Anyone have any experiences with Romans Estate Agents?

Cristy

We are seriously considering instructing them to sell our house. Has anyone here had any dealings with them? They seemed quite professional but you never know!

Any responses greatly appreciated

TheDink

I bought my house through Romans and they didn't seem too bad, so I tried them when I came to sell.

I got quite a few viewings, no second viewings. After a couple of months the place I was hoping to buy fell through because I couldn't proceed, so I instructed Romans to take my house off the market - they tried desperately to talk me out of it, made it difficult for me to get my keys back, and told me that they would go ahead with the viewing that was booked for the weekend!

When I came to sell last year, I got Romans back to value the house - they didn't even look round but planned to use the details they held from over a year before. And their fees were higher than others.

Yes, they do have a good presence in some areas but I found that they don't screen out timewasters and the service wasn't great.

I don't know where you are located but I sold through David Taylor, based in Binfield and got a much better service - it really helps to have someone who knows what they are doing!

Cristy

Thanks Sarah, we're in east Reading so it's not the same branch, I hope they are more efficient! I will ask however, if they screen out timewasters and how. Fees-wise, they were higher than anyone else but they were also prepared to negotiate. We'll see what they have to say for themselves Our mind is not made up yet and any comment will help.

AndrewSmith

Hi Cristy,

Have you tried Parkers in Woodley?

An old mate of mine is one of the Partners of the firm, his name is Adrian Evans. Contact him and tell him that Andrew Smith gave you his details. He will look after you. He has been in the area all his life and is one of the best Reading estate agents I know.

(by the way, I get nothing for referring business to them, and they have their own broker before I am accused of touting for business )

Cheers

Andy

Cristy

Andrew, that is very interesting. I have spoken to Adrian - indeed, he came to do a valuation - and he is one of the agents I am considering. I thought he was quite professional, but was unsure that his branch of Parkers had much of a foothold in the area. They seem to have such a small section in the local paper, with tiny photos too. But thank you for your personal recommendation, I shall call him again and have a chat.

zeddy_2

Hi,

My sister-in -law used Roman's in Crowthorne to buy her house. It went quite smoothly but they charged them high fees - they didn't know they were negotiable!

Anyway, they are currently one of the estate agents selling our flat at the moment. I would say they are fairly profesional, but they do try things on - like they know that we have to have 24 hours notice to get into our flat but they try to get viewings that same day all the time. They are the only estate agents selling our flat who actually take no for an answer though and don't turn up on your doorstep anyway!

AndrewSmith

Adrian is very pro-active and will actively seek viewers and potential buyers.

Give him a call again and tell him I recommended him, then ask him for a deal on the fee.

Doesn't hurt to ask.

Andy

bylromarha

OH has had dealings with Bracknell and Camberley branches of Romans. Both very professional..."as far as estate agents go"...and he's dealt with a few!

Cristy

Thanks everyone. The agent from Romans came back to us and offered us a 0.70% reduction on his fees, which we were happy with. Seemed quite fair and professional. Currently talking to another Woodley agent as well, it's a toss-up between these two (second one also agreed to match reduction in fees!). Wish us luck!