Estate agents that are not part of the large chains

[JoeMummy]

Looking for recommendations please for estate agents that aren't part of the large chains like Foxtons or Dexters. We've tried selling our flat through them but they haven't been helpful. Someone suggested that there's agents that work in smaller offices that have a different approach. Has anyone had success with the small offices and if so could you recommend someone?

You probably need to give at least a rough idea of whereabouts you are in order for someone to give a recommendation.

The mention of Foxtons and Dexters suggests London....

Sorry, am in London

Someone recommending an independent in Islington won’t help you if you’re in Clapham. You’ll need to be more specific.

But where? London is a pretty big place!

There are lots of good local agents around. Have a look at who is in your area then see if you can get recommendations from people who have used them . Local Facebook groups or nextdoor would probably be worth a look for recommendations.

We tried with a couple of big chain EAs in the SE. Romans and Haart. Romans were the most useless, but Haart weren’t much better. We went with a small group that had six local offices. The EA took responsibility for ensuring he knew all about the property, did all the viewings and progressed the sale. He certainly earned his money, because the purchasers were a bit flaky and he chased them regularly. I thought Foxtons were very pushy, as well as expensive. I much preferred the local chap and he got the place sold.

With a small number of exceptions the large chains are best avoided. Far better to find a small firm to handle things, with Rightmove and the other portals there really is no advantage to having 100 different offices nowadays.

You’ll find it’s not big chain vs independent, it will all depend on the level of wankery of the specific estate agents. Because the awful ones pop up anywhere and everywhere.