Estate Agents don't always have the most positive images with the public. Yet we almost all use them. So perhaps we should treat them as our ally rather than enemy.
4Homes Essentials
Property Search
UK Region Ratings
Everyone knows horror stories about bad estate agents, such as the client selling a beautiful ground floor apartment in London, valued at over £300,000. Her agent was charging 3% commission for a sole agency and was sending out photocopied details with errors changed by hand! Needless to say he was soon dismissed.
Or the agent who was telephoned to ask for a set of details of a client's house, which they had been selling unsuccessfully for three months. The agency denied all knowledge of it- no wonder it had not sold!
Thankfully these agents are in the minority. The vast majority of agents will be professional in their approach and do the best they can for their clients. However, it is a two-way relationship and there are many ways in which vendors can help their agent to generate a successful sale.
Before putting your house on the market, research your local agents thoroughly. Do not choose the highest valuation just because of the money involved; you may have to reduce the price later to generate interest. Do not become involved in a long contract; if your agent has not generated a good number of views and an offer within 4-6 weeks, you should move on to another agent or consider a joint agency.
Many problems with estate agents revolve around a "misunderstanding" about contracts. Be absolutely sure to read any contract thoroughly before signing and be sure to make a note of who views your property through which agent. This will avoid confusion over introductions, and hence commissions, should you opt for joint agency or change agents.
What should you do if you are not happy with the service you are receiving from your agent? It makes sense to sort out any problems you have as soon as possible and through the proper authorities. Your first contact should be the branch manager or partner. Put your complaint in writing and make sure you keep a copy. If this fails to solve your problems, contact their Head Office or senior partner in writing, with a copy of your original complaint. If their response is unsatisfactory, you should check to see whether the agent is a member of the National Association of Estate Agents or the Ombudsman Scheme. Both of these organisations have a Code of Conduct to which their members must adhere and they will also offer advice on your problems.
Check out the mortgage calculator, loans, credit cards & savings comparison tools
Tell us about where you live, & see if your area makes the top (or bottom) 20
Compare current rates on loans, savings accounts, credit cards & mortgages with this handy tool.jpg){kind=small}
Our presenter could be popping round to your house for a consultation and a cuppa
Your Comments
Post your comment
Please note: In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in to Channel 4:
Sign In Here or Register Here
Comments closed
Comments are closed at the present time
Comments
Thank you for your comment!
Your message will be reviewed and the best ones will be published below.
If you intended to make an official comment to Channel 4 please contact us.