To ask if this is normal? Estate agents/selling house

[alittlestressed]

We have instructed an estate agent to sell our house, they've asked us to confirm "exclusivity" for 4 weeks. We haven't signed anything yet however but they have essentially taken photos and info and suggested a selling price.

Another estate agent (whilst we were enquiring about a property they are advertising) has said they had many people after a similar property to ours that has just been sold and asked to bring multiple people for a viewing. We explained the exclusive agreement with other estate agent and she said that she wouldn't be advertising, merely bringing people over and it's normal practice as there's a two week cooling off period.

I feel like I'm doing something wrong morally but at the same time we need to get a quick sale so would like it to move as quickly as possible. Help me Mumsnet!

Previously we were first time buyers in no chain so I'm clueless!

There will be other posters far more knowledgable than I, but presumably they are offering you something for this "exclusivity" - a favourable percentage rate on the fee due upon sale? What does "exclusivity" mean for you, what do you get for that?

I would ask them what their fee was if you went with two estate agents. What changes if they don't have "exclusivity" and clarify these faintly ludicrous terms.

This isn't Selling Sunset...I do chuckle at some people in this trade.

They sound dodgy. Split commison fee, 50/50 applies if you go with two agents. Tell your first agent you want to have two agents & see what happens. Having worked in estate agency,if it's a desirable property in good condition, you don't need two agents,it's a faff & a pain & last resort territory if it's a wreck or the markets dived. Why complicate things.

If you haven’t signed a contract there’s nothing to stop you using the services of another agent. You have nothing to lose apart from pissing the first agent off. I’m quite surprised they’ve taken pictures before you signed up with them.

One agent with exclusive access for a length of time is quite normal. The other agent is being very dishonest.
Choose your agent and see how it goes.

Thank you all for your replies.

It does feel a bit off but the first agent only came around yesterday to do the valuation and they said they can get it on ASAP if they come over today and take pics etc.

So they're working on it and they've yet to get our signature. But the fee is the same, there's no deal as such for the exclusivity.

I didn't know this process was so stressful and it's barely begun

Both estate agents have a good reputation in the area.

We’re about to go on the market and have had photos taken but haven’t signed anything yet either. You should negotiate a fee with the two agents and see what you’re offered. It doesn’t really seem to make much difference who you lost with around here - everyone sees houses on Rightmove and if it’s the right house, people will go for it regardless of its agent.

I wouldn't sign the exclusivity agreement. It will make them work harder for their commission.

Split commison fee, 50/50 applies if you go with two agents
It can do but it is not always the case. You are in the driving seat as to what type of contract you are prepared to enter into. They offer you a type of contract which you are perfectly at liberty to refuse. If you accept those terms then, yes, you'll be bound by them but you don't have to accept those terms.

Maybe read this, OP, so that you understand different types of contract:
hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-selling/estate-agents-contracts-what-to-watch-for/

Make sure you check the different contract terms, as a PP has suggested.

Be VERY clear on what you're signing up for, and never assume 'it doesn't matter because our house will sell quickly'.

Sign up for terms and ab agent you'd be happy with for the long haul.

@Raella50

We’re about to go on the market and have had photos taken but haven’t signed anything yet either. You should negotiate a fee with the two agents and see what you’re offered. It doesn’t really seem to make much difference who you lost with around here - everyone sees houses on Rightmove and if it’s the right house, people will go for it regardless of its agent.

Which agent advertises the house, is irrelevent to the viewers .

What matters to the owner/ seller is that the agent they contracted to sell the house, must be paid the agreed fee and expenses when its sold.

Regardless of who bought it, and how they knew it was for sale.

Been a few years since I last moved, but from what I remember if you sign for exclusivity then you get a lower fee. Sign with dual agencies and it goes up a bit (depending on the relationship they have with each other!), and more than that you pay an even higher percentage of the sold price.

Honestly, I would be suspicious of the second EA and their queue of buyers. They may be telling the truth at the moment, but I would be raising my eyebrows at that one!

Similar happened to us.

In the time it took EA-1 to come up with a contract and dither about, EA-2 had shown the property to an interested buyer who paid asking price and didn't have a chain.

EA-1 finally sent the contract and we told him we'd already accepted an asking price offer.

This is a business deal, the person who can sell your house should get your business.

You might be exposing yourself to double
fees .. you have signed nothing yet but beware..

Chateau OP hasn't signed anything yet. The first EA hasn't marketed the place yet.
However lets see if second EA comes up with any viewings

Both are at fault, neither kid b taking photos until you have signed a contract. Decide who can offer you the best percentage.