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Choosing an estate agent
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I think there can be a bit of discretion on the percentages. If you’re more inclined towards one particular estate agent, for whatever reason, it won’t hurt to ask why they charge extra when everyone else is at 1%. They might be willing to go for slightly less % to secure your business.
Oh, I've already managed to get them to drop from 1.5% to 1.25%, and reduce their lock-in time down to 4 weeks. However, if they sell the house for over £xK, they get 1.5%.
Still, 0.25% of our little house is about £660 (after VAT) - which is quite a lot of money. You have to think about the value for money you are getting for that. I guess it would be worth it if they sold over the 'x' amount.
After talking to the missus, we're probably going to go with the more expensive agents.. heck, i don't know why. I guess perception is everything. I happen to know there's not enough houses to go around (it's fun getting agents to open up) and the area is an 'affordable' popular commuter area of outer London - i may try to push their fee down a bit more.0 -
Using an idea from this thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3326286
I've done a search of agents in my area; comparing how many houses they have of a similar type to mine and how many they've sold. Tempted to write something to automate this now
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I think it could be dangerous to try to make this kind of decision by using a logical analysis.
In my experience, particularly with large corporates, a change in branch manager can make a big difference. If one agent showed up well on your mathematical model, the manager could have changed from a good to bad one recently and the analysis wouldn't then be valid.RICHARD WEBSTER
As a retired conveyancing solicitor I believe the information given in the post to be useful assuming any properties concerned are in England/Wales but I accept no liability for it.0 -
Richard_Webster wrote: »I think it could be dangerous to try to make this kind of decision by using a logical analysis.
In my experience, particularly with large corporates, a change in branch manager can make a big difference. If one agent showed up well on your mathematical model, the manager could have changed from a good to bad one recently and the analysis wouldn't then be valid.
True, this method only provides a snapshot. Are there any sites that archive/data-mine Rightmove?0
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