Does multi-agent selling really help??

jonnytekno

Hi

I need to sell my house as fast as possible because I am relocating. At the moment I have it on with a single estate agent, and have been very disappointed with the amount of viewings.

I started thinking about switching to multi-agent/regret not doing it in the first place, because I read a thing about how it makes them compete against each other and drives towards higher commission rate. But in a world of Rightmove is this really so?

Anyone (particularly any estate agents) able to offer any opinion about whether this is worthwhile or not?

Also, I am still in the contract period: do you think if I complained about the service they would let me out of it, given they have potential to get higher commission? I mystery shopped them and asked about a similar priced house and they didn't mention mine, so I have something to complain about.

Thanks in advance

System

Your property should in theory be visible to all potential buyers so I'm sceptical it would help.

Have you looked into why you're not generating interest? It might be the price.

eddddy

Hi jonnytekno

If you think your property isn't at the negotiators' 'front of mind', you could offer them an incentive.

e.g. £1k bonus to whichever negotiator secures an acceptable offer in the next 4 weeks, payable when the sale completes.

That may be cheaper, and more effective, than going multi-agent.

But obviously that won't help if the problem is that your house is overpriced,

penguingirl

jonnytekno wrote: »

Also, I am still in the contract period: do you think if I complained about the service they would let me out of it, given they have potential to get higher commission? I mystery shopped them and asked about a similar priced house and they didn't mention mine, so I have something to complain about.

I don't think they'd let you out of it, but it might prompt them to up their game. Could you arrange a meeting with them to discuss the marketing of your property? You can mention your mystery shopping experience, and then look at rightmove stats etc.

Are you getting any viewers? If you post the link on here you are likely to get good feedback (and a fair amount of tough love)

Hoploz

Have you made it clear in words of one syllable that you need to sell fast? The agent might not have your house in the front of their minds. Have all staff been to have a look? Tell them you want them to come and give them a full guided tour highlighting all the good points about the house!
Have you asked them why you have not had many viewings? What is their reason? The market should be beginning to pick up at this time of year. 1st March, sunshine here today - it brings people out!

jbainbridge

Multi agency looks desperate I think, but that's only my opinion.

Price it correctly and it will sell. If you want to sell it fast price it a little lower.

Bossypants

jbainbridge wrote: »

Multi agency looks desperate I think, but that's only my opinion.

I agree, but depending on your situation, i.e. how quickly you need to sell and how low you're willing to go to do so, that might not be a bad thing. Seeing a new listing with a new agent for a property I know has already been on the market suggests to me that the seller is desperate and may therefore be prepared to accept a low offer, so if I was on the fence before I might now take the trouble to go and see it.


One thing I would say is make sure your current agent has the property listed on all the big sites (i.e. Rightmove, Zoopla, Primelocation and Onthemarket). Most people looking are signed up to all of them, but some won't be, on the assumption that they all have the same thing, and one of the some might be your future buyer.