Estate agents' fees and contracts

[Sinkingfeeling]

I know this has been asked before (probably by me ) but what percentage is reasonable for estate agent fees these days? Haven't bought or sold for 12 years now, and have been quoted 1.5%, 1.35% and 1.5% by three different agents. Also, is 12 weeks a standard length of contract or should we be asking for a shorter one?

we got ours down to 1.25 and its a low value property anyway. Once you start telling them that the other has offered a lower rate they will bite your hand off to match it. Contract length should also be negotiable, though in this market you will need to give a reasonable amount of time anyway.

Most should be on a scale of 1.5% downwards. Had a fixed fee quote from one agent recently which would have equated to 0.7%.
Many will agree to no fixed term tie-in - doesn't really benefit them (or you) if you fall out anyway.

There is a much cheaper way to get listed on Rightmove etc by an estate agent. Have a look at www.eMoov.co.uk