JUMP Estate Agents

Jimj40

Hi, all.

Has anyone used JUMP estate agents? My elderly father is considering putting his property on the market through them but they have a "flat fee" system which includes "everything", ie all conveyancing/legal fees etc. Basically they are talking about selling his house for £129,950, of which he would get £126,000. Four grand sounds way over the top to me but it is also rather higher than other agents' valuations so maybe it's worth it if they can realize a higher sale price. On the other hand, they appear to impose a penalty clause if a vendor terminates the arrangement

Any thoughts/experiences would be gratefully received!

frugal_dougal_3

Jimj40 wrote:

On the other hand, they appear to impose a penalty clause if a vendor terminates the arrangement

Any thoughts/experiences would be gratefully received!

I wouldn't recommend anyone locking themselves into an agreement like this. If they turn out to provide a lousy service you are stuck with them and can't get out without paying a lot of money. Better to go with an agent that you can give two weeks notice to quit if they aren't doing a good job.

ioscorpio

Also they do not allow you to view one of their properties unless you already have put yours on the market (or I think, actually have an offer on your own property) to reduce time wasters, but that also stops the person who falls in love with your house and then putting theirs up for sale.

eurows

What makes them think they can get you more in a flagging market.

ManAtHome

Jimj40 wrote:

but it is also rather higher than other agents' valuations so maybe it's worth it if they can realize a higher sale price.

It is quite an 'if' though... They're not actually offering you any cash, just putting it in their window - if it doesn't sell, you may end up reducing to the other EAs valuations but still be locked into a high-charge contract.

Sounds like you've had more than one 'valuation' - if the other prices were similar (although lower), Jump could be quoting high just to get you signed up.