Picking your estate agent wisely...

[Steamer]

I know there is currently a 'how much chance do I give my agent' thread running - but what about how to pick one?

I've got three coming round this weekend.

My property is an apartment - so I'm looking at the first time buyer market / recently divorced buyer.

12 months ago I picked an agent simply because I was thinking of buying one of their houses from the monthly auctions they were holding... turns out the agent was rubbish - 3 viewing all of which could hardly make it up the stairs.

So - 12 months on, its a slightly different market, the house is looking sharp.

The choice is:

Agent A - large chain, well known for shifting low end market properties + its the one I bought from originally (although service was poor) + they sold the last apartment in this block too.

Agent B - claims to be 'The UK's Best Large Estate Agent' - the girl is so enthusiastic I think she wants my children.

Agent C - smaller seller, but obviously popular around the city, has one similar property in the window - but mine has parking. They also offer a 1.5% deal which includes everything (hip / solicitor ect) They put me off slightly when she said would you take £***,*** for it, without even seeing it.

So - what should I be asking to help make my mind up?

[mrmaggit]

Agent C may just have had somebody in recently who made an offer on the other flat and was saying that as an opener?

Just a thought.

Otherwise, I'd let B have a go at making your children then go with C.

[Steamer]

mrmaggit said:

Otherwise, I'd let B have a go at making your children then go with C.

She is quite funny - I only hope its the extra strong orange juice they give her in the office!

However I've just had a good look through their website and they must have 10+ other apartments that have pros & cons compared to mine... I'm just wondering if this is a good or bad thing! (only one had a photo still showing snow on the ground )

[davidjpowell]

Be cautious if they have others on in the same block. I chose my last agent having seen them selling another property in the development. Went well until that sale fell through and left them selling both, with the other being more desirable.

Had to change to a agent with no history on the scheme to get a sale...

[BERGS2]

Steamer said:

So - what should I be asking to help make my mind up?

just go with the one that suggests the lowest asking price.

seriously.

[Steamer]

BERGS2 said:

Steamer said:

So - what should I be asking to help make my mind up?

just go with the one that suggests the lowest asking price.

seriously.

I'll make sure I'm sitting down when they tell me anyway - but I can see your logic.

[scotal]

Do you know enough peopl elocally to ask? Recommendation being king an' all that.

The one who already had a price in mind sounds dangerous, I wonder if they have investors/ buyers lined up who are looking. Alternatively she might want to live there herself (she should disclose that, but bear it in mind)

[pies]

They all on rightmove ?

[Steamer]

scotal said:

Do you know enough peopl elocally to ask? Recommendation being king an' all that.

Not Really - but they are the boards I'm seeing all over the city (some even say sold!)

scotal said:

The one who already had a price in mind sounds dangerous, I wonder if they have investors/ buyers lined up who are looking. Alternatively she might want to live there herself (she should disclose that, but bear it in mind)

I think she was just a young'un looking for a fast sale - but I will be following that up.

pies said:

They all on rightmove ?

I think so - but thats a top question I'll be asking.

[Steamer]

scotal said:

The one who already had a price in mind sounds dangerous, I wonder if they have investors/ buyers lined up who are looking. Alternatively she might want to live there herself (she should disclose that, but bear it in mind)

Just to follow up on this:

I've had the first 2 agents round - both bang on the same money: £124,950

First agents fees are £2400 all inclusive
Second agents is 1.5% all inclusive

The second is the girl that said would you take £115,000 as a lowest offer - she has now clarified this by saying either put it in at £124,950 - with a view to come down a bit OR put it in at 'Offers over £115,000' (that figure will help it pop up in more searches)

Next question: I need my HIP doing. Do I pay them £299 t0 £399 or get it done myself on the net?

[JustinP1]

Steamer said:

The second is the girl that said would you take £115,000 as a lowest offer - she has now clarified this by saying either put it in at £124,950 - with a view to come down a bit OR put it in at 'Offers over £115,000' (that figure will help it pop up in more searches)

What she means is, that will lower your psychological expectations so that when you are getting offers near £110k you may still consider a sale and get them their commission whereas otherwise your house may have to be actually advertised and stuff.

[Steamer]

JustinP1 said:

What she means is...

Thanks Justin, a ray of piss there on an otherwise sunnyday!

..dont be knocking me just yet - the board isnt even in the ground!

[scotal]

Steamer said:

Next question: I need my HIP doing. Do I pay them £299 t0 £399 or get it done myself on the net?

Get it done yourself for alot less than £299.

[Dave_ST220]

Used these people :-

http://www.myhiphome.co.uk/

[Steamer]

scotal said:

Steamer said:

Next question: I need my HIP doing. Do I pay them £299 t0 £399 or get it done myself on the net?

Get it done yourself for alot less than £299.

Thanks Scotal

I'd brought this up with a few estate agents and a couple rolled their eyes.

I have been looking at a site that sounds like lips4u and they have quoted £212 for a lease hold, but I'll do a bit more homework over the weekend.

[Steamer]

Dave_ST220 said:

Used these people :-

http://www.myhiphome.co.uk/

Thanks Dave - I'll have a look at that too

[anonymous-user]

Word of caution on the HIP, they are available for £185 on the net but ensure they provide a full council search and not a personal search for the HIP.

I have had two purchasors solicitors chuck them out and insist on a full search, which meant paying twice effectively.

[Albert Bridge]

Whatever you do,don't use A****e. They left all our doors completely UNLOCKED when we were away and lights on,curtains open,heating on full blast at all times.