Two estate agents - how to choose between them?

[eemie]

We need to move, regardless of the market. We've seen four agents and have discounted two.

It's hard to choose between the remaining two.

Both have good local knowledge.

One is part of a national franchise, values house at £400 plus, would put on at £425, wants 1.5%

The other is more locally based, values house at £350 - 400K, would put on at £375, wants 1%. would organise an 'open house' which appeals to us.

Based on comparisons with similar properties that have actually sold (not just been advertised) in the area, I'd have thought £425 unrealistically high. I'm afraid of putting people off.

But £375 is a realistic price. As an asking price it's certainly honest, but don't people more or less automatically offer a lot less?

Any thoughts or advice appreciated. TIA

Would both agents put your house on primelocation and rightmove, the top property websites? Have you heard anything on the grapevine from people who have used either agent?

I'd probably go with the the £350 agent - absolutely no point at all putting your house on for more than it is worth atm.

I would drive round looking for boards belonging to both agents and approach current sellers for their opinions. Tempting as higher price sounds, other man sounds as if he has got it right and hasthe virtue of honesty.

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who has the higher profile locally ? who did you buy it via ? Would n't go above £400k if that seems unrealistic. How did the others value it ?

you will get offers 10-15% less as prices are falling and look set to continue falling for a few years.can you afford that drop?If you can go for a lower valuation and sell quick or you may end up chasing the market down which is worse than taking a low offer at teh start

Take the one that seems less slimy. Agree to a six week contract. And then review. I'd probably go with local knowledge man.

The main thing, if you live in London, is that neither of them are Foxtons.

Yes. Avoid Foxtons.

Very helpful everyone, thanks.

No, not Foxtons. One a good local firm, Park & Bailey (lower quote) , the other a national franchise, Bairstow Eves. BE sold the house to us. They were ok when we were the buyers. But we later found out it was the second time on the market. It had previously been advertised at a much higher price.

Hmm. Both very active and visible locally, P&B use more internet portals and more local newspaper adverts.

Will take plunge and decide by tomorrow. Fingers crossed

I'd go with the lower quote. I agree with the poster about the fee for the higher valued agents, but the problem with that is that you have to get people through the door, you don't want to overprice your house.

I would go with the local agent who is going to market your house at a realistic price.
An open day can be a great way to sell, avoids all the viewings at different times.

We started off selling with BE but had a poor experience. So ended up changing to another agent. First two viewings put in an offer, one of which was a cash buyer. Very smooth sale.

Good luck.

check out their websites - see how good they are - how good the presentation and the details. It is amazing how much they vary and more and more people browse on the net before going anywhere near the agents.

There's nothing stopping you going with the local chap and asking him to market it at a higher price. It happens all the time.