SELLING a property can be a stressful task, and making a decision about which estate agent to use is never easy so you may wish to consider the following advice when choosing an agent.

Always shop around for an agent. Ask for recommendations from friends and family who have recently bought or sold property.

Choose an estate agent that belongs to the National Association of Estate Agents, which has a code of practice for its members, or the Ombudsman for Estate Agents so, if things go wrong, they can help sort out the problem.

When you use an estate agent to sell your property, you will have to sign a contract. But, before you put pen to paper, the estate agent must give you written details of how much you will be charged. Make sure you read the contract fully and find out whether you have the right to cancel the contract. The terms "sole agency", "sole rights" and "ready, willing and able purchaser" must be explained to you in writing if they are used in a contract.

The agent must state the exact amount you will be charged or, if this is not possible, the way the cost will be worked out and an estimate of the final amount. You will pay a percentage of the selling price of your property as a commission. Some estate agents charge a low percentage plus an additional charge for advertising and for sale boards. If this is the case, then the agent should tell you how much this will be.

The estate agent will visit your home and take down certain details. This helps them prepare a description of the property before advertising it. It is against the law for an agent to make a false or misleading statement about the property.

If a potential buyer comes to look at your property and decides to make an offer they will do this through the estate agent. The agent must tell you promptly and in writing about all offers they receive. You don't have to accept the highest or first offer and the agent should keep you informed of any new offers as they come in, even if you have accepted an offer from another buyer. Even after you accept an offer, both you and the buyer can renegotiate the price or pull out without penalty up until the contracts are exchanged or accepted.

Finally, if you are unhappy with your estate agent's services or you feel you have been treated unfairly, try to sort things out with the agent or the head office if the estate agent is part of a chain.

Consumer Direct is a telephone and online service that gives clear, practical and impartial advice to help consumers resolve problems with suppliers of goods and services.

The free helpline is available on 08454 04 05 06 with a call cost of around 4p/minute.

Consumer Direct also has a website containing comprehensive fact sheets and helpful advice and can be found at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk