Foxtons Estate Agent

wessexw

Has anybody here any experience of buying through Foxtons in London? There's a property I'm interested in at the moment but Foxtons are the sole agent. I know Foxtons have a dreadful rep in the rental market - my own landlord has taken them to court a while back but I'm not so sure how they are in the sales market. So has anybody here bought through them and how was the experience - good or bad? Thanks!

scooter_chick

Their reputation in the selling market is just as bad.

For that reason I have never viewed a property that's on with them, however perfect it looks.

princeofpounds

They are pretty bad*, but there is at least no ongoing relationship with them like there would be in a letting.

What you are likely to have to be careful of in particular are the normal EA games ramped up to maximum - overvaluing to win business, raising expectations in sellers. Phantom competitor bids etc.

* as are many other London EA chains who imitate them

noopys

Avoid like the plague

adg1

noopys wrote: »

Avoid like the plague

Why? If its the right house then thats, surely, not the right course of action.

OP - As a buyer there is no ongoing relationship with any EA you buy through. Remember you pay no fees as a buyer, you haven't trusted them with your property keys etc.

You, as the buyer are choosing a house, not the estate agent. View the house if its right for you.

Bear in mind Foxtons are there to get every last penny out of a buyer for their client and have built a reputation for achieving this. Stand your ground and only offer what you think its worth.

axomoxia

Don't go to their mortgage advisor chap. Otherwise you will get Foxtons ringing you up offering you properties that you could theoretically afford, rather than what you want to pay. I'm sure from a vendors perspective, they are pretty good in terms of getting the best price for your property. From a buyers perspective they're a right pain in the !!!!.

wessexw

Thanks everyone, I'm inclined to go with adgs advice. If I do decide to go for this property I'll make sure to go with eyes wide open! I know Foxtons overcharge massively so would take a fair chunk off the asking price and see what happened.

timmyt

noopys wrote: »

Avoid like the plague

did you mean to still compliment them!!:rotfl:

kmmr

I bought through their Notting Hill office. High pressure, lots of rush, not a lot of help when there was a problem on my side... but not too bad really!! Seriously! Nothing shocking, and be ready for pressure - but do what you need to do to be confident in the purchase.

Be intelligent, firm in what you want, and it'll be fine. There is only so much they can do to you as a buyer.