Agents fees

leh1980

We are looking at putting our house on the market and have had three valuations all for £169,950.00. I work at a firm of solicitors and one of my conveyancing colleagues has said not to pay more than 1.25% for agents fees. The agents that have come out to value our property have quoted between 1.8% and 2.5% for their fees. I have mentioned a fee of 1.25% and none of them are willing to negotiate.

I am not sure if I am being a bit pushy and maybe we should agree to 1.8% being the lowest quoted (it happens that they also seem to be the best out of the three anyway). We haven't sold a house before so would welcome some advice before agreeing to the fees.

Many thanks in advance.

Doozergirl

Have you called in a mixture if independent and high street firms? I find the high streeters seem to think they can charge more on the back of their brand and provide nothing for it.

It is difficult to get the price down in London I've found, but where I live in the Midlands, there's no need to pay more than 1% plus VAT.

You'll also find them willing to negotiate more if they are confident the house is at the right price.

looby-loo_2

By using the agent of the house we were buying we were able to negotiate 1% as they knew they would complete the chain and thus get two quick sales completed.

Have you tried the agent who is selling the house you are buying?

Doozergirl

Can you ask your conveyancing colleague which agents charge less?

leh1980

Thanks for your replies.

At work we have links with some agents who do offer us 'special rates' but none of them really cover the area where I live.

I think I will try and arrange some other valuations with smaller agents rather than the bigger nationwide companies.

Thanks again for your help and advice.