House selling virgin with estate agents circling like sharks

[IAteRosemaryConleyForBreakfast]

Well that's what it feels like!

Initial meeting and valuation on Monday, any advice? Mortgage not up 'til May so plenty time. What should I ask? How does it all work?

Do not take any finance from them. Do not let them pressure you into meeting their financial consultant or whatever fancy title they give that shark. You do not need to give them any information abut your personal finances either, though they may press for it.

See if you can negotiate a reduced commission. Even though their sole agent fee will be less than their multiple agent fee, you can still ask for a reduction.

Make sure that the commission is payable on exchange or completion, and not before.

Their fees? See if they can do you a deal - they are all competing for properties. Where will your house be advertised? If you don't want people viewing all times of the day, ask them if they can initially do block viewings on Saturday's for a couple of hours. Don't tie yourself into a contract with them for too long -tell them 4 weeks only it will keep them on their toes. umm if I think of anything else I'll let you know. Good luck and get a few of them around to do valuations at least 3. Don't let them push you around remember you are in the driving seat!

you need to see at least 3 estate agents for a valuation and then go with the one you trust the most .. negotiate best rate of commission (the lower the better of course)

What has your mortgage being up got to do with selling your house btw? (do not refinance with an EA .. you can do far better through online brokers)

Don't fall for any of their smarm! Ask up front about:

1. fees (prob 1.5% to 2.5% depending on area) and what is difference if they have an exclusive contract vs two or more agencies.
2. Where they will advertise your property - will it be on rightmove?
3. Who is going to pay for the reports you have to have now - lots of agents round us will pay for it for you, assume they factor that into their fee!
4. What properties have they sold similar to yours locally.
5. Don't trust them if they say your house is worth vastly more than other properties in the area.
6. What reports are they going to give you to show you how your marketing is going.
7. How long will they want to be exclusive? What is notice period if you want to get shot of them!
8. How many photos will they show on the website and on the printed details.
9. Will they always do the viewings - don't let them fob the job off on you and have you showing people round!

Have had to sack two lots of agents in my time - horrible experience! Both times had gone for the agent that sold the house to us rather than the one that gave me a good vibe but was a little bit more expensive! But both times the second lot did a much better job! Get at least 3 or 4 different agents round and ask friends/neighbours who they would recommend.

Good agent should be able to send you weekly or fortnightly updates showing how many hits you have had on website, how many enquiries they have had, who they have sent details to and who has viewed plus feedback from them.

Mortgage fixed rate I meant - hit with fees if I redeem before May, sorry. All v helpful so far, ta.

With estate agents, it's a lot about trust and how you feel you can work with them. Check out some of the offices in the area and see which one you like best - eg. which has the best display, the best photographs, is most helpful when you go in as a normal punter etc. Also try phoning them and seeing which has the best phone manner - it counts for a lot if they just stick you on hold or there is never anyone available. If you favour one firm and see one of their boards in your street or neighbourhood, try knocking on door and seeing what the owner has to say about them (although bear in mind that everyone finds house-selling very stressful and people are very rarely completely enthusiastic about their agents).

Choose one that belongs to the NAEA or OEA which at least guarantee some minimum standards of behaviour. Read the contract thoroughly and, if there is anything you don't agree with - eg. minimum 3 month notice period or some such - cross it out and put in your own suggestion. As long as it is reasonable they will generally go along - make sure everything is signed and initialled.

Find out where they are planning to advertise, and if they have a good website and links to a bigger property portal such as primelocation or propertyfinder. See if they throw in things like floorplans which are becoming increasingly important.

Most importantly, get them to justify their valuation: be pushy about comparables (similar houses they have sold recently). You can check these out on nethouseprices.com although there is about a three month lag between a house selling and its details appearing.

If youa re moving locally and the agent you choose is also selling a house you want, then see if you can get a further deal on commission.

yes dont let them go on and on about "their" wonderful mortgage man, they always do this, it drives me crazy.

i tell them til im blue in the face, yes i do already have a mortgage sorted thanks, but they will continue to force their stupid money grabbing people on to you.