How to Verify an Estate Agent Before Working With Them

Verify before you trust the introduction

A professional agent should make verification easy. Before sharing documents or money, confirm who the agent works for, what property they are authorised to market, and where payments should legally go.

Checks to complete

• Ask for the agent's full name, agency name, office address, phone number, and email.
• Contact the agency through a number you find independently, not only the number sent by the agent.
• Ask for the mandate or confirmation that the agent is authorised to market the property.
• Compare the property details across the listing, agency, owner, and viewing.
• Be careful if payment instructions go to a personal account without explanation.
• Keep written records of viewings, offers, deposits, commissions, and receipts.