Big estate agent chains vs small independents. What's your experience?

[alittleteapot]

About to sell flat (I know, terrible timing) and have had four valuations, two from big chains (Foxtons, Keatons
and two from small indies.

Big chains put a higher value on the flat and charge a higher cut, the smaller ones put a lower value (up to 35K lower) and charge a smaller cut.

I'm realistic about the market and don't want to put it on at a ridiculously high figure but just curious to know if in your experience the big chains value more highly because they're better placed to get a wide audience and sale, or because they're more bullish in trying to get your business. Are the indies just more realistic?

Erring towards a small indie but interested to hear what you think if yo've been in a similar boat.

Cheers

.

Never sold anywhere only bought
would never use foxtons

I also wondered whether the big chains charge more because they have a wider audience, but actually I think most people look on rightmove don't they? If your smaller estate agent advertises on rightmove then you should be ok IMO. If you want it to sell asap you are better going for a realistic price atm anyway.

Cool, have just instructed one of the smaller ones. That was my instinct - apart from anything else i want to be dealing with the same person at the end of the phone.

fingers crossed i can sell.

In all honesty I have heard about some of the dodgy dealings and tactics used by the smaller agencies in our area - all legit, but still a bit

I have been told that it is a wise thing not to give any agency exclusivity and to negotiate a bit wrt the fees ...

Not much help, I know...

well i think it's hard to find a truly open and peace loving estate agent. have negotiated with fees. we'll see...

Never use Foxtons. No real benefit to larger agencies any more as almost every buyer uses rightmove. If you use an independent, just make sure they subscribe to rightmove.

Big chains are rubbish as they don't seem to know the local market well or they are not too bothered to push sales (they can be supported by head office in time of crisis, while the indie needs to sell to stay afloat). I chose Haart in the past and I was disappointed as they never got me an offer, so I switched to independent and hey presto, they got the offer. This was in 2005. More recently we sold our house and chose local indie again. We chose the same agent we bought from so we could get a discount on rate. It seems like obvious advice, but go with agent that sells property similar to yours and ask them why they valued your property as they did, if they tell you the market is keen, they are talking rubbish. You need a good agent to sell now. Another piece of advice, get your property to look spot on and you will sell if your price is realistic. Also go to www.houseprices.co.uk and search for your road so you can see how much the properties in your street are actually selling for.

thanks all, think i've ticked all the boxes you raise.