When you are selling through an estate agent remember that they have your best interest at heart. After all if your house doesn`t sell they don`t get their commission. Here are some pointers on do`s and don`ts with regards to conducting business with your agent:

DO try to build a relationship with the agent. It can work wonders and you will find that you are getting honest feedback about the marketing of your home.

DO realise that they have other clients too. Agents with lots of properties on the market generate lots of buyers, which is exactly what you want.

DO keep them informed of any changes to your position or circumstances.

DO make sure that the agent can get hold of you easily. If he/she has a client in the office wanting to view your property and they can`t get in touch with you the buyer may decide to look at another property.

DO take the agent's advice with regard to price if your home has been on the market for more than 12 weeks.

DO plan regular updates with them.

DO ask them to detail what the marketing plan is, so that you know what they are doing.

DO always keep the communication corridor open. Never let communication break down to such an extent that neither party wants to phone the other. You have a mutual interest in selling.

DON'T wander into the estate agent's office demanding an update regarding the marketing. Make an appointment to come in and see your contact. That way you won't get quickly made-up excuses but a properly thought-out update.

DON'T ring up every time you go out of the house just to let them know that you will be out.

DON'T blame the agent if a potential buyer fails to turn up. It is usually the buyer's fault.

DON'T forget that they know the market far better than you, especially when it comes to prices.