If you’re planning to buy a home soon, you might assume the best place to start is on the property portals, Rightmove, Zoopla, or OnTheMarket. But the truth is, the savviest buyers are seeing homes long before they ever appear online. Here’s why registering with an agent puts you one step ahead.

For many, the first time you sell a home is completely different to when you were a first time buyer. This time, you have to balance the sale of your current property and the purchase of your new home.

Some homes in Shepperton fly off the market within weeks. Others sit for months, attract only a handful of viewings, then quietly disappear from the portals, unsold. The difference isn’t luck, it’s sellability.

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions. Whether it’s your first purchase or your fifth, the process can feel daunting, with plenty of pitfalls to avoid. From mortgages and surveys to legal paperwork and negotiations, there’s a lot to take on board. By arming yourself with the right information and working with a knowledgeable local estate agent, you’ll be better placed to make smart decisions and find the home that truly fits your needs.