0% to sell with Marsh & Parsons. Would you do it? Is there a catch?

[irisblue]

Hi there,

We are looking to sell our house and a new agent - Marsh & Parsons have opened in the area. They are currently offering a 0% fee for the next 6 weeks, which then goes up to 2% after that (you have to be under offer to qualify).

Would you do it? I mean, what's the incentive for them to get it sold by mid-June? In theory, if it hasn't sold by early June, why would they try hard to sell it with on,y 2 weeks to go until 2% kicks in?

What do you think? I am tempted just to give it a go, as if it works out then it would be amazing. But, if it doesn't work out it would be more expensive than going with another agent at 1%. Any advice much appreciated!

They might just want visibility in the area - having a board up outside your house, being able to advertise your house in their window etc etc.

They will probably give you amazing service as they will want you to write a testimonial.

There is a new EA opened up here who are doing similar (I work for an EA)

You only have to be under offer within 6 weeks to qualify for 0%? I'd definitely do it.

They do it to get a board present in the area, and raise their profile. And in the hope that vendors who aren't under offer when the time runs out, can't be arsed to change agents/are so impressed with them they don't want to change agents.

I'd definitely do it if i were you. There isn't a downside.

....board presence.....

I would still negotiate that after 6 weeks it's 1% as that's what others in the area should be offering

Hi there, it’s Liza-Jane Kelly here. I’ve just had my second child so I’m currently on maternity leave and reading your post with great interest... because I am also the Sales Director of Marsh & Parsons! All of the above responses are true. We offer 0% as a loss leader because we want to build a reputation as quickly as possible. We’ll apply the same level of determination and great customer service as always, in the hope you’ll tell all your friends how brilliant we are! We are selling properties in record time at the moment, so I’m sure we’ll find the perfect buyer in no time at all. Our sales manager in the Askew Road office is George Baskerville. He has been with the company for some time (working previously in our North Kensington office) so you’ll be in very good hands. Whatever your decision, I wish you all the best with your house sale. Warm wishes, Liza-Jane

Always had a lot of time for Marsh and Parsons...

Ha ha. Small world.