Estate Agents - does it matter which one i go with

EdInvestor

I've always had the most productive experiences with the smaller one-man companies who've been around in the area for many years, rather than the chain agents, where the staff often seem more interested in office politics than doing their job.

Qual123

can you not go multi-tied with all of them? all of them except countrywide of course! that is the common thing to do where i am. Tell each of the 3 that you will sign for 1 month and who ever sells the house gets the 1% fee. they will tell you they dont do multi tied which is when you say "ok, thanks for your time, bye" bet you dont get out of the door before they change their mind!!!!!

mystic_bertie

just thought id let you know what i ended up going with,

slater hogg
0.75% + vat of sale price
£99 + vat marketing fee
188 + vat 2 weeks advertising in local paper

i still was miffed by goodfellows agent being a boring sod and and sitting there for ages boring me to death and countrywide seemed a bit too keen as i kept getting calls from the agent and i was put off by what was said on here with countrywide.

what has got me a bit concerned, the few estate agents all reckoned if enough interest i should get 130k and if lucky as much as 135k, not sure if this is true or not,

anyway slater hogg chap said that houses sell at 10-20% above asking, he recommends putting it on at offers over 110k, due to the market being a bit slow he wants to put it in low to attract plenty of buyers but 110K plus the highest offer of + 20% then thats equal to £132k so its unlikey anyone will offer 135k, i would be happy with 130k but i really want the most possible.

i know its his job and he knows the area and the market but is it common practice to put a property on the market at a low price like 110 and still expect 130k.

this is a spacious 3 bedroom mid terraced ex LA villa, prestwick scotland.

sillyvixen

do you have any friends, family or friends of friends who have sold recently?? it may be worth asking others for feedback. i certainly know a couple i would be happy to deal with in my area and one i wouldn't (had bad experience both selling grandfathers home and putting in an offer with) refused to view any more properties with them.