Online vs traditional estate agents

Davesnave

hazyjo wrote: »

I agree with you, but therein lies the problem. There aren't many 'well respected EAs' around.

I think we tend to see our own area as typical. Plenty of competent agents where we used to live, but a real mixed bunch where we are now, and definitely some 'weeding' wouldn't go amiss.

jimbog

rumandcoke wrote: »

I am now using an online site. ..... I shall save approx £3,500

Not necessarily, you may lose a lot more. But you may not ever know it.

As mentioned in numerous threads (here is this afternoon's one):

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6020103/purple-bricks

many buyers actively avoid online agents - they don't like dealing face to face with a vendor. Also, traditional agents are usually better at pushing for a good deal for the vendor and (usually) have an interest in seeing the sale through to exchange.

babyblade41

hazyjo wrote: »

I agree with you, but therein lies the problem. There aren't many 'well respected EAs' around.

I have used the same agent for many years now and they live miles away from me, the reason why is because they are very small, independent and do everything after the offer has been accepted and more.

I can get in touch 7days a week same as my vendor and they do everything in their power to keep it together.

The agents indigenous to me are mostly big companies wo once offer has been passed on and accepted it then moves onto a so called sales progression team.

My last agents our vendor used used to be excellent but this new system of production line was abysmal .

Due diligence before going to market is so important it amazes me how many don't do the basics before going on right move.

I've seen some really poor photos with no detailed floorpans and even no floor plans at all , and it seems to be getting worse

hazyjo

babyblade41 wrote: »

I've seen some really poor photos with no detailed floorpans and even no floor plans at all , and it seems to be getting worse

Worst I had was when an EA sent me draft details - OMG the spelling mistakes! I had to scan a copy back absolutely covered in red pen. Honestly, it was so shockingly bad. I don't know how he ever got a job or passed an exam. Unless a secretary typed them up (which is even worse)! He turned out to be useless in every respect. As has happened several times, the person I meet isn't the person who ends up dealing with it. I'm very careful now to find out exactly who I shall be dealing with and refuse to be fobbed off with the office junior.


Hadn't really considered using the same agent as try to stay local. to where I'm selling Do get your logic though - if it's going on RM anyway, should it really matter if they're not local? Prob not. :think:

Davesnave

babyblade41 wrote: »

Due diligence before going to market is so important it amazes me how many don't do the basics before going on right move.

I've seen some really poor photos with no detailed floorpans and even no floor plans at all , and it seems to be getting worse

Not in West Wales, it isn't. When looking there ten years ago, if we saw a floor plan it was like a miracle had happened, and the pictures mostly seemed to have been shot with my old Kodak Instamatic from 1967.

But you're right; the full horror of some agents' work is there for all to see, yet numpties still book them. If they can't make a half-decent ad, what chance is there for effective support and follow-up?