GVM Auctioneers · Seller’s guide
How to Choose an Auctioneer in Limerick: Questions to Ask Before You Sign
At a glance
Key takeaways
- Always check your auctioneer is licensed by the PSRA. It takes 30 seconds on psr.ie.
- Judge valuations on evidence, not the highest number. An inflated valuation can leave your home sitting on the market.
- Fees usually run from 1% to 2.5% plus VAT. Make sure everything is written into your letter of engagement.
- The best auctioneer for you has a strong recent sales record in your area and a clear marketing plan.
Choosing an auctioneer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when selling your home. The right one can add thousands to your sale price and save you weeks of stress. There are plenty of auctioneers in Limerick to choose from, so how do you tell them apart?
We’ve been selling property in Limerick since 1956. These are the 10 questions we’d ask if we were in your shoes, and what a good answer sounds like.
Licensing and protection
Are you licensed by the PSRA?
Every auctioneer and estate agent in Ireland must hold a licence from the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA). Licences are renewed every year.
- Check the register: Search the business and the individual agent on the PSRA register.
- Ask to see their credential card: Every licensed agent carries one, with their photo and licence details.
- Why it matters: Only licensed agents give you access to the PSRA complaints process and its compensation fund. In the PSRA’s own words, “No PSRA licence = no PSRA consumer protection.”
Evidence of local experience
How many homes like mine have you sold near here recently?
Local sales are the best proof an auctioneer knows your market. Ask for recent examples on your road, in your estate or in your town, and what they sold for compared with the asking price.
Good answer
Specific addresses, prices and timelines.
Red flag
General claims with no local examples.
Valuation advice
What is my home worth, and how did you get that figure?
By law, your auctioneer must give you a written Statement of Advised Market Value (AMV) before your home goes on the market, and the advertised price can’t be set below it.
A good valuation is backed by recent comparable sales, not by guesswork. Be careful with the auctioneer who quotes the highest figure. An inflated valuation can win the instruction, but it often leads to price drops later, and buyers notice homes that sit on the market.
Fees and terms
What are your fees, and what’s included?
Most auctioneers in Ireland charge between 1% and 2.5% of the sale price, plus 23% VAT. Ask:
- Is the fee a percentage or a fixed amount?
- Is advertising included, or charged on top?
- Are there any costs if the property doesn’t sell?
All fees and costs must be written into your letter of engagement before any work starts. If something isn’t in writing, ask for it to be.
Marketing and presentation
How will you market my property?
Most buyers find their next home online, so marketing matters. A strong plan should include:
- Professional photography and a floor plan
- Listings on MyHome.ie and Daft.ie
- Video and social media promotion
- A For Sale sign and a printed brochure
- Contacting buyers already registered with the agency
Your point of contact
Who will actually handle my sale?
Some agencies send a senior agent to win the business and then pass your sale to someone else. Ask who will run the viewings, take the calls and negotiate the bids, and make sure you’re comfortable with that person.
Communication during the sale
How do you handle viewings and bids?
Ask how viewings are organised—group viewings, private viewings or both—and how quickly you’ll hear about bids. Every bid should be passed on to you promptly, and you should be able to ask for bids to be confirmed in writing.
Choosing the right selling method
Should I sell by private treaty or at auction?
A good auctioneer will recommend the method that suits your property rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Most family homes sell well by private treaty. Land, farms, sites and one-of-a-kind properties often achieve a better and more certain result at auction, where the sale is binding when the hammer falls. Read more in auction vs private treaty.
Professional standards
Are you a member of a professional body?
Membership of a professional body shows a commitment to standards and training. In Ireland, look for:
- IPAV: the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers
- SCSI: the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland
- TEGOVA: the European Group of Valuers’ Associations, for recognised valuation standards
Client experience
What do your past clients say?
Read the agency’s Google reviews and look for comments about communication, honesty and results. Look for reviews from recent clients in your area rather than just the overall star rating.
Use this before you sign
Quick checklist: good answers and red flags
| Question | Good answer | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed? | Named on the PSRA register, shows their card | Can’t give a licence number |
| Local sales | Recent sales near you, with prices | Vague claims, no examples |
| Valuation | Written AMV backed by comparable sales | The highest figure, with no evidence |
| Fees | Everything in the letter of engagement | “We’ll sort that out later” |
| Marketing | A clear plan across portals, video, social media and signs | Online listing only |
| Your agent | One named person from start to finish | Handed to a junior agent after signing |
| Reviews | Many recent, detailed reviews | Few or no reviews |
Our answers
How GVM answers these questions
We’re happy to be measured against this list. GVM Auctioneers has been selling property in Limerick since 1956 and holds PSRA licence 002030. We’re members of IPAV and TEGOVA, with offices in Limerick city, Kilmallock and Tullamore, and our clients rate us five stars on Google. We sell homes, land and commercial property by private treaty and at auction, so our advice fits your property, not our process.
If you’re comparing auctioneers in Limerick, put us to the test. Book a free valuation and ask us all 10 questions. You can also browse our recent sales or meet the team.
Ready to compare your options?
Ask us all 10 questions.
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Answers for sellers
Frequently asked questions
How much do auctioneers charge in Limerick?
Most auctioneers and estate agents in Ireland charge between 1% and 2.5% of the sale price, plus 23% VAT. Some charge extra for advertising. By law, your auctioneer must set out every fee and cost in a letter of engagement before any work starts.
How do I check if an auctioneer is licensed in Ireland?
Search the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) public register at psr.ie. Every licensed auctioneer also carries a PSRA credential card with their photo, and each licensed office must display its licence. Only licensed agents give you access to the PSRA complaints process and compensation fund.
Do I have to sign a contract with an auctioneer?
Yes. A licensed auctioneer must give you a letter of engagement, also called a property services agreement, to sign before they act for you. It sets out the services, fees, costs and how long the agreement lasts. Read it carefully before you sign.
Can I change auctioneer if I’m not happy?
Usually yes, but check your letter of engagement first. Most agreements give the agent sole selling rights for a set period and require notice to end them. Ending it early could leave you liable for costs, or for a fee if a buyer the first agent introduced later buys your home.
What is the difference between an auctioneer and an estate agent?
In Ireland, the two terms mean almost the same thing and most firms do both. Technically, an auctioneer is licensed to sell property at public auction, while an estate agent is licensed to buy and sell property by private treaty. GVM holds both licences.
Sources
- PSRA: Engaging a property services provider
- Citizens Information: Regulation of estate agents, auctioneers and management agents