Sell simple estate agency

belloport

Hi All

I was wondering if anyone has had the experience of using Sell Simple Estate Agency - (Google their site, I cannot post links here)

We are in the unfortunate situation that our buyer has withdrawn 3 weeks before moving in and we have already concluded missives (singed a contract) on another property. Our property is back on the market but has not had a lot of interest second time around and it seems like our current estate agents are just twiddling their thumbs.

I researched and found another agency who are a fast sell experts, national company and claim they have a national database of buyers / investors and are confident to sell the property within 3-4 weeks. Their fees are £3995 + VAT which is a bit high, but I'd rather pay that then pay the penalties that come with defaulting on the Missives (contract)

I have looked at their reviews online on reviews.co.uk and they seem to have mostly positive reviews, however they all date to 3 months ago. A bit suspicious?

Would be great to know if any other members have used them and
what their experience with them has been.

Thank you.

Nobbie1967

They might be confident of selling in 3-4 weeks, but I bet there's no guarantee and you might want to check how long they tie you in for. If it's longer than 4 weeks then you've got to ask yourself why they'd need to if they're so confident of selling within this time.

Thrugelmir

belloport wrote: »

and it seems like our current estate agents are just twiddling their thumbs.

What exactly do you expect them to do?

Davesnave

Wouldn't it be simpler to drop your price to a level at which your house attracts buyers, rather than put your faith in an area of estate agency renowned for sharp practice?

I'm a 'fast sell expert,' having done the above, and it works!

MobileSaver

belloport wrote: »

are confident to sell the property within 3-4 weeks. Their fees are £3995 + VAT which is a bit high, but I'd rather pay that then pay the penalties that come with defaulting on the Missives

They say "We have confidence in our valuations and will only market property we believe will sell in 28 days" which can only mean one thing...

I'm sure they are confident they can sell your property but in my opinion it will be at a discount that makes their huge fee look like chicken feed!

belloport

Thrugelmir wrote: »

What exactly do you expect them to do?

Since our property has been re-advertised, we have had no viewings from the estate agency. I don't feel they are actively marketing the property. I'm not sure but shouldn't estate agents do a bit more than posting a property on a website and then wait to see if anyone is interested?

belloport

Nobbie1967 wrote: »

They might be confident of selling in 3-4 weeks, but I bet there's no guarantee and you might want to check how long they tie you in for. If it's longer than 4 weeks then you've got to ask yourself why they'd need to if they're so confident of selling within this time.

The duration of the Sole Selling Agreement (SSA) is for 90 Days. The explanation I was given is that they will sell in 4 weeks but after an offer made its in the hands of the solicitors and that's the reason they have 90 days in the agreement.

belloport

Davesnave wrote: »

Wouldn't it be simpler to drop your price to a level at which your house attracts buyers, rather than put your faith in an area of estate agency renowned for sharp practice?

I'm a 'fast sell expert,' having done the above, and it works!

We have already dropped it 20k below the Home valuation report, anymore and I fear that potential buyers might think something is wrong with the property!

davidmcn

belloport wrote: »

Since our property has been re-advertised, we have had no viewings from the estate agency. I don't feel they are actively marketing the property. I'm not sure but shouldn't estate agents do a bit more than posting a property on a website and then wait to see if anyone is interested?

What more is this other agency going to do? Do you think it plausible that they have a secret database of people who are desperate to buy your house but haven't seen the existing listing?

Have a look at auctions if you want a (pretty much) guaranteed quick sale.

Davesnave

belloport wrote: »

We have already dropped it 20k below the Home valuation report, anymore and I fear that potential buyers might think something is wrong with the property!

So, when this agency, which doesn't seem to do room plans or measurements (surprise, surprise!) puts your house on Rightmove at a knock-down price, that will make it
look 'all right' to the buyers?

Because that's what probably has to happen if you are going to be guaranteed a quick sale. This agency has no magic drawer full of exclusive buyers. It might say so, but then they all do. There are always investors out there, but they don't want your house, unless it's very keenly priced.

I also note that this particular agency is part of a group that buys and sells property for its own purposes. They are investors. I think that might worry me. Handy for them if they don't manage to sell a house at a sensible market rate and the sellers become really desperate!

belloport

Thank you all for you responses. I have now dropped the price further. Decided to steer clear of the fast sale experts.

Have a nosey and spread the word.

ESPC id = 339589

Thank you.