27/09/2026
MANAGING CLIENT EXPECTATIONS; WHAT YOUR ESTATE AENT CAN AND CANNOT DO
In real estate, there are often misconceptions about what an estate agent is responsible for during the sale or purchase of a property. While estate agents play a vital role in facilitating transactions, there are specific tasks that fall outside of their responsibilities. Setting clear expectations will help both parties avoid frustration and keep the process running smoothly.
What Your Estate Agent is Responsible For:
Real estate agents are there to guide you through the process of selling or buying a property. Hereโs what you can expect from us:
Marketing the Property: We handle the promotion of your property, ensuring it reaches a broad audience through listing platforms, social media, and other advertising methods.
Facilitating Viewings and Offers: Agents arrange viewings, answer buyer questions, and present offers to sellers. We also handle negotiations on behalf of our clients to secure the best deal.
Navigating Paperwork: We assist with completing the necessary documentation, such as the Offer to Purchase, and ensure all contractual obligations are met.
Market Expertise: Agents provide informed advice on property pricing and market trends, ensuring you make well-informed decisions.
What Falls Outside the Estate Agentโs Responsibilities:
Though we are committed to making the transaction as smooth as possible, there are certain tasks that do not fall within an agentโs duties. Here are some examples:
Collecting Building Plans: While agents can advise buyers or sellers on where to obtain building plans, the responsibility for sourcing them rests with the property owner. In many cases, these can be retrieved from the local municipality or the original architect.
Arranging Compliance Certificates: The seller is required to obtain various compliance certificates, such as electrical, plumbing, beetle, and gas certificates. These are mandatory by law, and while agents can recommend trusted service providers, it is the sellerโs duty to arrange and pay for the inspections and certificates.
Providing Expert Building Knowledge: Estate agents are not qualified structural engineers or building inspectors. Issues like cracks in walls or potential structural problems should be assessed by a professional. While agents may offer general observations, it is the responsibility of the buyer or seller to seek expert advice on the condition of the property.
Managing Repairs or Renovations: If a property needs repairs or renovations, the responsibility to organize and pay for these lies with the property owner. Agents can provide recommendations but do not oversee construction, maintenance, or renovations.
Legal or Financial Obligations: Agents are not lawyers or financial advisors. Matters such as understanding complex legal agreements, managing tax implications, or advising on bond approvals should be handled by the relevant professionals.
Why Clear Boundaries are Important:
When everyone understands their role, the real estate process runs more efficiently. Estate agents are skilled in marketing properties, guiding negotiations, and managing paperworkโbut they are not responsible for tasks like obtaining compliance certificates or providing expert opinions on building structures.
By keeping these boundaries clear, the process remains focused, professional, and stress-free, ensuring the best outcome for everyone involved.
If you are looking to buy, sell or have any property-related enquiries, please contact your Area Property Specialist, Margaret Kidwell tel no. 0824650897 or [email protected]
