A Which? survey uncovered that nine out of ten people don't trust estate agents.
With its image of dodgy deals, slick sales talk and flash suits, the estate agency profession has earned a reputation for underhand tactics. That said, a good estate agent offers insider knowledge and expert local property market advice.
Tell us your experiences of using an estate agent.
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Letsoutsource.Co.Uk (Bromley), on 25/08/2008 at 14:21
I don't wish to poor cold water on previous post but hasn't he seen whistleblower report by the BBC. In case he hasn't let me refresh your memory read http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4826444.stm
signature.gb.com (Maidstone), on 24/08/2008 at 23:54
Scots Estate Agent needs to chill out or he'll give himself a heart attack! I work with estate agents and can see both points of view. What Scot said is valid, but no two estate agencies are the same - even branches of the same chain! Estate agents have had it easy for such a long time during the 'Bull Market' years (it's easy to sell property in a rising market) Now the market has turned, people are looking for a scapegoat. At the end of the day a property is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it. It's a people business & people need to be realistic. Enough said!
Mark (South Derbyshire), on 04/08/2008 at 21:34
Kiki (Waltham Forest), on 18/01/2008 at 21:41
Please note that in the US and Canada Real Estate Agents as they are called do ALOT more than estate agents do here in the UK. In North America buyers do not look for houses by themselves the agent finds the houses and ESCORTS THEM to the viewing. THe sellers ALSO have an agent present and if buyers like the property negotiation is done right away. Also, North American estate agents hold open houses where as many as 20 or 30 people show up. They are registered, qualified and trained. U must pass tests and exams in order to qualify unlike the UK. So therefore they charge more of a commission and it is justified.
My experience here in the UK has not been good. Estate agents do nothing except act as a go between. You would do just as well to sell your house yourself. You can list it on gumtree.co.uk and Loot, local and national papers. Some sites will charge you 60 pounds to list it on Hot Property websites, find a property and National newspapers like the Sun and the Mirror.
From a safety point of view using an estate agent may be smart if you are single or vulnerable. However, if you are carefull and shrewd selling your house yourself in the uK is a good option.
formbypc (East Lothian), on 14/01/2008 at 14:20
George wrote:
over the years the price of houses have rocketed. but the estate agency fees are still paid on percentive. I cannot see what they do. most people look on right move or up my street to get all the detail they want. and what qualifications do they have to have to get all that money.
... and what exactly do you mean by "all that money" - makes it sound as though every sale is a lottery win, which it isn't (see my earlier posts).
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formbypc (East Lothian), on 10/01/2008 at 20:24
George wrote:
over the years the price of houses have rocketed. but the estate agency fees are still paid on percentive. I cannot see what they do. most people look on right move or up my street to get all the detail they want. and what qualifications do they have to have to get all that money.
..and what do you do?
What's your line of work, and how much do you get paid?
George (Congleton), on 06/01/2008 at 15:35
over the years the price of houses have rocketed. but the estate agency fees are still paid on percentive. I cannot see what they do. most people look on right move or up my street to get all the detail they want. and what qualifications do they have to have to get all that money.
formbypc (East Lothian), on 17/12/2007 at 21:27
formbypc (East Lothian), on 17/12/2007 at 21:18
Sorry, that should have read TEN postings since February in homefinder's forums....
formbypc (East Lothian), on 17/12/2007 at 20:17
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