probate property london-estate agent dilemma

[susiebee61]

looking for advice -we are selling a probate property(no urgency) SW London Fulham/hammersmith area value approx. £700,000- and we don't really have any experience of London estate agents, is it better to go local or should we try the dreaded foxtons-if everyone says sell but not buy through them, how do they actually get buyers? also not sold a property for 20 years and presumably with so much online information now aren't people less likely to pay over the odds? any advice or estate agent recommendations much appreciated!

Most people look on RightMove, they will also list the local estate agents. People are wise to estate agents fees now so many are using PurpleBricks, especially in London. Buyers are not paying over the odds now, house prices in London are going down, they were over inflated to begin with.

I'd use an agent that sells lots in that area (check on Rightmove and see what names come up) - I'd also have a look on the agent's website and see if it's reasonably user-friendly for buyers to look on that. But don't use Foxtons!!

I've sold twice in Fulham and have tried a selection of the local agents (Foxtons, Hamptons, Faron Sutaria). In the end, we sold with Chestertons both times. It was a good few years ago now, but I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending them..

When you see them a good question is;

"If I signed with you today how many people do you have on your books to look at my property this week?"

Negotiate the fee, but the best ones won't discount hugely (so last time I sold I went with an agent at 1.2%, the lowest was 0.75% but that was as they had virtually nothing on their books)

Interview them! A lot depends on the rapport you have with the sales manager.

Invite 4 in for valuations, and in prime London I would use one of the big ones. Bring a friend and together interview each for 20 minutes. How to present the property, what sort of market, how price sensitive etc. Also ask about commission. Foxtons won't negotiate, and are expensive, but others will.

Then decide who you trust. It is amazing how un-switched-on some can be. Factor in valuation and commission, but also factor in the fact that the one with the highest valuation may be suggesting you drop your privmce, not long after they get your instructions.

I let property in central London, and often use Foxtons. (And KFH and Chestertons, Savills st al) Like all agents a lot depends on the individual branch manager. Foxtons though, are fearsomely efficient. They will get people round and they will give you evidenced feedback. But unless you have a rapport with the manager it can be easy to feel bullied but individual commission-hungry negotiators.

I would not use an on line agency unless you have a lot of spare time. There will be a lot of comparable properties so buyers will have a lot of places to view before deciding. They and you will probably want and agent to do the legwork

thanks-this is so helpful- does anyone have experience of Lawson rutter? they are local and independent

Take advice below and get 3-4 people round. Savills were fab for us. They were all grown ups and sensible rather than young gun slingers. Go with who has a lot of similar houses on their books. IMO it’s better to go with the Savills and Knight Franks rather than the cheaper agencies. Their agents tend to be older, more experienced, more level headed.

I would be interested to get an approx idea of the difference in initial valuations between agents (don't need to know which agency advised) as I am in a not dissimilar situation. Also, if much difference from probate value.

John D Wood were excellent when we sold. They have 2 offices in the area (Fulham Broadway & Parsons Green), and they were very helpful, knowledgable and nothing was too much trouble! They even have a legal team that will help with anything needed for the probate etc.

We shopped around and Savills were awful and Chestertons were ok (but not very helpful). Foxtons are always a no go for me after they encouraged someone to gazump me on the day of exchange!

I’ve not used Lawson Rutter, but they were not recommended to us.