Estate Agent Help

[movingcrisis]

Looking for some help!

first time sellers looking to move in the area. We have had 4 valuations. All have come out roughly the same. We have had 2 well known chain estate agents and two independent estate agents who we have seen in the area.

the independents win hands down, not only for a better initial impression but for the services the offer etc.

however here is where I am stuck. Both have valued at about the same price (one 600k one 604k) the higher one has a commission of 1.5% and the lower 1%. Both were really nice and attentive and have followed up with us (one with more info and more ‘effort’ than the other)

the one who has the 1.5% is well known in the area and there are lots of his boards about. They also have been reccomended by the developer we are looking to buy from.

the other is not as prolific but have offered a package including help with finding the next house and the legal/negotiation etc so offers more to help us on our way.

we are stuck. I liked them both. DH has said why don’t we go with the lower commission as it’s a win win but does not being so area prolific impact.

both have a small stable selection of properties and seem to sell according to their listings.

AIBU to ask what you would do!!

I would negotiate with your preferred agent, they might well price match, esp if they feel your property will sell fast.

@MovingSwiftlyOnthey have confirmed it is non negotiable

The estate agent (small independent) we used was happy to show me their Rightmove statistics - number of houses sold, prices achieved vs asking price etc. He offered me sliding commission - 1% if we got low end up to 1.5% if we got top end. We paid 1.5% as we got top end and from going on the market to completion was 10 weeks. We had a lot of viewings in the first week, several low ball offers and then at the start of the 2nd week the buyers saw it, had a 2nd viewing next day and offered 30 minutes after that! The agents were brilliant and earned their fee both before it went to market and during the sale process.

Unless the 1.5% agent always get offers over I would go with the 1% agent. Strange an agent would be willing to miss out on an instruction for the sake of an extra 0.5% 🤔

I'd avoid the one "recommended by the developer". Just nope. Any hint they could be part of the same large umbrella company, friends with, on commission, or just getting a kickback from the developer in used fivers in a brown enveloped passed under the desk then I would avoid them at all costs.

You need someone who is acting in YOUR best interests alone and is at arms length from the developers. You don't want anyone who might push you with certain buyers, price drops etc because they're actually thinking of what's best for the developer who sends so many clients their way.

I'd also avoid the "recommended by the developer" agent. They're all in each others pockets.
I remember when I offered on my current house, the estate agent tried to hook me up with their choice of solicitors. Needless to say, I asked around and chose my own.

That being said, there's a lot to be said for going with whoever you liked the vibe of the best. When we're talking houses of hundreds of thousands, the 0.5% isn't much to quibble about. You'll be dealing with this person a lot, so you may as well feel comfortable and happy with them.

You can check which agent has sold the most property or your type in your postcode on various websites, but I think going with your instinct is also good

Thanks all - it’s really hard. The one recommended by the developer actually told us to think long and hard about what our money could get us elsewhere so doesn’t seem in their pocket as such.
Lots of thinking to do I think!

If they are both using Rightmove then it won't really matter if one has more boards up. Not many people go direct to an EA webpage anymore.

The one putting more effort in now might not put more effort in later once you've signed the contract but who does your gut like more out of the two? If it's still equal then go with the cheaper one. Do both have the same lock in period before you can go elsewhere?