Estate Agent Pushy About Putting Flat on Market

G_M

tightasagnats wrote: »

Any advice about handing agents?

Yes. Be firm and clear.

You say

I consulted a local (well thought of agents),

[I assume you mean "I consulted a local (well thought of) agent,] - do you mean re getting a valuation of your property, or in your search for a new one?

If this was a selling agent, simply say "Thanks, I'll be in touch when I'm ready to sell" and don't get drawn into further discussion. Though it's wise to establish up front
* the fee they charge
* the minimum contract period
* the marketing strategy they use
etc, so you are ready.

If you refer to agents you've approached in your search, just keep setting up viewings for properties you are interested in. Has any agent actually refused to allow you to view a property because your flat isn't on the market?

Yes, when you get as far as making an offer, you will need to confirm your position, and some sellers may be put off. But

* that should not stop the agent putting your offer forward (it's then up to the seller)
* if your offer is attractive enough, and you stress the speed your type of properties sell at in the area, that may satisfy the seller.

You can always put your offer in writing to the agent (harder for them to ignore) and put a copy through the property door addressed to the seller.

tightasagnats

Thanks, good advice. Yes an agent refused to arrange for me to see a property as mine isn't on the market. Same agent I had called into to discuss selling mine, so started looking at what they had available - called them back and said I'd like to see house X and he said yours needs to be on the market or you're wasting your time and was fairly dismissive. I'm no wallflower but I thought it worth seeking folks views on here.

He was obnoxious but he had a point.

hazyjo

If it will sell that quick, use housenetwork or eMoov.

Reckon I'll be in a similar boat soon, so keep us advised...

Jx

PasturesNew

If you wait until you've found somewhere to buy before putting yours on the market, then you might find you lose the one you want.

What you should/could do is choose your agent, get them to write all the description etc and take the photos, then you need to read all of that and sign it off - and get the EPC done.

Do all of that with them on the basis that it'll then "sit on the shelf until you've found one you want to buy, then yours can hit the market the same day".

Not having yours for sale already will lessen your offer in the eyes of a seller in any case .... and having the delay while your "for sale" paperwork's done might just lose you what you want.

Jox

I've got a London one bed flat 3 mins from train station and it's been on the market since mid-May, post Brexit jitters have prevented offers. The agent told me back in May that if it hadn't sold in 3 months I could take him out the back and shoot him...

hazyjo

The houses I've liked have all gone within a week or two. The REALLY good ones have gone within a day or two. I rang about one and they had around 25 viewers lined up for an open day, and it went before even getting to the open day.


I stood no chance without a buyer. Didn't even bother viewing as couldn't have offered as wasn't proceedable.


I'm very reluctant to sell right now as wanted to wait until my mortgage deal expired next year. However, there has been the occasional gem that would make me go sooner (there's one up now and I'm really in two minds as to what to do!).


If you're definitely looking right now to move, then get yours on the market and make sure your buyer knows you haven't found anywhere to go yet. Also make sure they don't spend anything until the chain is complete.
Jx

tightasagnats

Jox wrote: »

I've got a London one bed flat 3 mins from train station and it's been on the market since mid-May, post Brexit jitters have prevented offers. The agent told me back in May that if it hadn't sold in 3 months I could take him out the back and shoot him...

I'm sure that's right there are jitters, but the flats on my road go in days. Where is yours? Not selling since mid May might mean there's some other reason? Brexit was end of June....and we didn't see it coming. Did you lose buyers that had put in offers?

tightasagnats

All good advice folks, I'm getting the whole thing set up and ready to go....

Jox

Good luck with your sale

sheff6107

I found dealing with agents easy. Just get three round to price, then send an apologetic email to the two you don't want to use saying you've had three round, all were excellent but you're going with one of the other two.

Anyway, I'd go for an online agent in any case.