To expect an Estate Agent to actually *do* something?

[ThreeBluecubs]

Having eventually found an Estate Agent that was open past lunchtime today, I asked about local properties. She directed me to Rightmove and told me to look on there.

The last time we moved we were horrified by the lazyness of local agents who simply couldn't be bothered.

Am I getting old, or does anyone else get really hacked off by this sort of thing?

Re your title - not unreasonable, but very naive and more than a little optimistic

agree with chubbyshcotsbird - when I showed an estate round my flat he said "This is lovely - it will sell itself" - I later realised that he meant "I won't have to do anything" - and, indeed, he didn't.

no they're just diabolical - when we moved only way we got anything done was dh getting on phone every day to get them onto it. They were as bad when I sold my house (and you'd think that they'd get their finger out there given they earn cash from it).

What I wonder is where they find these bozos to recruit them? they truly are a special breed...

True ChubbyScotsBurd .

I can't believe there will be much of a need for them down the line. Some of these flat fee internet based ones look quite good. At least they're all under one, or several, roofs now, God help us when they all get made redundant and infiltrate other companies.

wish I could charge the fees they do for the 'work' they do we actually complained about ours they were as useful and helpful as a chocolate fireguard

they got to pay for the nice cars they drive.. Astons, Jags and POrsches... hence the outrageous charges..

AIBU to point out that even tho house prices have gone up over 100% in the last 10 years the percentages charged by these slimeballs have not decreased... this means that they are getting a constant pay increase for no extra effort..

I am in the wrong game.... let's see them all start to jump out of windows and complain when the house prices start to fall

Not too chuffed with our Estate Agent. Very enthusiastic when I ring up and suggest using different photos etc but aren't I paying them to think of this????

We think that they are useless and we are buying a house. Have spoken to friends who are livid that they are also useless when you are the vendor, and then you have to pay them.
We've viewed loads of properties -
"Does the central heating work?"
"When was the house built?"
"What are the neighbours like?"
The answer to all questions - Dunno. They're happy enough to get the fat commission, but they won't be drawn into any actual fact so that you have no recourse at all when they bollock things up.

Anyone else fuming should watch this from Fry and Laurie.

I will never use one again. DH is excellent at negotiating, a solicitor can do all the other stuff, and who needs em now you can advertise your own house on t'internet?

We sold our house last year and the estate agents were absolutely invaluable. Valued our house way above the other valuations, backed this up with local prices for just sold houses, got us a sale at a great price within 2 weeks and then kept our buyer happy. He was one of those buyers who have random questions about the most inane things - could we stop our neighbours parking in front of our house (on the public road FFS!) etc.

If the estate agents hadn't been involved the sale would without question have fallen apart.

And no, I am not related to them in any way, just was stunned by the level of good service they provided. Was happy to pay their fee (and that is the first time in 4 house moves I have ever said that!)

Onlyaphase - were they a national group? if so, can you say who? Thanks

It was William H Brown in a small village in Essex. I think the manager there made the difference as he was totally professional at all times and incredibly focussed.