tie in periods from estate agents

[OsbegaEthelwulf]

what is the norm for a tie in period? We've just given ours notice as they have been absolutely and utterly CRAP but the buggers have us tied for 3 months. I really resent having to pay them their huge fee if we sell privately and wonder if anyone here has managed to find a way out of this?

If you've signed a contract giving them sole agency for 3 months, then you're stuck with that.
Or, do you mean you have to give them 3 months notice to terminate? - that would be highly unusual!
Either way, don't let them send any more viewers to your property during the notice period or they'll claim commission on them.
I believe if you sell privately to a buyer not introduced by the agency, you're under no legal obligation to pay them any fee.
AFAIK -the sole agency agreement does not affect your right to sell privately either - at any time.