Selling Your Home for the First Time in Reading?
Before you choose an estate agent, make sure you’re asking the right questions. From pricing accuracy to sales progression and marketing strategy, this guide covers everything first-time sellers need to know — with real insights from the team at WhiteKnights.
The Questions to Ask Before You Choose an Estate Agent
Selling your home for the first time can feel very scary and a little like stepping into the unknown. Everyone has their own opinion; your family, your neighbours, your friend who “sold in two days” … and all of it can be conflicting.
The truth is that every home sale is different, especially in a busy local market like Reading. Whether you're moving from a flat in Woodley, a Victorian terrace in Caversham, or a semi-detached in Lower Earley, the key is to have a plan and ask the right questions.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Your estate agent should be more than just a board outside your house or a listing on Rightmove. They should be your strategic partner, someone who fully understands the local market, gives you honest advice [not just what you want to hear] and who can deliver a clear plan to helps you achieve the best result. Remember that once an offer is accepted, that is just the beginning, so you also want an agent experienced in sales progression, so that you don’t become one of the ~30% of people whose sale falls through!
Before you choose who to work with, here are the questions that really matter:
9 Smart Questions to Ask Your Estate Agent in Reading
1. Can you show me recent homes sold in this area at your suggested price?
Price is key - but so is evidence. Ask for recent local sales (ideally within the last 3–6 months) and whether those properties achieved their asking price or had to be reduced. A confident agent should back up their valuation with facts, not just flattery.
2. If you reduce your fee easily, how do I know you'll negotiate strongly for me?
Fee-haggling can be a real red flag. Some agents will ask, “What would you like to achieve for your home?” and then agree with you - or even suggest a higher price - just to win your instruction. But behind the scenes, they often know that price isn’t realistic. You’re then tied into a lengthy contract, only to be advised weeks later to reduce the price - to the figure they were actually thinking all along. Choose an agent who understands the market, defends their valuation, and gives you honest advice from day one - even if it’s not what you want to hear. Strong negotiators don’t fold easily - and that should apply to both their fee and your final sale price.
3. How will you market my home – and can I see examples?
A strong marketing plan should include high-quality video, professional photography, floorplans, and targeted campaigns across both property portals and social media. The more eyes on your property, the more confident you can be that when an offer comes in - it’s a strong one.
4. Do you have a pre-launch strategy to reach serious buyers before Rightmove?
At WhiteKnights, we often match homes with pre-registered local buyers from our active database. Many times, we’ll leave a valuation knowing we already have someone in mind. Sometimes, a sale can even be agreed before the property hits the market. It’s also important to remember that a good early offer shouldn’t be dismissed.
Some sellers hesitate, hoping there might be “someone better” just around the corner - but in reality, serious buyers who act quickly are often the most motivated and financially prepared. If the offer is one you're happy with, holding out can backfire. That original buyer may move on and secure something else, and momentum is lost.
A quick offer isn’t luck - it’s the result of timing, strategy, and a hot buyer who’s ready to go.
5. Do you use professional video and photography?
Buyers often make snap decisions based on the first image they see. When they’re scrolling through Rightmove or Zoopla with dozens of choices, presentation is everything.
Top-tier photography and video can make your home stand out - and help justify the price.
6. What percentage of your homes go from 'Sold STC' to completion?
Agreeing a sale is only the start - and many fall through before reaching exchange.
At WhiteKnights, we focus on proactively managing sales progression, with a dedicated in-house team to keep things moving. So far this year, 192 out of 277 properties have gone from Sold STC to Exchanged - a conversion rate of 69.3%. This is well above the national average and reflects how seriously we take getting you to completion.
Most agents won’t talk about this number - but we believe in transparency.
7. What’s the difference between your asking prices and final sale prices on average?
Pricing your home correctly - and negotiating well - can have a big impact on your final result. At WhiteKnights, our average asking price is £4,507 per square metre, and our average completion price is £4,196 - a difference of just 6.9%. That shows our valuations are realistic, our marketing works, and we negotiate well to hold value in today’s market.
8. Do many of your listings need price reductions?
Some agents overvalue homes just to win your instruction, knowing they’ll ask for a reduction later.
That’s why it’s worth asking: How many of their listings typically need a price drop before they sell? Of course, market conditions play a role - and in 2025, we’ve seen the market shift, with around 1 in 3 properties nationally requiring a price reduction before finding a buyer. But consistent overpricing is a red flag. You want an agent who knows the local market, prices with precision, and explains their valuation clearly from the start - not weeks later.
9. How long is your sole agency agreement – and why?
At WhiteKnights, our sole agency agreement is 16 weeks - and we’re open about why.
That gives us time to:
- Prepare your property properly,
- Launch it to our buyer database in a pre-portal ‘Heads Up’ campaign, and
- Build real momentum before going live on Rightmove and other portals.
This approach gives us the space to market your home thoroughly and strategically, especially in a more cautious 2025 market - and helps us secure the right buyer at the right price.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Selling in Reading
Whether you're in Southcote, Shinfield or central Reading, here’s what to expect when selling your home for the first time:
1. Book Your Valuation (Ideally 3 - 6 Months Ahead)
Not just about price - it’s a conversation about timing, goals, and the wider market. We’ll help you understand what buyers in your area are really looking for.
2. Agree Your Strategy
From small home improvements to staging advice, we’ll guide you on what’s worth doing - and what’s not - to get your home market-ready.
3. Get Market-Ready
This includes professional photography, video tours, floorplans, EPCs and a tailored property description - all designed to showcase your home in its best light.
4. Pre-Launch to Our Buyer Database
Before going live on Rightmove and Zoopla, your home is shared with our list of serious, pre-qualified local buyers. Often, this results in early viewings and fast interest.
5. Full Launch Across Portals & Social Media
Once your property is public, it’s supported by ongoing marketing, direct outreach, and careful management of offers and feedback.
Selling for the First Time Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
When you ask the right questions - and have the right agent beside you - the process becomes clear, calm and focused. No more guesswork, no more outdated advice. Just a straightforward path to getting the result you want.
📞 Ready to take your first step?
Book your free, no-obligation valuation with WhiteKnights today.
Let’s talk through your goals and show you how we help first-time sellers in Reading move with clarity and confidence.