One Estate Agent or Two ??

[QuiltingFlower]

Help - about to go on the market but can’t decide on which estate agent to market through. Move was postponed because of COVID but we have to get going..

Have met with three Agents. All suggest similar strategy and pricing. One EA has been too busy to subsequently answer any of my follow up questions so have crossed that firm off the list.

The second one has great local knowledge and reputation, we like them and know they will sell the house easily, get the right price and handle any tricky bits and generally look after us.

The third one is part of a well known and well regarded group and have local offices in all the area we are looking at (moving within a 25 mile radius).

We can’t agree between going with #2 or #3. I think #3 is a better bet as they will be able to get us into see things just coming on at any of their offices. Plus if we buy through them they will be uber motivated.

DP prefers #2 as has known them for 12+ years and he is now suggesting that we use both Agents! I can’t see any benefit to this, just extra cost.

It also indicates an inability to make a decision . . .

We have to move sooner or later, sooner would be better. We will be cash buyers (for the very saddest of reasons). The market where we are (SE] is red hot at the moment - we are countrified and not far from the coast.

Any experience of having two agents, anyone?

No experience I’m afraid but if money was no option I’d go with both.

I wouldn’t go with both. As someone looking to buy, I have avoided properties on with more than one agent because I think it increases the chance that the seller accepts offers from more than one person.

Multiple agents are mostly used by harder to shift properties, so either struggling to sell or mostly I've seen on rightmove where it's very big expensive properties (I can dream...)

I also would be a bit sceptical about a property on with more than one agent as a buyer. Not to mention as a seller the commission is usually pretty substantial (I've seen it's usually around 3%-3.5% compared to 1%-1.5% for sole agent).

Why not see what commission and lock in period 2 and 3 are offering and then that might help make a decision? But you'd be crazy to go with 2 from the outset.

By having 2 agents, rightly or wrongly some buyers will think that you are struggling to sell. Be aware that you may receive lower offers.

I'd be put off viewing if on with 2 agents - I'd assume you'd been struggling to sell and there was something wrong with the property.

As a seller I'd hate the extra life admin of fielding enquiries and viewings with 2 different agents.

People all use Rightmove today so I don't think you are going to reach any different buyers with either agent - I'd go with whichever you feel are more prompt and helpful.

I wouldn't assume just because you are listed with one branch you have any priority with other branches.
I'd go with local agent - you've already said they'd do a hood job and get a good price for you.
Do not go multiple. It will be a red flag, you will pay higher commission, and your perceived advantage may not even be real.