieved prices, marketing quality and selling times. A valuation is still an opinion, not an offer.

When is it right to change estate agents?

Consider changing if there are continuing problems with communication, feedback or marketing that your agent has failed to address. Make sure you identify whether the agent, the marketing or the asking price is the real issue.

What should I check before choosing a new estate agent?

Check your tie-in period, notice requirements and fee terms. Confirm whether you could owe two fees if a buyer introduced by your first agent eventually purchases your home.

If you know somebody preparing to sell, please share this with them. It may save them some worry when those letters begin arriving.