House Selling - Money Saving Tips

Doozergirl

You don't need to subscribe to the local paper when you have the internet!

We've bought all over the place and don't need a local paper as there is always plenty of choice online.

I subscribe to the rightmove service that emails me every day with all the new properties in the area I'm looking.

Rightmove rocks!

lynzpower

Anyone looking to move to an area from outside the area is likely to have subscribed to the local paper. So are they really that much more effective

Ive never known anyone subscribe to a local newspaper, I didnt even know you could do it.

propertydealer

Hi
Having worked for Bairstow Eves (the biggest agent in the country, part of countrywide) there are afew things to remember when choosing your agent, as been mentioned before board presence, sold signs (not for sale), how they advertise your property (remember not every agent will used rightmove), how often your property will go in the local paper (if at all). Ive noticed big big differences between the big corporates and the little independants, noticably the bigger ones are part of the ombudsman scheme which regulates the industry and alot of these smaller ones aren't. Consequence - if you are unhappy with your agent and feel they have acted inappropriately, unless they are part of these scheme who can you complain to? Being in the game i know of agent wanting the property for themselves or friends and downvaluing the property so they can get sweet deals. You will end up paying higher fees with the bigger companies but you do get a very good level of service, again someone mentioned you can always negotiate to get the fee reduced, but don't haggle too much you don't want to make the agent feel they are working for peanuts, where is the incentive to sell your property. (I know Bairstows work to around 1.5%). Personally in todays climate properties are still selling very well and touch wood should only be on the market 1-2 weeks before selling, that is why it makes sence to go with a smaller firm thus having a smaller fee to pay. again try to get a very short contract, i know only too well people getting tied in for 8-12 weeks and having maybe 6 viewing the first week and maybe 2-3 for the entire rest. (bairstows offer a 0 week contract, if that helps), estate agents are well known for not keeping in contact with their vendors, don't feel offended they do have tons of other stuff to do (marketing, calling clients, doing viewings, offer work, generating valuations etc) but that doesn't mean you can't call them for an update, just shows you are motivated to sell. There is alot more i could say but don't want to waffle on, if anyone wants advise or help please feel free to email me at info@property-2-go.co.uk and i would be more than happy to help out.

regards

dave

dkny_pendoo

Talkig about free listings, i've come across this site, http://www.thepropertydog.co.uk/ It seems better than some of the other free one's out there. you can search by postcode or location, not just county. Anyone else have experience of this? Must be owrth a go if it's free.

saxy1

Newbie moneysaver, New website.

Is that a rat i can smell????:rolleyes:

uncle-al

I'm keen to know.. I've just clicked on a site QCK.com which says I can buy or sell property free from stamp duty legally. They're trying to sell me a book at 24.99. Is this a scam or is it really possible to buy and sell property free of sdlt.? If it is 24.99 is seemingly very cheap for the book!

uncle-al

Hi.

I'm looking for advice on whether or not it's possible to buy & sell your house without having to pay stamp duty land tax. I've just been on a website which claims it is and it's legal. They want to sell me a book at 24.99?

Am I about to be suckered or is the book worth more?

benbenandme

Thank you Marcus for what could be the most valuable info I have got from this site so far !! :beer: :beer: But hopefully you can all give me some advice as I don't know which agent to choose!

I have had 3 valuations (£235, £240 and £245). Didn't like the first agent for various reasons so comes own to the other two. The £240 one is in a good position in the high street, has 7 branches locally and well-established but wanted to charge 2%:eek: but said he'd reduce it to 1.5% when I mentioned this site with a 6 week tie-in. The second is in a side street off the high street and only has one other local branch. They offered 1% and no tie-in. While I should be really happy with this I am worried that they're desperate as I din't even have to negotiate to get that deal. :rolleyes:

I know its a gamble whichever one I choose but just wanted some advice from you guys first please!! Thank you in advance for your help !!

Feebee_2

Hi benbenandme

wonder if it would be worth calling the two agents (or getting someone to do it for you) pretend to be a potential buyer and see how they respond? The smaller one might be desperate but that may work in your favour, if they've got less properties and need the money coming in they may put in extra effort. I'll be interested to hear what others think as I'm no expert but we're hoping to have our property on the market next month.
I'm glad to hear that the 1% is still feasible as I saw Marcus' original thread was ages ago.


good luck whichever one you choose.

moov-in

benbenandme wrote:

Thank you Marcus for what could be the most valuable info I have got from this site so far !! :beer: :beer: But hopefully you can all give me some advice as I don't know which agent to choose!

I have had 3 valuations (£235, £240 and £245). Didn't like the first agent for various reasons so comes own to the other two. The £240 one is in a good position in the high street, has 7 branches locally and well-established but wanted to charge 2%:eek: but said he'd reduce it to 1.5% when I mentioned this site with a 6 week tie-in. The second is in a side street off the high street and only has one other local branch. They offered 1% and no tie-in. While I should be really happy with this I am worried that they're desperate as I din't even have to negotiate to get that deal. :rolleyes:

I know its a gamble whichever one I choose but just wanted some advice from you guys first please!! Thank you in advance for your help !!

Find out if both advertise on Rightmove, as it's where we get 35% of our leads from and is important for exposure.

Also, remember the valuer is probably never going to speak to you again, it's not his job, so go to each agent office and see how you're treated and how well they know their property stock. If you can't visit definitely call, go on the mailing list and see whether you get some properties in the post or by email.

One other thing, forget 6 weeks, go for 2 weeks. This way you can keep them on their toes.

When they come round to sign up the agreement just cross out the six weeks and replace it with 2. They won't want to waste their time and will agree.

Contracts are there to be amended, so amend away!!!

Good luck