Selling Your Home for the First Time? Here’s What to Ask Your Agent
Taking your first step into selling can feel like stepping into a swirl of opinions — family advice, colleague stories, neighbour tales of “quick” sales or “nightmare” chains. It’s a lot 😅
But here’s the truth: every sale is unique, and past stories rarely reflect today’s market. What does matter is choosing an agent who brings clarity, strategy and confidence, especially if you’re a busy, professional seller who wants the stress handled for you.
At Keystone, we’ve built our service around that exact experience. And with our Sale Ready approach, we take care of the heavy lifting long before your home hits the market ✨
Here’s how to cut through the noise, and what to ask any estate agent before you choose who represents your move.
🔟 The 10 Essential Questions Every First-Time Seller Should Ask
Before inviting agents out, these are the questions that genuinely matter 👇
1️⃣ If the valuation seems high, can they show you comparable sales from the last 3–6 months? Was the price achieved or just the asking price? How long did it take?
2️⃣ If they drop their fee instantly, what does that say about their negotiation skills when your price is on the line?
3️⃣ Can they show real examples of how they market homes like yours?
4️⃣ Do they have a pre-launch strategy that reaches their database before the portals?
5️⃣ Can they show you a list of buyers already registered who may be a match?
6️⃣ Do they use professional photography and video, and what does that content actually look like?
7️⃣ What percentage of their listings complete, not just go Sold STC?
8️⃣ What’s the difference between their asking prices vs final achieved prices?
9️⃣ How many of their homes need a price reduction before selling?
🔟 How long is their sole agency agreement, and what does that say about confidence?
These questions aren’t about catching anyone out — they reveal whether your agent has a genuine plan or is relying on hope.
🧰 Why Keystone Sellers Move with Confidence: Our Sale Ready Service
For first-time sellers - especially professionals who want a refined, high-touch experience — our Sale Ready service removes the guesswork.
With us, you get:
✨ A clear pricing and timing strategy
✨ Premium marketing prepared in advance
✨ A pre-launch to motivated buyers already waiting
✨ A tailored plan for presenting your home at its best
✨ Communication in your preferred style (because you’re busy!)
✨ A smooth, structured path from valuation to launch
We don’t “wing it”. We prepare, position and launch with purpose — exactly what first-time sellers need.
🪜 The Step-by-Step First-Time Seller Journey (Keystone Style)
1️⃣ Valuation
Book 3–6 months before you hope to move.
We’ll discuss price, timelines, your onwards plans and what to expect 🔍
2️⃣ Strategy
We agree on the marketing approach and advise on small improvements or staging.
No fluff — just honest, experienced guidance 🎯
3️⃣ Preparation
This is where your home is transformed into a market-ready product:
📸 Professional photography
🎥 Video
📏 Floorplans
📄 EPC
📝 A compelling description that tells your home’s story
This is also where our Sale Ready service accelerates things - we organise everything for you, saving time and stress.
4️⃣ Pre-Launch
Before hitting the portals, we quietly release your home to our Heads Up Property Alerts buyers.
This creates:
🔥 Early hype
👀 Serious early viewings
💬 Offers before public launch
It’s one of the biggest advantages Keystone sellers enjoy.
5️⃣ Full Launch
Your home goes live across all portals and channels, supported by proactive follow-up, targeted outreach and clear updates at every stage.
From first valuation to full launch, the whole journey typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the level of preparation needed.
The difference between drifting and selling comes down to how well each step is managed — and this is where our structured, high-care service truly shines.
🌟 Selling for the First Time Doesn’t Need to Be Stressful
Yes, the opinions can be loud, and the market can feel confusing — but with the right agent, the right questions, and a clear plan, you’ll move forward with confidence, clarity and momentum.
This is exactly what Keystone delivers for our clients who value trust, communication and a service that genuinely lifts the weight off their shoulders.
📞 Ready to Begin Your Selling Journey?
If you’re thinking of moving, we’d love to guide you through your first steps with precision and care.
👉 Book your valuation today
👉 Register for Heads Up Property Alerts to access motivated buyers before launch
Let’s make your first sale smooth, strategic and successful — the Keystone way 🏡✨
