Estate Agents -V- DIY

frugal_dougal_3 · 17 February 2005 at 2:37PM

A lot has already been said about using one or the other. You can in fact commission an Estate Agent but still advertise wherever and whenever you choose.

If the agent finds the buyer for you first, then fair enough, they get paid.

If however the free website or whatever you are using comes up with the buyer then you don't owe the Estate Agent's fee.

I do find it best to be upfront with the agent and tell them from the outset that the property is being advertised elsewhere. They usually mutter something about it being nicer for them to have some exclusivity, but they won't refuse to market your property.
***BUT*** do make sure you have got their very best rate BEFORE you tell them (1.25% tops)

bridiej · 17 February 2005 at 4:16PM

1.25% - down here when we sold two houses nearly 4 years ago the average was 2.5% to 3%!!!!!!

Bearing in mind the minimal amount of work the estate agents actually did next time we'll be self selling...

frugal_dougal_3 · 17 February 2005 at 5:46PM

bridiej wrote:

1.25% - down here when we sold two houses nearly 4 years ago the average was 2.5% to 3%!!!!!!

Bearing in mind the minimal amount of work the estate agents actually did next time we'll be self selling...

I am currently using Link Up on 1.25%.

But before anyone gets too excited they are franchises so you might not get the same rate all over the country.

They do all the usual stuff like glossy brochures, virtual tours and putting it on rightmove.

dougk_2 · 17 February 2005 at 5:49PM

In the area I am in it was possible to get them down to 1.5%....but no lower.

The first two estate agents were not worth 0.01% and they did bug*** all.

The third one was much better and we haven't felt so bad. They keep us well informed and actually are doing something.

News this week was that our buyers have been refused the mortgage.... so we are looking for a new buyer :-(. Estate agent straight on the case and two viewings the same day! Now we are in waiting mode..........again......................

BTW we are selling to buy a bigger house and I'm not worried about a crash, which frankly is in my view unlikley.

Oh and yes we are advertisng the property ourselves and have had some to view , but no offers.

bridiej · 18 February 2005 at 8:45AM

frugal_dougal wrote:

I am currently using Link Up on 1.25%.

But before anyone gets too excited they are franchises so you might not get the same rate all over the country.

They do all the usual stuff like glossy brochures, virtual tours and putting it on rightmove.

I think we have them in our area, could you let me have a web link please?

Thanks

frugal_dougal_3 · 18 February 2005 at 11:23AM

bridiej,

Link Up is at www.linkupproperties.co.uk

Regards f_d

bridiej · 18 February 2005 at 1:06PM

Thanks.!

Unfortunately they dont cover our area....

Will just have to hope one gets set up!!

frugal_dougal_3 · 18 February 2005 at 2:39PM

bridiej,

Go on, set one up !

I must admit I don't know an awful lot about franchises, but these ones seem to be doing quite well as far as I can tell.

I just don't know where one can purchase the thick skin necessary to be an EA.

bridiej · 18 February 2005 at 3:13PM

Yes, def dont have the thick skin...

It's annoying cos there's one 8 miles away but it doesnt cover our postcode....

BrixMorta · 18 February 2005 at 8:03PM

I'm sure there's a company in kent advertising in the Local press that charges an upfront fee to promote your property. It's about £250 from memory. Perhaps you should try them.

bridiej · 19 February 2005 at 8:41AM

I thought there was but I've looked through the local property section every week for the last few weeks and can't see it.

Not in any mad rush but will keep my eye out...

Estate Agents -V- DIY

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