Estate agents

recedite · 21-04-2019 10:30am

Dav010 wrote: »

But in terms of transparency, is it actually anymore transparent? Isn’t it just a way of publishing bids rather than a check on their authenticity?

Put it this way, if you are genuinely interested, and you make a bid, you can see the bid there, and that it has gone public. So you know the seller and any other bidders are definitely aware of your bid. Previously you had to trust the EA to make sure all that happened.

JoeA3 · 21-04-2019 12:52pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Can I ask ye folks, how does the photography aspect work with your local estate agents?

I'm a photographer and recently a friend of a friend sold their house. Asked me to take the photos for them. I didn't charge them as they're good friends with my brother, and as I don't know them well enough, I didn't want to be overly nosey. But I got the impression that the Estate Agent was charging extra/separately for photography (and I am guessing at a mark up price, as he's a middle man and will want a few euro on top of what the photographer gets).

From my experience in recent weeks...
Some of the smaller EA's just take the photos themselves and by and large seem to do a reasonable job of it.
The slightly larger operators tend to give you the option - they'll do it or charge you a fee for as professional (about €140). I don't think they (the EA) was taking very much, if any cut, as I know the photographer himself quoted a friend of mine the same number when contacted directly.
The big guns (Sherry Fitz, etc) only offer the professional photos option (along with glossy brochures, newspaper ads, etc).

I felt the professional photos were worth the few quid outlay.

JoeA3 · 21-04-2019 12:59pm

Something else I've noticed personally when selling in the last few weeks...

Buyers are very cagey and hesitant to "show their hand" - understandably enough. For example, I know my house has drawn strong interest from 2 neighbours, but I have no idea which neighbours! They never approached me directly and I have a feeling that if I was selling it myself (with no EA), that they would never have declared an interest.

What I mean is, its a huge financial transaction for a potential buyer and dealing with an EA gives a buyer a certain degree of comfort that everything is "above board" and I think some people might find it extra awkward to show their hand to someone they actually know, a neighbour / acquaintance or whatever, particularly if it doesn't work out.

21-04-2019 1:08pm

recedite wrote: »

Put it this way, if you are genuinely interested, and you make a bid, you can see the bid there, and that it has gone public. So you know the seller and any other bidders are definitely aware of your bid. Previously you had to trust the EA to make sure all that happened.

Put it this way, what is stopping a Seller/EA from making up/getting an associate to make a bid which is then posted online to push up price? Again, posting bids online is no more proof of authenticity then an EA telling you what current high bid is, both could be truthful, both could be made up.

I really don’t get why you think a seller isn’t told of bids, why are people so sure of this? The EA works for the seller, what is the benefit of not telling the seller? I have often told EAs not to bother me with bids below a certain level, they are the equivalent of tyre kickers on a car forecourt.

recedite · 21-04-2019 1:46pm

Dav010 wrote: »

The EA works for the seller, what is the benefit of not telling the seller?

Maybe the EA has a preferred buyer. Sometimes a developer or investor who is an old mate of the EA buys it. Then the EA gets the rental deal, or gets to sell it again later. Who knows what backhanders go on. Maybe none.

21-04-2019 1:48pm

recedite wrote: »

Maybe the EA has a preferred buyer. Sometimes a developer or investor who is an old mate of the EA buys it. Then the EA gets the rental deal, or gets to sell it again later. Who knows what backhanders go on. Maybe none.

Have you any evidence of this? Even a scintilla. How many EAs do this? This really is silly conspiracy stuff, capped off with the obligatory “who knows”, not you apparently.

I’m sure there are bad EAs, there are bad people in every trade/profession, but to apply sweeping statements of dishonesty to a whole sector, is just well, moronic.

recedite · 21-04-2019 1:50pm

Dav010 wrote: »

Have you any evidence of this? Even a scintilla. How many EAs do this? This really is silly conspiracy stuff, capped off with the obligatory “who knows”, not you apparently.

You should have no problem with greater transparency so.

q85dw7osi4lebg · 21-04-2019 1:52pm

recedite wrote: »

Maybe the EA has a preferred buyer. Sometimes a developer or investor who is an old mate of the EA buys it. Then the EA gets the rental deal, or gets to sell it again later. Who knows what backhanders go on. Maybe none.

:pac::pac::pac::pac::pac:

21-04-2019 1:54pm

recedite wrote: »

You should have no problem with greater transparency so.

I have absolutely no issue whatsoever with greater transparency, I welcome it, but I also understand that putting up bids online is no guarantee of transparency, in carries about the same authenticity guarantee as verbal information, you simply don’t know if it is real.

Roisin76 · 21-04-2019 4:47pm

Dav010 wrote: »

I have absolutely no issue whatsoever with greater transparency, I welcome it, but I also understand that putting up bids online is no guarantee of transparency, in carries about the same authenticity guarantee as verbal information, you simply don’t know if it is real.

You're in a denial a here. Transparent bids could be made resistant to meddling and manipulation by either side.

Transparency and openness vs secret and opacity. Traditional EAs chose the former to protect their turf. The new players try to bring transparency to the playground, so no wonder the old folks would do anything to keep the status quo. It is a lucrative business. The thing is, you can't stop the progress.

21-04-2019 5:01pm

Roisin76 wrote: »

You're in denial a here. Transparent bids could be made resistant to meddling and manipulation by either side.

Transparency and openness vs secret and opacity. Traditional EAs chose the former to protect their turf. The new players try to bring transparency to the playground, so no wonder the old folks would do anything they can to stop these new folks. The thing is, you can't stop the progress.

I really don’t think you understand.

Posting the bids online for all to see allows buyers to see the bids, but what can’t be done is showing who the bidders are and if they are genuine. Put simply, if you feel sellers/EAs are manipulating the process, posting bids online would not change this.

Roisin76 · 21-04-2019 5:08pm

Dav010 wrote: »

Have you any evidence of this? Even a scintilla. How many EAs do this? This really is silly conspiracy stuff, capped off with the obligatory “who knows”, not you apparently.

Anecdotal evidence by many who dealt with EAs in the recent months. Bad, dishonest practices like that are nearly impossible to prove and even when EA caught red handed it's unlikely client would push the case forward.

The burden here should be on the vendor/EA to demonstrate honesty and integrity and not on the customer to try to prove otherwise. It's a no brainer really. Not sure why there's even a discussion about that.

Graham · 21-04-2019 5:10pm

anecdotal statistics show 99.9% of potential purchaser assume underhand behaviour if they are ever outbid

Roisin76 · 21-04-2019 5:12pm

Dav010 wrote: »

I really don’t think you understand.

Posting the bids online for all to see allows buyers to see the bids, but what can’t be done is showing who the bidders are and if they are genuine. Put simply, if you feel sellers/EAs are manipulating the process, posting bids online would not change this.

There are ways. First you verify the identity, do some basic background checks. If you sign up for an auction, you need to bring a deposit beforehand. Why not secure deposits from buyers before allowing the bids? I'm just throwing some ideas here. This is definitely doable and if current EAs like moovingo cannot do that properly, they will improve or be replaced by better ones. Simple.

Roisin76 · 21-04-2019 5:20pm

Graham wrote: »

anecdotal statistics show 99.9% of potential purchaser assume underhand behaviour if they are ever outbid

What do you think stats % would be if bids were made transparent?

Graham · 21-04-2019 5:34pm

Roisin76 wrote: »

What do you think stats % would be if bids were made transparent?

99% of potential purchasers outbid would assume underhand behaviour behind the transparent bids.

Roisin76 · 21-04-2019 5:47pm

Graham wrote: »

99% of potential purchasers outbid would assume underhand behaviour behind the transparent bids.

But fake bids are fine as long as the seller is aware. If that's how the seller wants to play it then that's OK. What I suspect is that EAs play various dishonest games with no seller's knowledge or consent. Currently nor seller can be sure he gets the highest bid passed, nor buyer can be sure his bid goes to seller.

As somebody else wrote some pages before. He was able to 'secure' a property cheap as he was a friend of an EA. Doesn't sound as an honest practice if true.

Graham · 21-04-2019 6:15pm

While I have no doubt online agencies will grow, it is going to take more than a couple of anecdotes to convince me there are more corrupt EAs than paranoid buyers.

21-04-2019 6:27pm

Graham wrote: »

While I have no doubt online agencies will grow, it is going to take more than a couple of anecdotes to convince me there are more corrupt EAs than paranoid buyers.

I think the benefit of online agencies will be that there will be a set price for all sales due to the fact that there will be virtually no offices and few staff costs. But their success will still be dependent on selling the property for the maximum amount, which in turn will leave them open to the same old accusations by disaffected underbidders. I won’t be long before people like Roisin76 believe that they are posting made up bids to push up the price or just because they didn’t get the property.

Sleepy · 30-04-2019 2:42pm

jimwallace197 wrote: »

Yah, you wonder, in other words you dont have a clue what you are talking about and unless you have some experience of actually working in the industry, then would be better off not promoting misinformed opinions.

Have you evidence that proves my opinions misinformed?

The only data I've ever seen on the industry was US based and indicated that realtors would tend to achieve a higher selling price when selling their own properties (Freakonomics).

How much value does an estate agent quantifiably bring to the table? And does this value exceed their commission?

jimwallace197 · 30-04-2019 4:09pm

Sleepy wrote: »

Have you evidence that proves my opinions misinformed?

The only data I've ever seen on the industry was US based and indicated that realtors would tend to achieve a higher selling price when selling their own properties (Freakonomics).

How much value does an estate agent quantifiably bring to the table? And does this value exceed their commission?

I dont need to prove anything, this is not a court of law, I'm sure people can make up their minds from the sources you use for your information. Freakonomics based on a completely different country and market.

Im not here to answer your questions but Ill say this, professional photography, access to all major property website platforms including their own, viewings around the clock, experienced negotiators, signage, an understanding of the market and when to go with a particular offer or hold firm, access to a buyer database, the list goes on.

Ignorance is bliss though as they say and if you think you can do a better job yourself, all power to you but if you are going to make the claim people can do a better job themselves, why dont you provide some proper evidence?? A decent insight into the property price register should provide this, I wonder can you provide

devlinio · 30-04-2019 4:23pm

I was doing some research last week as my parents are looking to sell a rental property.

Durkin Property - 1%
Noel Kelly - 1% - 1.25%
DNG - 1%
Gallagher Quigley - 1.25% + Vat
Brophy Estates 1% + Vat
Laplin Estates 1% + Vat

Marketing fees between 0 - 500

Sleepy · 30-04-2019 4:55pm

jimwallace197 wrote: »

I dont need to prove anything, this is not a court of law, I'm sure people can make up their minds from the sources you use for your information. Freakonomics based on a completely different country and market.

Im not here to answer your questions but Ill say this, professional photography, access to all major property website platforms including their own, viewings around the clock, experienced negotiators, signage, an understanding of the market and when to go with a particular offer or hold firm, access to a buyer database, the list goes on.

Ignorance is bliss though as they say and if you think you can do a better job yourself, all power to you but if you are going to make the claim people can do a better job themselves, why dont you provide some proper evidence?? A decent insight into the property price register should provide this, I wonder can you provide

For the sake of your clients I hope your negotiation tactics (and manners) are better than your debating skills. "I don't have to prove anything... YOU prove it"

Also, for someone putting themselves forth as the knowledgeable professional here, you seem rather ignorant of the Property Price Register. The sum total of data points available within the register are as follows:

Date of Sale (dd/mm/yyyy)
Address
Postal Code
County
Price (€)
Not Full Market Price
VAT Exclusive
Description of Property
Property Size Description

There is no data point within that dataset that identifies whether a property was sold by the owner or on their behalf by an agent taking a cut.
Even were there, there aren't any data points that identify the number of bedrooms, square footage, aspect, whether it's freehold or leasehold etc. making like for like comparison of the properties next to impossible to carry out at a quantitative level.

You list very soft "benefits" of using an agent (you do realise that anyone can hire a professional photographer and put up some signage? That Daft would be the first port of call for most buyers and access to MyHome and that your Buyers Database* would be of limited value to most sellers?).

Ultimately people hire Estate Agents for two reasons: they don't want to deal with the hassle of selling and because they're told by people like you that an EA will get them a higher price for their house.

As they charge extremely high fees for this service, it's a simple enough question I've put in this thread: how much higher a price can an agent get than someone selling their own property.

If that difference is higher amount than the cost of their fees, Estate Agents are a good value proposition for a seller. If, as I suspect, it's not, the value proposition becomes a matter of the difference between that higher amount (if the amount is, indeed, higher) and the value the seller places on the hassle they're saving them.

(* By the way, I do hope you've studied up on your GDPR obligations if you're maintaining such a database. It can be easy fall foul of, particularly when data isn't your forté)

jimwallace197 · 30-04-2019 5:30pm

Sleepy wrote: »

For the sake of your clients I hope your negotiation tactics (and manners) are better than your debating skills. "I don't have to prove anything... YOU prove it"

Also, for someone putting themselves forth as the knowledgeable professional here, you seem rather ignorant of the Property Price Register. The sum total of data points available within the register are as follows:

Date of Sale (dd/mm/yyyy)
Address
Postal Code
County
Price (€)
Not Full Market Price
VAT Exclusive
Description of Property
Property Size Description

There is no data point within that dataset that identifies whether a property was sold by the owner or on their behalf by an agent taking a cut.
Even were there, there aren't any data points that identify the number of bedrooms, square footage, aspect, whether it's freehold or leasehold etc. making like for like comparison of the properties next to impossible to carry out at a quantitative level.

You list very soft "benefits" of using an agent (you do realise that anyone can hire a professional photographer and put up some signage? That Daft would be the first port of call for most buyers and access to MyHome and that your Buyers Database* would be of limited value to most sellers?).

Ultimately people hire Estate Agents for two reasons: they don't want to deal with the hassle of selling and because they're told by people like you that an EA will get them a higher price for their house.

As they charge extremely high fees for this service, it's a simple enough question I've put in this thread: how much higher a price can an agent get than someone selling their own property.

If that difference is higher amount than the cost of their fees, Estate Agents are a good value proposition for a seller. If, as I suspect, it's not, the value proposition becomes a matter of the difference between that higher amount (if the amount is, indeed, higher) and the value the seller places on the hassle they're saving them.

(* By the way, I do hope you've studied up on your GDPR obligations if you're maintaining such a database. It can be easy fall foul of, particularly when data isn't your forté)

First of all, I didnt put myself forward as the knowledgeable professional here. You assumed that, like you have been making a lot of other misguided assumptions.

Yes, thats the property price register that you have access to, and of course you are ignorant of other ways of getting information that determine who sold what and for how much fully respective of GDPR legislation.

Yes, all of that would be of limited value to people selling themselves, do you know how much all of this would cost especially if you are using it as a once off service? Not cheap I can tell you.

Again, making assumptions as to why people use EA'S, do you work in the industry, do you have any real idea why people use agents apart from your own limited experience?? Unlikely.

Why don't you give it a shot yourself since you seem to know so much and think its such an easy job. Ireland has still one of the highest rates of using an estate agent in Europe. Go and get qualified, get some experience, then come back to me then. Otherwise, pipe down & wind your neck in

Maybe stick to working in a pub & listening to your ignorant pub talk, seems like that line of work would suit you better.

P.S. I know all about the GDPR obligations, another thing maybe you could do with educating yourself on.

astrofool · 30-04-2019 7:25pm

Sleepy wrote: »

For the sake of your clients I hope your negotiation tactics (and manners) are better than your debating skills. "I don't have to prove anything... YOU prove it"

Also, for someone putting themselves forth as the knowledgeable professional here, you seem rather ignorant of the Property Price Register. The sum total of data points available within the register are as follows:

Date of Sale (dd/mm/yyyy)
Address
Postal Code
County
Price (€)
Not Full Market Price
VAT Exclusive
Description of Property
Property Size Description

There is no data point within that dataset that identifies whether a property was sold by the owner or on their behalf by an agent taking a cut.
Even were there, there aren't any data points that identify the number of bedrooms, square footage, aspect, whether it's freehold or leasehold etc. making like for like comparison of the properties next to impossible to carry out at a quantitative level.

You list very soft "benefits" of using an agent (you do realise that anyone can hire a professional photographer and put up some signage? That Daft would be the first port of call for most buyers and access to MyHome and that your Buyers Database* would be of limited value to most sellers?).

Ultimately people hire Estate Agents for two reasons: they don't want to deal with the hassle of selling and because they're told by people like you that an EA will get them a higher price for their house.

As they charge extremely high fees for this service, it's a simple enough question I've put in this thread: how much higher a price can an agent get than someone selling their own property.

If that difference is higher amount than the cost of their fees, Estate Agents are a good value proposition for a seller. If, as I suspect, it's not, the value proposition becomes a matter of the difference between that higher amount (if the amount is, indeed, higher) and the value the seller places on the hassle they're saving them.

(* By the way, I do hope you've studied up on your GDPR obligations if you're maintaining such a database. It can be easy fall foul of, particularly when data isn't your forté)

Your basic assertion is "why should the sales profession exist", it's nonsensical, some people are better at creating, some better at selling, a good EA will most likely get a better price for a property than you will for a number of different reasons.

If I was buying a house, I'd much prefer to deal with the vendor directly, as I believe I'd get it at a better price than if they were using an EA (better being 5% or >).

fluffingtons · 30-04-2019 9:44pm

to share my experience:

Be very careful which agent you choose.

I recently sold my house with a well known estate agent

The agent took a deposit from our buyer, paid their own fees out of this amount after house sold, and now owe us a cheque for the balance. The house has been sold almost a month. We are ringing them every day and being given the runaround.

Ask how they handle client moneys. Make sure they are registered with relevant professional bodies.

Dolbhad · 30-04-2019 9:53pm

fluffingtons wrote: »

to share my experience:

Be very careful which agent you choose.

I recently sold my house with a well known estate agent

The agent took a deposit from our buyer, paid their own fees out of this amount after house sold, and now owe us a cheque for the balance. The house has been sold almost a month. We are ringing them every day and being given the runaround.

Ask how they handle client moneys. Make sure they are registered with relevant professional bodies.

Sorry to hear that. Is it worth checking with your solicitor? When my sister sold her house auctioneer transferred the balance to the solicitor who transferred it to her. Solicitor did a cash account and gave a copy of auctioneers bill.

fluffingtons · 30-04-2019 10:03pm

Dolbhad wrote: »

Sorry to hear that. Is it worth checking with your solicitor? When my sister sold her house auctioneer transferred the balance to the solicitor who transferred it to her. Solicitor did a cash account and gave a copy of auctioneers bill.

Thanks, yes its very upsetting... I am so surprised actually, they are literally the second biggest (if not biggest?) agency in the state so I imagined they would be reasonably professional to deal with

Our solicitor actually instructed them to remit directly to us, so we know its not sitting in his office unfortunately

It might be time to get him to write them a letter... the last thing we want to have to do srsly but hard to see what other recourse, they refuse to speak to us about it.... ugh

q85dw7osi4lebg · 30-04-2019 10:11pm

Sold almost a month, Easter break in the middle, accounts have to be done. These things take time.

If they sold the house and got a great price it's a bit sad to not go and recommend them over this IMO.

The money's would be in their client account, so no worries of them doing anything else with it.

snowcat · 30-04-2019 10:12pm

In this day and age Estate agents are not really relevant. You can easily do an estate agents job yourself and save thousands. I dont understand people trusting the sale of one of their biggest assets to an effectively used car salesman. They dont have a clue about your property and are only interested in a sale and not necessarily at the best price. They only make 1k on an extra 100k sale price! Sell it yourself and enjoy the money.

fluffingtons · 30-04-2019 10:32pm

Daniel Quick Diner wrote: »

Sold almost a month, Easter break in the middle, accounts have to be done. These things take time.

If they sold the house and got a great price it's a bit sad to not go and recommend them over this IMO.

The money's would be in their client account, so no worries of them doing anything else with it.

Yes, I do appreciate that.
However it was they themselves who advised us we could come and collect a cheque from their office on a certain day, ten days or so after the sale. When we went to collect it - no cheque, and no idea when it was coming or what the hold up was. Phone back next week, still no information. We persisted, and were advised cheque was being expedited, definitely ready first thing this week... today they are saying they don't have any cheques, invoices, anything relating to our sale, so and so is on holiday, nobody is in accounts to speak to us directly, it could be another week, two weeks... its very frustrating...

Calltocall · 30-04-2019 10:46pm

Can I ask, do Estate Agents have deals with private investors as in get commission from them, I am at present negotiating sale of house, EA was pushing selling to Private Investor off the open market, I just wonder why as I imagine they would get a better price/higher commission by selling to open market? Appeal of Private Investor would be a quicker sale but am I missing something here?

recedite · 30-04-2019 11:10pm

Calltocall wrote: »

Can I ask, do Estate Agents have deals with private investors as in get commission from them, I am at present negotiating sale of house, EA was pushing selling to Private Investor off the open market, I just wonder why as I imagine they would get a better price/higher commission by selling to open market? Appeal of Private Investor would be a quicker sale but am I missing something here?

...the smell of a large rat. One way or another, it'll cost you.

Calltocall · 30-04-2019 11:20pm

recedite wrote: »

...the smell of a large rat. One way or another, it'll cost you.

Thanks for reply, can I ask what would the rat be ,what would they gain by pushing the sale to Private Investor, the theoretical quick sale suits me and want rid asap but I feel I’m missing something here

q85dw7osi4lebg · 30-04-2019 11:25pm

Calltocall wrote: »

Can I ask, do Estate Agents have deals with private investors as in get commission from them, I am at present negotiating sale of house, EA was pushing selling to Private Investor off the open market, I just wonder why as I imagine they would get a better price/higher commission by selling to open market? Appeal of Private Investor would be a quicker sale but am I missing something here?

Most agents will have good buyers on their books. Wealthy investors trust agents to find them good rental properties too. They will still push to get the market value, as it's not in their interest in any which way to sell at a discount to market value. It'll only depreciate other properties in the area they are selling in.

It's great for all parties involved and is ideal for a seller looking for a quick sale.

Far less risk, no banks, no chains, win win.

All that said, if you are not in a rush then it obviously makes sense to go on the open market, as said investor may be there if needed in the end.

recedite · 30-04-2019 11:28pm

Calltocall wrote: »

Thanks for reply, can I ask what would the rat be ,what would they gain by pushing the sale to Private Investor, the theoretical quick sale suits me and want rid asap but I feel I’m missing something here

Here's some contrasting opinions from earlier in the thread. You decide...

recedite wrote: »

Maybe the EA has a preferred buyer. Sometimes a developer or investor who is an old mate of the EA buys it. Then the EA gets the rental deal, or gets to sell it again later. Who knows what backhanders go on. Maybe none.

Dav010 wrote: »

Have you any evidence of this? Even a scintilla. How many EAs do this? This really is silly conspiracy stuff, capped off with the obligatory “who knows”, not you apparently.
I’m sure there are bad EAs, there are bad people in every trade/profession, but to apply sweeping statements of dishonesty to a whole sector, is just well, moronic.

Graham · 30-04-2019 11:31pm

Calltocall wrote: »

Can I ask, do Estate Agents have deals with private investors as in get commission from them, I am at present negotiating sale of house, EA was pushing selling to Private Investor off the open market, I just wonder why as I imagine they would get a better price/higher commission by selling to open market? Appeal of Private Investor would be a quicker sale but am I missing something here?

Did you ask the EA?

Calltocall · 30-04-2019 11:38pm

Graham wrote: »

Did you ask the EA?

No, not yet, I trusted his word that it was the best way to go but on thinking further I’ve decided to inform myself better by getting opinions from here.

Graham · 30-04-2019 11:40pm

Ask.

Nobody here is going to be able to tell you what's in the EAs mind/black-book.

recedite · 30-04-2019 11:45pm

Graham wrote: »

Ask.

Nobody here is going to be able to tell you what's in the EAs mind/black-book.

Will the EA be able to explain how his buddy is going to bid the top price without ever competing on the open market?

Calltocall · 30-04-2019 11:46pm

Graham wrote: »

Ask.

Nobody here is going to be able to tell you what's in the EAs mind/black-book.

There’s no harm in getting opinions from people that don’t have a horse in the race, I’ve found boards a great resource over the years and I’m entitled to do that, if there was something amiss I don’t think he would tell me straight up.

Graham · 30-04-2019 11:47pm

recedite wrote: »

Will the EA be able to explain how his buddy is going to bid the top price without ever competing on the open market?

The 'nobody here' part includes me:

Nobody here is going to be able to tell you what's in the EAs mind/black-book.

Poster didn't mention the property was going to be sold to his buddy. Do you have additional info that we're nor privy to?

snowcat · 30-04-2019 11:47pm

Graham wrote: »

Did you ask the EA?

Sell the house yourself! If the EA wants to sell it as sell give him commision to get a better price. DO NOT give him negotiating power..except with you. If he is any good he should be able to get a better price then you, then he is worth his money.

q85dw7osi4lebg · 30-04-2019 11:52pm

There has to be a few agents in here getting a good laugh.

Graham · 30-04-2019 11:55pm

Calltocall wrote: »

There’s no harm getting opinions from people that don’t have a horse in the race, I’ve found boards a great resource over the years and I’m entitled to do that, if there was something amiss I don’t think he would tell me straight up.

Absolutely, ask away. The point I perhaps made badly is, the obvious person to ask is the EA.

az2wp0sye65487 · 01-05-2019 12:05am

snowcat wrote: »

I generally (but not always) have had negative experiences with agents

I wonder what's the common denominator...

Henry Ford III · 01-05-2019 6:49am

Never trust an EA

Mumm_ra · 01-05-2019 7:21am

Look EA’s provide little or no value. I recently sold and bought and found them of little value. If I was going it again I’d do it myself with help if something like Moovingo.

When I was buying the EA caught wind that I was trying to do a deal with the seller and threatened not to deal with us. I had arranged to meet the seller and had agreed with the wife we would offer them x to take it off the market. The EA caught wind and I had to go through him - it ended up 10k cheaper and the seller paid 5k fees - enough said

q85dw7osi4lebg · 01-05-2019 9:16am

Have to say, when I was browsing DAFT as a buyer, where 95% of properties are advertised by an agent, I almost always skip past the for sale by owner ones.

Bad descriptions
Outrageously unrealistic values (they haven't had the reality check of an agent telling them they do not in fact own the best house in the neighbourhood)
Terrible photos, no plans.
Don't want to pay an agent so what else have they skimped on? etc..

Time is money, if you are unemployed / off work then I can see how you have time on your hands for attempting to sell it yourself. But good luck chasing contracts / solicitors from the other side, without the use of an agent.

happyfriday74 · 01-05-2019 9:16am

When I was buying the EA caught wind that I was trying to do a deal with the seller and threatened not to deal with us. I had arranged to meet the seller and had agreed with the wife we would offer them x to take it off the market. The EA caught wind and I had to go through him - it ended up 10k cheaper and the seller paid 5k fees - enough said

I dont blame him threatening not to deal with you. He has a signed contract with the seller and the seller is going behind his back.

Estate agents

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