1 Find out who has sold what locally, and ask agents how they plan to market your property. Check that their website is professional and that they feature on all the online property portals. And remember: the cheapest agent is not always the best one

2 Consider intructing a firm in more upmarket areas nearby: a good way to reel in affluent would-be buyers

3 Ask for a list ofrecent sales in your area (this is available to estate agents at www.rightmove.co.uk ). Get a realistic valuation of how much it will sell for in the current market – and don’t hold out for a ridiculous price

4 Ask what you can do: an agent will tell you whether you need to repaint the front door or declutter

5 Keep in touch via telephone and ask for feedback from viewings

6 If you don’t like the photos they’ve taken, say so

7 Make sure they put up a “For sale” board outside your property with their number on it: this is the cheapest way to advertise

8 Choose an agent you feel comfortable with to sell your property, and ensure that they conduct the viewings, not some lackey in the office

9 If you don’t think the agent is up to scratch, get a friend to pose as a buyer and report back

10 Have your solicitor ready to move quickly if an offer comes in

11 Agree a timescale as soon as an offer comes in – and check in every day to make sure it’s being kept to

12 If the buyer is in a chain, get your agent to find out who is in it and what position they’re in. If you’re not happy, accept the offer and send out contracts, but keep the property on the market

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