Choosing new estate agent

20122013

will post shotrtly.

theartfullodger

20122013 said:

will post shotrtly.

surely shortly...

Clearly many are terrible: But in my experience it's worth being helpful and prompt with whatever agent you choose .  So many agents are treated like dirt by their clients, they'll be pleasantly surprised if treated otherwise & may (if you're lucky) be better at what they should be doing....

I have offered (and delivered) a bottle of champers when the deal is done: Gains their attention for the cost, in the overalld deal, of small peanuts...

strawb_shortcake

We're looking to put out house on in the spring, to help support our decision in picking an estate agent I've started a spreadsheet listing the house, date listed, and agent. I'm then going to add additional columns to show any reductions, date marked as sold etc. 

Whilst I won't see the actual sold price, I'm hoping this will help identify what agents advertise the most realistic prices, and use this data as a starting point in picking the right agent. 

There are some agents that seem to price higher than I'd expect, but I've never kept an eye on if they reduce or languish unsold 

20122013

Appreciate the replies.   

Last summer, I had 3 valuations and ready to list in September. Due to circumstances, it was listed in November (As the agent had reassured me that the market is very busy) and there were 2 viewings so far, despite very high online traffic.  Looking back this agent could have been more active with my listing and their commuications.  

I am not finding it easy with selecting the right agent, I had 3 valuations last week, 2 agents  (A and had agreed that the asking price is right, however, as I am switching to (one of ) them in order  to generate more interest, the price should be reduced to reflect the change. The third agent's (C) valuation is the same as my current asking price and even though he was in my property and he had given me the listing of my property with the photos in it, he does not seem to be aware that is my property  I told him that his valuation is spot on and  asked whether I need to reduce it and he said no. 

I was going to go with one of the first two agents, however, after reading their online reviews and personal expreinced the service, I am wondering whether I should instruct Agent C, as their statstisitcs seem ok, I am reluctant due to the point above and also the tactics he shared about how will use the viewers to compete against each other which I am unsure of but then I am not good at Sales .

Shall I bite the bullet and pick one and negotiate a short term agreement? 

20122013

strawb_shortcake said:

'........... I've started a spreadsheet listing the house, date listed, and agent. I'm then going to add additional columns to show any reductions, date marked as sold etc.'

What a great idea!  I was going to look out 'SOLD' / FOR SALE board but for some reason there are not many in my local area (as some are prohbited).

incus432

20122013 said:

The third agent's (C) valuation is the same as my current asking price and even though he was in my property and he had given me the listing of my property with the photos in it, he does not seem to be aware that is my property.

 I told him that his valuation is spot on and  asked whether I need to reduce it and he said no. 

I don't folow this I'm afraid. Who did he think you were?

How do you know his valuation is spot on?

Has your agreement with your original agent terminated?  Did you give notice? If not the agreement continues and if you appoint another agent you may be liable for multiple agent fees.

IMO much more important than the valuations they give is what they do to market the property, (chck their listing and description carefully) ensuring they give you detailed honest feedback after viewings and generally how they communicate.