Please advise me about multiple agents

[LittleSnowman]

I have a flat which I've owned for years when I was single, and since living with DH I have been trying to sell it. It has been beset with problems including a roofing issue, damp, an an issue connected with the freeholder, all of which alongside the strange pre-Brexit market and Covid has resulted in me not managing to sell. Two buyers dropped out last year mainly due to the delays.

I have resolved all the issues and the whole place has been fully renovated including new electrics, new roof, damp proofed, new kitchen and bathroom and redecorated. It is on a popular street which is usually one of the most sought after in the area. In the last 12 months I have reduced the price twice as well. It has been off the market for the last 2 months whilst I dealt with all this and is now ready to be relisted.

The agents tell me the price is really competitive and they are sure it will sell. I am so ready to sell it now after all the money I've spent on it, and am likely to make a small loss, but I really just want it off my hands (various personal issues plus new baby mean I don't want the hassle of letting it out etc).

My agents are nice, a small family type firm who I trust. The buyers dropping out wasn't their fault at all, but as they are such a small firm there have been times when I've wondered if they could work quicker to get a sale. That said, I don't want to ditch them as they have been very loyal and helpful (as I live some distance away from the flat and they are helpful about popping round to let people in etc). But I am desperate to sell and thought about getting another agent onboard. I know I will pay higher commission but I thought it would energise the sale. A new branch of a company of agents has opened nearby and they are keen to get new properties.

My current agent has said they are "disappointed" I want to involve another agent and have asked me to give them 3 weeks to relist the property and get a buyer before I make my decision. I don't know how much if this is estate agent "shpeel" or whether I should give them the 3 weeks?

In my extensive experience of buying and selling houses, I would say that there are many crappy agents out there, ranging from useless to dishonest scumbags. Give them 3 weeks by all means but be aware that they will be happy to look at lower pricing rather than let you go to another agent. Be careful and read the small print on ALL agents' contracts. They will not tell you the details which put you at a disadvantage. I was caught out like this once, agent seemed professional, well known locally. I signed the contract without reading it thoroughly as I thought it had all been explained to me. After a year, during which time I found them to be doing a poor job, I wanted to change agents. It was drawn to my attention that a clause in the contract said that it would run until they sold the house, or if I wanted to cancel it I had to pay them a fee (£300 I think). I was outraged, but it was my fault for not reading the small print. I argued the case that I should have been told the contract would run for all eternity if they did not sell my house, but ultimately had to pay the fee. Ever since then I have been more careful! There are other clauses such as if you would be liable for the fee if your relative/friend bought your house, even if not 'introduced' by the agent.

Forgot to say this crappy agent also told me he was 'disappointed' -meaning in me, whereas it is clearly the you the seller who should be disappointed by lack of interest/sale etc. Cheeky gits.

Thanks. I know their commission rate will go up but frankly I'd rather pay it and get it sold. Would like to know other benefits and pitfalls.