How to decide which EA to go with

jangor_2

What is the deciding factor or factors when choosing between EAs.

Fire_Fox

Are their valuations realistic (look at sold prices in the street or area)? Do they try to flannel you? What are their charges, anything hidden in the contract? Any restrictive or unfair clauses? Were you impressed by the sales patter and knowledge of the staff? Do they use Rightmove? What are the photos of other properties they market like, flattering angles and decent quality?

jangor_2

Thankyou. The two valuations I received were different by £10,000. Both seemed very knowledgeable but the second EA spent a considerable amount of time talking to me; general chatter and information about the company. The first was a corporate EA, the second not. Company no. 2 have just sold a very similar property in the next road (albeit in a much improved condition) for the full asking price which understandably was approximately £15000 higher than my own. There are very few properties to compare with in the vicinity. Both contracts seem reasonably fair, both charging the same commission. I would be tied in for 12 weeks. Presentation again seems equal with both companies, using right move etc. and the pictures also seemed on a par.

Fire_Fox

So which is the realistic valuation going by sold prices (by any agency, not just the ones you have seen)? If there are few comparable properties, price up larger and smaller properties in the street.

Hopejack

I have just put up a thread about EA contracts. I haven't had any replies yet - been trying to search for the original author but can't recall their name! Might be worth considering what is in their contracts re tie ins or going multi agency should you need to.

Also, as their valuations are about the same, is their any flex in their fee? I've heard local agents are more willing to reduce their fees than nationals....

nollag2006

Have a friend call up or walk into both agents posing as a potential buyer for properties in that price range.

A little "mystery shopping" exercise can often tell you plenty about how well staff market properties to prospective purchasers

Hopejack

I know some people don't like this but do they both ask for feedback from viewers? When I've been looking to buy in the past, I've been amazed at the fact that some of the EAs don't call you up to ask for feedback. On the flipside, I got a bit fed up with EAs ringing me when I wasn't interested in the property having viewed it and felt that they were hounding me a bit! Suppose they were doing their job though!!

Sometimes feedback can be next to useless - people can say the oddest things, but it's nice to know your EA is being a little proactive