Dilemma in changing estate agent

CliffordSquirrel

We put our house on the market last week and we think we have chosen the wrong agent. We have since discovered the Estate Agent’s shop is now closed in our area, they have only 5 properties on the market in this area and few customers on their database. Up to now we have had no viewings and they told us they “may” have two people to view next week who also have properties on the market. At first they told us due to Covid rules only proceed-able customers could view your home e.g. have an offer on their property. 

In the meantime we have had another Estate Agent who is keen to sell our property and he has assured us that as we are still in the 14 days cooling off period we will not be liable for charges with our current agent. All agents allegedly in the area have this mutual agreement. I am not sure if this is just sales talk! What do you think?

We are keen to sell our house fairly quickly as we intend to reserve a new property in another area. 

Please could I have some advice as whether we should stay with current Estate Agent with a 12 weeks agreement or risk changing agent and maybe be liable for work already done e.g. photography etc. 

princeofpounds

IF you signed the contract outside of their premises - which you presumably did - then it's covered by distance selling regulations, which give a 14 day cooling-off period.

However, it's not quite that simple, as you can still be tied to the contract if you have explicitly instructed the agent to start marketing immediately. 

https://www.rixandkay.co.uk/2017/11/08/estate-agents-beware-clients-cancel-contracts-without-paying-penny/#:~:text=The time in which a,many estate agents come unstuck.

https://hoa.org.uk/services/ask-an-expert-2/ask-an-expert-i-am-selling-questions/cooling-off-period/

The new agent is probably right in a limited sense, but the fact that he makes up nonsense about 'mutual agreements' is hardly reassuring. Plus the old agent will probably still hassle you for expenses, whether justified or not. I'd be tempted to give them their 12 weeks, but that's easy to say as I'm not the one in a rush.

Personally I'm not sure that having a local office will matter much over the next month or two, though normally it would help. I'd pay more attention to who will do the best pictures and marketing, who you think you can work best with, and who has a slightly wider network than the immediate locality so they can cross-refer people who are looking for your type of property but may not have thought about your exact location.

CliffordSquirrel

Many thanks your detailed advice and useful links. 

NameUnavailable

There's no reason why they should close and anyone can view your property - although a lot of agents will only allow people who are proceedable to view. The current regulations regarding Covid allow estate agents to operate as usual and people to view properties. Both of those agents are giving you BS!

tealady

Is your house on Rightmove? If it is I would stick with 1st agent for now.
If not, ask them why.
Personally I think most people search t'internet 1st before going into an estate agents. 
Personally the only time I look in estate agents windows is when I am waiting for the bus.

CliffordSquirrel

yes our house is on Rightmove