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I'm actually looking at paying between £700 and £5,00, so the gulf is even wider. But I'm not looking to just go with the agent that says the biggest number.
I've had two valuations so far and they've both given me the same figure and brought examples of similar properties in the area to show me what they sold for (the same flats in both cases, in fact).
Having said that, I'm still sceptical of their high valuations.
Both gave me info on their local knowledge (one had lots, one had none) and their intended strategy (one had one, one didn't).
One more agent is coming today and it will be interesting to see what number they come up with.
Sparky-
But to get you started on choosing a successful agent, look at total listings and SSTC/For Sale ratio on Rightmove:
Acorn Estates: 36 listings, 50% under offer
Brown Estates: 28 listings, 50% under offer
JDM: 60 listings, 43% under offer
KFH: 89 listings, 40% under offeretc.
Obvs listing loads and not selling many is rubbish.
Hefty
This is not a criticism of you per se, but you're about to spend somewhere between £700-£2500 in commission on selling your place, so approach that as you would any other purchase of a similar amount.
A good estate agent is worth the fee, a bad one won't sell your house. Ask them questions, find out their knowledge of the area and prices of equivalent properties, ask them how they intend to market the place, find out how many people they have on their books with a budget similar to the price you're wanting.
Don't go for the cheapest option, or go for the one who claims they'll sell it at a higher price, but pick the one who you think has the skills and knowledge to sell the place.