Suspect estate agent tactics?

Bertie_the_third

We've been on the market for 8 weeks with 1 viewing so far. We chose an EA who gave one of the lower valuations (as it was consistent with our research) and has good local reputation. Unfortunately we'd failed to realise that although they use rightmove they're otherwise behind the times-they're shut from lunch on saturday til lunch on monday and when asked about their mailing list/ database they said "er, we have a book we write names in..." Yesterday, another EA who we'd rejected due to over- valuing and extortionate fixed fee called offering 1 % if we switched to them. They are a big national company, use prime location , do open house weekends etc. We have no tie in, but should we switch? It all sounds a bit dodgy and un ethical although I know I need an EA to sell our house not to be my best mate. Any experience of this or advice welcome.

KateLiana27

If you can switch without major loss, and you're unhappy with the service you've received so far (and I would be, based on what you've said) - do it. It's business and they don't fit your needs. The flexibility of EAs in arranging out-of-hours viewings was key for us when buying our house, as we both work full-time (like many - most? - other buyers), so no Saturday afternoon or Sunday viewings would be a big deal.

If you believe the new agency are over-valuing, get them to agree on the initial asking price before switching to them. They work for you.

The_Palmist

You have waited 8 weeks already, that ethical enough. It all boils down to money at the end of the day. 1% doesn't see too bad a rate.

MacMickster

Make sure first that you have not given your current EA sole selling rights for a period of time or you could find that if you sell you will be liable to pay both EAs.

hcb42

is prime location as well known? Do they use rightmove?

you can set the price of your house, regardless of the valuation.

Open house viewings are ok if you think they will drive interested viewers..otherwise it is largely sales blurb. only you know the answer to that. you might just end up with a house full of sightseers

your current agent sounds like they are behind the times, but be careful before you jump ship, that you get what you want.

neverdespairgirl

In London, primelocation has more properties than rightmove. I don't know about elsewhere.

OP - if the national EA is Foxtons, run away. Fast.

flora48

Open House weekends... well mine generated one viewing via the agent and one passer by who came for a nose around. I moaned and chuntered for 4 days afterwards but hey ho the one and only legit viewer was indeed my buyer. So yes it worked!!

zappahey

Bertie_the_third wrote: »

Unfortunately we'd failed to realise that although they use rightmove they're otherwise behind the times-they're shut from lunch on saturday til lunch on monday and when asked about their mailing list/ database they said "er, we have a book we write names in..." Yesterday, another EA who we'd rejected due to over- valuing and extortionate fixed fee called offering 1 % if we switched to them.

Regardless of the method they use, who is actually getting the sales locally?

When we we were selling, we used a local EA based on a realistic valuation and a review of who was actually making sales.

Something worth considering before you jump ship