Changing Estate Agents - does it put buyers off?

curlydiamond

Hello, just having a bit of a moan really! We've been on the market with agent A since the start of April, 4 viewings in the first 10 days but nothing since. I'm thinking of changing estate agents; as a first time seller I fell for all the lies, but am wondering if they're all just the same! I'd decided I really liked one agent (agent but then was taken in by agent A's patter (I did have 11 agents value our house - Agent A were not the highest but they were in the top half).

Since signing the dotted line agent A have been useless. I know we're at the bottom end of the market but I was still hoping for a teeny bit of effort from them. They didn't get us on the websites for over a week and when I asked why they said they were waiting for the EPC - (I'd sent it to the the previous week). and then I asked where my floorplan was (they said they don't do them for cheaper houses and I reminded them they had already been sent it). They turned up to do a viewing without notice, claiming they didn't think we'd be there (it's our home - why wouldn't we be) so the viewer spent all her time apologising instead of looking at the house. Neither the staff in the office nor the agent doing the viewing seem to have a clue about our house or the area it's in.

Today after 4weeks with no news (we had been told we'd get a weekly update of how many hits, profile matches etc) I went in to get my key back and one of the agents spoke to me. They said we're priced too high (marketed at £5000 under what their valuation reccommended) and that other houses in the postcode area have sold for much less. I'm fully aware of the sold prices, my house is top of the market in a lovely area in beautiful condition, yet the houses the agent was trying to compare with are in really rough areas and in awful condition! Problem is, if the agent doesn't seem to know the difference they're not going to be telling prospective buyers the difference are they!

We're not in a hurry to move (just would like to live nearer work) and we know we're not going to get an amazing price, but I have lost all confidence in agent A and am thinking of moving to agent B (who are about £500 cheaper btw). Agent A said if we drop by 5% we can be part of their latest 'promotion' - but I thought they were already marketing my property properly (basically I got the impression if I don't sign up with their latest promotion they'll not promote my house at all). So I'm thinking of moving to the agent I got an initial good vibe from, who look like they were most honest with their valuation and didn't try to dazzle me with their glozzy brochures.

Now, from a buyers point of view does it look bad if I move to a different agent and drop the price by 5%? Top sold price for 2bed terrace in the last 6 months is £92000, we're currently on £89000 but going to drop to £85,000. There are loads of 2bed terraces for sale here but mine's in the top 5 for condition, location and size.

olly300

1. Go through your post and put a space between your paragraphs as it makes it easier to read on the internet.

2. There is nothing wrong with changing estate agents. However if someone was introduced to you by the first agent and buys the house through the second agent, then the first agent could threaten to sue you and cause all sorts of trouble.

curlydiamond

1. done! it's amazing how fast I can type when I'm having a rant! Sorry it doesn't read very well, hope it's a bit clearer now.

2. What constitutes an 'introduction'? The agency said there were 70 odd 'profile matches' (think that means they were emailed my property details) - so that would be a list of 70 or so names agency B would need from agency A? We've not got a board (though we're thinking of having one with agency

Thanks for responding, have a lovely evening.

motherofstudents

If you're not happy with agent A then I think you should go with agent B. It wouldn't concern me what buyers think because for a start, not all will realise you have changed agents and those that do, just tell the truth. I'd say you were not happy with the lack of communication eg turning up with viewers unexpectedly.

IHateDida

Firstly most estate agents are the same - unless you constantly chase them up and tell them exactly what you expect.

As a buyer, I wouldn't be too concerned with a house that has only been on the market a few weeks changing EA - the only time I get fed up is when i see a house on the market too highly priced for 6 months with one agent and then moving to another at exactly the same price - as I just think whats the point - they need to do something with the price instead of the EA!

I would invite several EA's round and see which offers you the best deal/service promise - you tend to get a feel for which one is right. But make sure you price your house at £84,950 intsead of £85k if you are going to drop it - that little pricing tactic can sometimes have quite an effect! Tell the EA what you want - instead of them telling you what they can offer.

Good luck and hope you sell soon!:)

vectistim

Your agent is suggestions a 5% reduction to be part of some sort of promotion, that suggests its a corporate of some sort, as opposed to a local independent. If that is the case[1] you may well have signed up for four or five months with this agent, and you've only been on for six/seven weeks.

[1] Even if it isn't you may well have signed some minimum period contract.

Miss_Piggybank_2

Have you paid your agent anything? Will you have to pay them anything if you move?

olly300

curlydiamond wrote: »

2. What constitutes an 'introduction'? The agency said there were 70 odd 'profile matches' (think that means they were emailed my property details) - so that would be a list of 70 or so names agency B would need from agency A?

Yep that's it - anyone who agency A has who was emailed with your details.

Unfortunately it doesn't matter if they didn't get the email for any reason - agency A could still cause you trouble.

curlydiamond wrote: »

We've not got a board (though we're thinking of having one with agency .

It probably won't make a difference in the area you are in if there are a lot of similar sized properties for sale.

Some people are happier to buy a cheaper house and spend the extra doing it up how they like.

Estate Agents openly lie about areas. It's only a buyer who knows the difference between a mile down the road who cares.

flora48

Check your contract details, see how long you have given them Sole Agency. Then check for any costs and try going multi agency. I did this and my goodness was the first agent spurred into action!

Also check with any other agency that they are willing to go multi.

Make sure there are no up front costs. That's the latest I got caught for when trying to sell another property, £375 to market the property to be taken off commission on sale. It didn't sell so another cost down the pan.

SecondLegDownIsTheBigOne

Lowering your price attracts buyers.

DPJames

I've never understood why people change agents. What will the next agent do that the previous one didn't?

All they can do is stick a board up outside your house, and stick you on Rightmove. And ALL estate agents do that, so why change?

If your house isn't attracting viewers or offers, then your house is overpriced.

Lower the price numb nuts!!