Ask an estate agent anything
Discussion
22s said:
ot my area of expertise sadly, though I'm pretty sure the answer is no. If that were legally possible, there would be no end of drama.
Have you seen the steps here? https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-...
Thank you for the reply Have you seen the steps here? https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-...
*Badger* said:
I think, speaking from a position I am in now, that regardless of if there is something you would like to move to, if you have committed to moving and don't see a long term future in your current home, you should list it at the earliest opportunity.
I've had two valuations now (third pending on Friday) and off the back of this, it'll be going on the market, despite there currently being nothing we like on the open market in our location and budget. I like to think it will hold us in a stronger position once something does become available in what is a fast-paced market. (If it doesn't the worst that could happen is we could accept an offer but later lose a buyer due to our delays).
We've only physically viewed one property, have been turned down from viewing another based on our own position and have done location drive-by's on loads of houses that are currently on the market. In my location and budget stuff is on RM and 24 hours later is SSTC, even though I am registered with all the local estate agents for early notification, I am simply not able to compete without my house at least being up for sale.
I have also had to accept that even if we sold today and bought tomorrow, we are unlikely to complete before the £500k Stamp Duty Threshold Deadline.
There wasn't anything on the market we liked when we put our house on the market. We just knew that we wanted to move, and we would be in a better position if a house came up for sale having already lost a house by not being on the market. As our agent said to us, nobody can force you to move out, so if you don't find anything you like then you don't move. There's a house near us that has been on and off the market for the past 18-24 months, by all accounts they keep losing buyers as they're looking for a unicorn of a house to downsize to. Shame, as I'd have loved to buy the house, but we didn't even view when we heard thatI've had two valuations now (third pending on Friday) and off the back of this, it'll be going on the market, despite there currently being nothing we like on the open market in our location and budget. I like to think it will hold us in a stronger position once something does become available in what is a fast-paced market. (If it doesn't the worst that could happen is we could accept an offer but later lose a buyer due to our delays).
We've only physically viewed one property, have been turned down from viewing another based on our own position and have done location drive-by's on loads of houses that are currently on the market. In my location and budget stuff is on RM and 24 hours later is SSTC, even though I am registered with all the local estate agents for early notification, I am simply not able to compete without my house at least being up for sale.
I have also had to accept that even if we sold today and bought tomorrow, we are unlikely to complete before the £500k Stamp Duty Threshold Deadline.
Countdown said:
Why, on god's green earth, do Estate Agents use those stupid fisheye cameras to try and make rooms look longer than they are?
It only works on the unsuspecting. After a few wasted visits buyers realise that it's just an annoying trick designed to try and con them. Why not show realistic pictures in the first place?
remember going to see house with lovely garden in pics postage stamp sized in real life lolIt only works on the unsuspecting. After a few wasted visits buyers realise that it's just an annoying trick designed to try and con them. Why not show realistic pictures in the first place?
*Badger* said:
I think, speaking from a position I am in now, that regardless of if there is something you would like to move to, if you have committed to moving and don't see a long term future in your current home, you should list it at the earliest opportunity.
I've had two valuations now (third pending on Friday) and off the back of this, it'll be going on the market, despite there currently being nothing we like on the open market in our location and budget. I like to think it will hold us in a stronger position once something does become available in what is a fast-paced market. (If it doesn't the worst that could happen is we could accept an offer but later lose a buyer due to our delays).
We've only physically viewed one property, have been turned down from viewing another based on our own position and have done location drive-by's on loads of houses that are currently on the market. In my location and budget stuff is on RM and 24 hours later is SSTC, even though I am registered with all the local estate agents for early notification, I am simply not able to compete without my house at least being up for sale.
I have also had to accept that even if we sold today and bought tomorrow, we are unlikely to complete before the £500k Stamp Duty Threshold Deadline.
It definitely help when putting offers forward. And if you get an outstanding result from your sale and are still unable to find something suitable, you can maybe rent somewhere for a few months with a bit of the extra dosh to put in a brilliant chain-free position for your move (maybe able to negotiate the value of the rent or more off of the price of your next place due to your stronger position).I've had two valuations now (third pending on Friday) and off the back of this, it'll be going on the market, despite there currently being nothing we like on the open market in our location and budget. I like to think it will hold us in a stronger position once something does become available in what is a fast-paced market. (If it doesn't the worst that could happen is we could accept an offer but later lose a buyer due to our delays).
We've only physically viewed one property, have been turned down from viewing another based on our own position and have done location drive-by's on loads of houses that are currently on the market. In my location and budget stuff is on RM and 24 hours later is SSTC, even though I am registered with all the local estate agents for early notification, I am simply not able to compete without my house at least being up for sale.
I have also had to accept that even if we sold today and bought tomorrow, we are unlikely to complete before the £500k Stamp Duty Threshold Deadline.
Very unlikely to hit SDLT 30th June holiday deadline now.
Joey Deacon said:
If you are a seller then there is a lot of effort involved in actual enabling someone to view your property. Personally I would spend hours cleaning to ensure the house is spotless and then having to go out while the viewing is taking place.
In the past I have got up extra early on a Saturday, showered, had breakfast then cleaned the bathroom and kitchen ready for the viewing. Only to see the agent pacing outside on his phone trying to get hold of the viewer who couldn't be bothered getting out of bed and is now avoiding the agent.
I know not everybody is like me having viewed houses with the sink full of breakfast dishes, but that is just how I like to do things.
If you are not at least on the market then I personally am not going to bother wasting hours of my time cleaning before a viewing.
Thank you on behalf of your agent - it makes a massive difference when people do these things and it is (at least by me) massively appreciated. You're opening up your house to strangers and keeping it in showhome condition which is incredibly disruptive, so I always make sure to thank my clients for doing so. In the past I have got up extra early on a Saturday, showered, had breakfast then cleaned the bathroom and kitchen ready for the viewing. Only to see the agent pacing outside on his phone trying to get hold of the viewer who couldn't be bothered getting out of bed and is now avoiding the agent.
I know not everybody is like me having viewed houses with the sink full of breakfast dishes, but that is just how I like to do things.
If you are not at least on the market then I personally am not going to bother wasting hours of my time cleaning before a viewing.
z4RRSchris said:
im a developer, agents i suspect will be gone in 5 years, the market is moving away from them quickly.
Interesting. Can you share more?From an insider's point of view, and being as unbiased as I can be, I suspect you are wrong and the opposite is actually going to happen with more independent "realtors" entering the market.
Online agents such as PurpleBricks are also losing market share now people have realised they don't work that well.
For new build properties with perfect information regarding the property available and an in-house sales team I can see why a third-party agent wouldn't be needed.
Very intrigued to hear if I've missed something.
*Badger* said:
I completely agree. I do the same when even having EA's around for valuations etc. Yes if it ends up being a drawn out process it does become a minor headache, but I'd want to present my property at it's best possible. Sadly, as you allude, not all sellers are the same.
As above, thank you.105.4 said:
Thank you for the reply
You're welcome, good luck!Fast Bug said:
There wasn't anything on the market we liked when we put our house on the market. We just knew that we wanted to move, and we would be in a better position if a house came up for sale having already lost a house by not being on the market. As our agent said to us, nobody can force you to move out, so if you don't find anything you like then you don't move. There's a house near us that has been on and off the market for the past 18-24 months, by all accounts they keep losing buyers as they're looking for a unicorn of a house to downsize to. Shame, as I'd have loved to buy the house, but we didn't even view when we heard that
It's always a tricky balance! One of the best ways (if suitable, which it isn't always, especially with kids etc) is to sell, move into rented / with family, then have the cash in hand to pounce when the right thing comes along. Also far less stressful than having to line up multiple parties etc.p1doc said:
Countdown said:
Why, on god's green earth, do Estate Agents use those stupid fisheye cameras to try and make rooms look longer than they are?
It only works on the unsuspecting. After a few wasted visits buyers realise that it's just an annoying trick designed to try and con them. Why not show realistic pictures in the first place?
remember going to see house with lovely garden in pics postage stamp sized in real life lolIt only works on the unsuspecting. After a few wasted visits buyers realise that it's just an annoying trick designed to try and con them. Why not show realistic pictures in the first place?
z4RRSchris said:
im a developer, agents i suspect will be gone in 5 years,
That was being said 15 years ago.z4RRSchris said:
the market is moving away from them quickly.
The opposite is probably more accurate. Larger, corporate structured firms of agents becoming less common, smaller independent, specialised agents gaining popularilty.Joey Deacon said:
B9 said:
We're viewing a property this week, our house isn't on the market.
Market is competitive and we're likely to offer over asking. We still might not offer the highest, so which of these scenarios is likely to play to our favour when (if) making an offer
1) Our house has just been put on the market with another agent
2) Our house isn't yet on the market, but we're 'brochure ready' with another agent (photo's done etc, one click upload to rightmove)
3) At the time of making the offer, we ask the selling agent to sell our property. They've already carried out a valuation on our property, but they're 0.3% higher fee than the agent mentioned in 1 & 2.
We're not in a contract with agent A
Cheers
I don't wish to be negative, but personally I would not accept an offer from someone in any of those three situations. I wouldn't even want to offer a viewing to someone who didn't at least have their house listed.Market is competitive and we're likely to offer over asking. We still might not offer the highest, so which of these scenarios is likely to play to our favour when (if) making an offer
1) Our house has just been put on the market with another agent
2) Our house isn't yet on the market, but we're 'brochure ready' with another agent (photo's done etc, one click upload to rightmove)
3) At the time of making the offer, we ask the selling agent to sell our property. They've already carried out a valuation on our property, but they're 0.3% higher fee than the agent mentioned in 1 & 2.
We're not in a contract with agent A
Cheers
Edited by B9 on Monday 19th April 11:17
No way would I accept an offer from someone who wasn't able to proceed immediately.
To me, rightly or wrongly I always assume someone viewing a house who hasn't even listed theirs for sale is a time waster.
I don't see the value in advertising our and property and wasting agents/people's time viewing and offering on our property, if we hadn't seen the property we want to move into? We're not going to rent until the right place comes up.
We're offering on a house two roads away. They have over 30 appointments, and houses in our area are selling the week they're listed (and have been for years). I suspect this partly explains our lackadaisical approach.
22s said:
It's always a tricky balance! One of the best ways (if suitable, which it isn't always, especially with kids etc) is to sell, move into rented / with family, then have the cash in hand to pounce when the right thing comes along. Also far less stressful than having to line up multiple parties etc
Personally for me that is way too risky, especially in a buoyant market where there is lots of competition and prices are rising quickly. I wonder how many people sold before the pandemic, went into rented and are now finding there is nothing available and prices have increased 10% and they are priced out.I can see why the idea is tempting, but that sounds even more hassle.
B9 said:
On the contrary, I feel the complete opposite! I naively didn't think it would be a problem.
I don't see the value in advertising our and property and wasting agents/people's time viewing and offering on our property, if we hadn't seen the property we want to move into? We're not going to rent until the right place comes up.
We're offering on a house two roads away. They have over 30 appointments, and houses in our area are selling the week they're listed (and have been for years). I suspect this partly explains our lackadaisical approach.
In an ideal world that sounds perfect, but the market is moving way too quickly for you to do this. As you say, houses are selling in a week so there is not time for you to find the one you like and then list your house for sale. I don't see the value in advertising our and property and wasting agents/people's time viewing and offering on our property, if we hadn't seen the property we want to move into? We're not going to rent until the right place comes up.
We're offering on a house two roads away. They have over 30 appointments, and houses in our area are selling the week they're listed (and have been for years). I suspect this partly explains our lackadaisical approach.
In order, as a seller who would you accept an offer from?
1)A Cash buyer.
2)Someone who is in rented accommodation, has a mortgage in place and is ready to go.
3)Someone who has an offer on their house from someone in a proceedable chain.
4)Someone who hasn't even listed their house for sale as yet.
If they have 30 appointments and are selling in a week then that tells me they can chose the person in the best position to sell to and that is not you unfortunately.
In car terms, it is like someone coming around, kicking the tyres and telling you they are interested they just need to sell their car first.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 19th April 16:44
B9 said:
We're not going to rent until the right place comes up.
You don't need to IMO, we stated from the off we wouldn't be going in to rented. We lost our first buyer as they lost theirs waiting for us, I felt for them, but at the end of the day I'm not going to the additional expense and uprooting my family to keep someone else happy. Nobody can force you in to moving out of your house, but if it's on the market/sold it puts you in a stronger position.Really useful to hear other people's feedback, thank you. I most definitely had my head in the sand (I think largely because I don't want to move unles it's for the perfect house!)
With your feedback on board, we're going to instruct the Agents today to list our property. We won't secure offers or viewings on ours in time, but it'll at least be advertised. Nothing to lose
With your feedback on board, we're going to instruct the Agents today to list our property. We won't secure offers or viewings on ours in time, but it'll at least be advertised. Nothing to lose
rah1888 said:
z4RRSchris said:
im a developer, agents i suspect will be gone in 5 years,
That was being said 15 years ago.z4RRSchris said:
the market is moving away from them quickly.
The opposite is probably more accurate. Larger, corporate structured firms of agents becoming less common, smaller independent, specialised agents gaining popularilty.It could be argued they aren't a 'high street' agent as they often locate in secondary pitch positions and coupled with being sole offices their overheads will be much lower.
Even if a buyer or seller hardly sets foot in their office, they still like the reassurance that it is somebody with a presence in the locality and not a call centre, who has the requisite local knowledge.
If 2 estate agents give a valuation that is wildly different.
£340k advertise for £350k will be difficult to sell its a fixer upper, verses £390 advertise for £400k, we have loads of people interested in this style of house. In this area in this street even. Needing a new kitchen and bathroom won't make any difference.
Which would you trust more?
£340k advertise for £350k will be difficult to sell its a fixer upper, verses £390 advertise for £400k, we have loads of people interested in this style of house. In this area in this street even. Needing a new kitchen and bathroom won't make any difference.
Which would you trust more?
Pit Pony said:
If 2 estate agents give a valuation that is wildly different.
£340k advertise for £350k will be difficult to sell its a fixer upper, verses £390 advertise for £400k, we have loads of people interested in this style of house. In this area in this street even. Needing a new kitchen and bathroom won't make any difference.
Which would you trust more?
Get a third opinion. £340k advertise for £350k will be difficult to sell its a fixer upper, verses £390 advertise for £400k, we have loads of people interested in this style of house. In this area in this street even. Needing a new kitchen and bathroom won't make any difference.
Which would you trust more?
How “bad” are the kitchen and bathroom? If they’re smart enough, but just not fashionable (but not unfashionable enough to need replacing) then they may not make a difference to price, but rather to desirability. This is speaking as a reasonably recent buyer - liveable stuff that just wasn’t to my taste was fine. Doors hanging off / stuff not working would make me want a discount.
Is it possible that your property is in the “sweet spot” for one agent, and isn’t what the other would usually deal with, hence the difference?
Feels like one is pricing for a quick-ish sale, the other is pricing on the assumption it’ll find the right buyer in time.
Joey Deacon said:
If you are a seller then there is a lot of effort involved in actual enabling someone to view your property. Personally I would spend hours cleaning to ensure the house is spotless and then having to go out while the viewing is taking place.
I know someone who's selling soon, and as the market here is crazy, with most places selling within a couple of weeks of going on the market, they're planning on moving in to a hotel for a week leaving the house pristine for the agent to show people around.DanL said:
Pit Pony said:
If 2 estate agents give a valuation that is wildly different.
£340k advertise for £350k will be difficult to sell its a fixer upper, verses £390 advertise for £400k, we have loads of people interested in this style of house. In this area in this street even. Needing a new kitchen and bathroom won't make any difference.
Which would you trust more?
Get a third opinion. £340k advertise for £350k will be difficult to sell its a fixer upper, verses £390 advertise for £400k, we have loads of people interested in this style of house. In this area in this street even. Needing a new kitchen and bathroom won't make any difference.
Which would you trust more?
How “bad” are the kitchen and bathroom? If they’re smart enough, but just not fashionable (but not unfashionable enough to need replacing) then they may not make a difference to price, but rather to desirability. This is speaking as a reasonably recent buyer - liveable stuff that just wasn’t to my taste was fine. Doors hanging off / stuff not working would make me want a discount.
Is it possible that your property is in the “sweet spot” for one agent, and isn’t what the other would usually deal with, hence the difference?
Feels like one is pricing for a quick-ish sale, the other is pricing on the assumption it’ll find the right buyer in time.
Painted in old people's taste, but in a 5 year cycle, so there's probably 9 layers of paint on the wood chip.
You could move in and it would be like living in 1980.
Pit Pony said:
It's clean and tidy and functional. But 1970s Schribber kitchen and hideous brown tiling in the original 1960s bathroom.
Painted in old people's taste, but in a 5 year cycle, so there's probably 9 layers of paint on the wood chip.
You could move in and it would be like living in 1980.
I, and I guess maybe one or two others, would rather have old fashioned but functional fittings at a reasonable price. Painted in old people's taste, but in a 5 year cycle, so there's probably 9 layers of paint on the wood chip.
You could move in and it would be like living in 1980.
I wouldn't want to pay a premium for a superficial, fashionable kitchen that I would dislike but feel I'd have to live with as I'd paid extra for it.
Go with the higher valuing Agent but only give them four weeks sole selling agreement, would be my advice.
The problem with rented isn't so much the hassle as the economics. If you're paying down a mortgage, every moth you're in situ that debt decreases, your equity increases and maybe you're putting savings aside as well. Every month you're maybe £2k better off. You keep pace with a rising market but as soon as you step off, wave goodbye to the train because it's going without you. With lots of suitable properties coming on it may be a tolerable risk but at the moment, for me at least, it's a high stakes move.
A great thread OP, and thanks for your reply to my previous question regarding Zoopla valuations on my street. They have since updated the two sales reflecting actual LR prices, but still claim sales for properties which don't exist, and show the largest and most desirable house in the crescent (a veritable mansion in first class condition, with four full size garages on 2.5 acres) as having the lowest value. If only I could buy it for twice the price they suggest. 
As a matter of interest, I see that many sellers favour being out for viewings; I have always tried to be home for viewings. The last time I moved, I was at home for the three we had, the first offered successfully after a day, later telling me that my presence to answer various questions was a deciding factor in making a rapid and realistic offer. What are your views? Again just out of interest as I would not move from this house, even with a lottery win.
As a matter of interest, I see that many sellers favour being out for viewings; I have always tried to be home for viewings. The last time I moved, I was at home for the three we had, the first offered successfully after a day, later telling me that my presence to answer various questions was a deciding factor in making a rapid and realistic offer. What are your views? Again just out of interest as I would not move from this house, even with a lottery win.
KTF said:
Sahjahd said:
As a matter of interest, I see that many sellers favour being out for viewings; I have always tried to be home for viewings.
The agents I used said they prefer the sellers to be out as they get better feedback that way.The prospective buyers are much more likely to be honest in their comments if they know the owner isn't listening in.
Often the vendors who insist on being present for the viewings are the least suitable characters to be involved during the viewing!
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