Thieving Estate Agents!

[DaveK]

If you are ever in the situation where your property is down valued, you are entitled to appeal. You need to get comparibles from all the local etate agents of SOLD properties (as apose to ones that are still on the market as they could be over priced) and demand another surveror in the company deals with it.

 

This is what happened with the people at the bottom of my chain, which is what delayed my sale. I think they did get an increased offer - but still not enough, and I think my buyers actually dropped their price.

[markymark]

Dave - crap situation (tax is a ba$%rd) - been caught out like that myself before (my own fault for not reading the small print). My girlfriend is an estate agent & has been for a few years. I see what she goes through day to day & wouldn't want her job for all the money in the world. She is one of the 'good' apples as she works for a company who pride themselves on honesty (even if it means losing business). She can back up what Steve's work colleague is saying, but it is like anything else, most of us don't think that the money we pay is worth it for the service we receive. Estate agents do have the worst reputation, and most will not deserve the high fees they demand - but there are ways to ensure you're not getting done over:

 

1. Read all contracts & paperwork thoroughly, many agents will tie you into long contracts with high fees - & check for hidden costs (most can be negotiated, especially in today's market)

2. Look for agents who display membership to NAEA (national association of estate agents) & other professional bodies as they are governed & can be heavily fined for misconduct.

3. Check them out before using them or go on recommendation - most do a similiar job, but after you've sold you'll be thankful you've gone with one of the better agents.

4. Demand good photography & ensure you're asking price is at the right level (a good agent will use comparables) - you wouldn't expect to sell a car with one rubbish photograph, one mumbled sentance & at completely the wrong price.

[M4RK RZ]

forget traditional estate agents and use a local on-line one. They charge you NOTHING for final selling fees - you just pay them for the internet advert + bill board + a few flyers.

 

People always drive around places they like looking for for sale signs.

 

And yes they do check the potential buyer finances etc... + get it all in order for the sale, you do not have to do the legal stuff yourself.

 

This is how im going to sell my house soon - I have seen loads of these in my area recently

 

http://www.2roost.com/

 

And if you cant take a good photo of your own place ............ get a mate to do it !

[Charlotte]

or is it all a big con?

 

The short answer is, yes.

 

Not got a clue, thats a question for a solicitor. is it not possible for the new purchasers to buy the original survey from you at a discounted price???

 

The searches are only valid for between 3 and 6 months (same as all searches). The lenders insist on a up to date search for it to be valid for their purposes. It's a bit of a money making scheme really.

 

In terms of other searches like the environmental and local, they are worth their money because they can spot potential problems that will not have arisen before.

[Suprasteve]

forget traditional estate agents and use a local on-line one. They charge you NOTHING for final selling fees - you just pay them for the internet advert + bill board + a few flyers.

 

People always drive around places they like looking for for sale signs.

 

And yes they do check the potential buyer finances etc... + get it all in order for the sale, you do not have to do the legal stuff yourself.

 

This is how im going to sell my house soon - I have seen loads of these in my area recently

 

http://www.2roost.com/

 

And if you cant take a good photo of your own place ............ get a mate to do it !

 

be very careful, in principle it sounds a good idea but you get what you pay for. Also find out if you get appointed one perdon to liaise with as what happens if things go pear shaped, do you get to speak to the same person twice or will it be a new person everytime - can get very frustrating? these would be questions i'd look to find out before i sign up.

 

saying that it only takes 1 person in a good position to see the property buy it and not fukc you about.

 

good luck fella

 

if you need help with your mortgage feel free to PM me.

[Supragal]

Well mine did tell me and it did say clearly in the contract.

 

Although I am a little annoyed with them now because they seem to be trying to push me into agreeing a sale when there are actually 2 interested parites who keep outbidding each other. I want as much as I can get for it, he seems to want to sell it to a certain party because they are disabled and made an offer first.

[Suprasteve]

...2 interested parites who keep outbidding each other. I want as much as I can get for it, he seems to want to sell it to a certain party because they are disabled and made an offer first.

 

the agent should get them to do best and final offers.

 

Obviously everyone wants as much as possible for their home but be careful that if 2 people get into a bidding war that gets out of control the figures might not stack up with the surveyors and normally end up reducing their offer after survey.

 

Believe it or not some people have the audacity to reduce their offer the day before exchange and hold you to ransom ! I have experiance of this, not a nice position to be in.

 

agreed the english law is shite and somethings need to change.