How to find local a Independent EA?

Running_Horse

We used a local agent who was absolutely useless, with unvetted viewers and two failed sales.

Came off the market for a bit, and went with a national chain who got us full asking price on day one with no hassles.

Not saying this is true in every case, but it was our experience.

hazyjo

We're buying through a county-wide EA (just over a dozen branches and a head office) who have been amazing - and it's not really us they're even working for. We're selling through one with one office - again, very good. The ones we previously tried selling through have 2 branches and were absolutely useless. I really think a lot of it depends on who you deal with in the branch. Our useless one was okay when we dealt with others in the office. The bloke 'assigned' to us was beyond useless. Make sure you actually deal with the person who impresses you and they don't shove you over to someone else. Recommendations count for a lot. You can probably negotiate on their fee a bit - but not all will come down. Same for the term you sign up for. Worth a try...

Jx

CloudCuckooLand

I have experienced good and bad 'local' agents. And good and bad national/large chains. Don't tar them all with the same brush.

I'd say go for medium-sized, i.e. 'regional' more than local. The latter can be too small, sometimes. The largest, too large.

Let's face it, at the end of the day, if you have a decent Ad on Rightmove, at the right price, it will sell. So then it comes down to commission/fees.

googler

timmyt wrote: »

....ignore the latter posters, I witness personal attacks on me and others from time to time

You repeat the same sweeping generalisation often, and I'm not the only one to notice. Anyone who hasn't noticed can look at your profile, your previous posts, and see for themselves. We've got the message.

Stating this isn't a 'personal attack', no matter how paranoid you feel.

sunshinetours

Personal recommendations from trusted sources will generally always be the best way to find an estate agent, solicitor, accountant etc etc

As someone above said your local Spicers/Haart agent may have a great branch manager who runs a tight ship and gives great service - they may also not have that

Providing your property is priced right and presented well and advertised on Rightmove you should have as much chance as most at getting viewings (the first and arguably hardest step in the current market)

Ideally you want an agent with a proven local track record through good and bad times

Generalisations however, generally don't help anyone

adg1

That statement is a gross generalisation.

There are a nice mix of terrible local and naional and very good local and national agents.

There is, unforunately Timmy T, no direct correlation between size and ability. Sorry.

Ask your neighbours, talk to people in the local pub get the 'lowdown' on your area.

You don't mention whether you are looking to buy/rent/sell/let so, why not do the opposite with each agent (ie if you are looking to sell in the local area, register as a buyer with the agents and see how you are treated when you aren't paying their fees. Likewise for renting).

This will give you a lot of info you wouldn't necessarily get otherwise.