Estate Agent advice

[Robertj21a]

StuTheGrouch said:

I know what you mean, yes, although it was also a valuer with no interest in inflating the value. They are acting on behalf of the bank to ensure that they would recover the outstanding balance should we default.

Valuers acting for banks/building societies haven't been particularly accurate, or worthwhile, in my experience.

[camshafted]

I am always browsing Rightmove on its phone app - very little use for a brochure on there.

[Rangeroverover]

Blue62 said:

Some really good advice here, many thanks.

Interested to know whether a brochure is worthwhile, first agent we've seen seems to think it's money well spent, I'm not convinced.

Most of the green welly agents charge for shiny brochures, having v good pictures is the main thing. If its a 7 figure house then yes do the brochure and tell them to add it the fee invoice, so no upfront cost for you. If house doesn't sell in 6 months then you move agents and they eat the brochure cost. They will winge and whine but will probably put up with it.

I had a client do his own brochure at his own cost so he could change agents without having to re do it. The most important thing is really good pictures, declutter and de personalise the main rooms. I'm stunned when I see agents brochures with kitchen photos that show plates in the sink etc

[Rangeroverover]

StuTheGrouch said:

Apologies for hijacking the thread....

I have only just remortgaged our house; as the value of the house had increased I paid for a new valuation through the bank. So I know the figure I would want.

So, the valuation is £x. I would really be insistent on not selling for a penny less than that. How would an estate agent react to that stance, and does that affect your advice above? The value, in my mind, is settled and so it comes down to the rest of the details so I would be happy telling the agents that they are one of many.

Bear in mind that a mortgage valuation takes about 10 minutes, its only the opinion of a surveyor as to what the house should/could make. If you tell an agent I want a minimum of £XXXX provided its not a stupid price they shouldn't have a problem. The problem then is the temptation for the agent to tell a buyer "I know he will take X amount" as it ties a deal up nice and quick for the agent, if you hadn't told the agent you might have got more

[Blue62]

Rangeroverover said:

Most of the green welly agents charge for shiny brochures, having v good pictures is the main thing. If its a 7 figure house then yes do the brochure and tell them to add it the fee invoice, so no upfront cost for you. If house doesn't sell in 6 months then you move agents and they eat the brochure cost. They will winge and whine but will probably put up with it.

I had a client do his own brochure at his own cost so he could change agents without having to re do it. The most important thing is really good pictures, declutter and de personalise the main rooms. I'm stunned when I see agents brochures with kitchen photos that show plates in the sink etc

It is the green welly brigade and we are talking seven figures, they will either include a standard colour brochure within their fee or I can fork out £1250 for a bigger, more professional landscape job. Seeing a couple more agents over the next few days so will see what advice they offer and take it from there, thanks once again.

[blade7]

Sold a house a year ago, the agent we chose wanted 1%. Told them it's a grand + VAT or someone else would get the listing. After a lot whinging they took it. Didn't feel the love from them though .