For most people, a home is the most expensive possession they will ever own. As such, when it comes to selling, it is important to get the best price available. One way to try and ensure that the best deal is reached is working with the best estate agents available. However, many people find it hard to find just who these agents are and get the best deal from them.
Exactly what is required from an estate agent varies from person to person; we all have different demands after all. Above anything else though, it is important to ensure the lowest fees are agreed together with arranging the shortest tie-in period.
When negotiations first commence, most agents will try and get vendors to agree to a percentage fee of around 1.5% to 2.5%. This is too high and should never be accepted. Furthermore, they will also add a tie-in clause to the contract preventing the vendor from switching to other local estate agents should it be necessary.
It is here that the art of haggling becomes useful. This whole process should start long before sitting down with the agents, most notably by scouting those in the area. This research allows those who have a good reputation with previous customers to be easily discovered. Reading local estate agents reviews written by sellers and landlords, listed with us at Meetmyagent.co.uk, can really help you find estate agents rated by like-minded people.
Once a decision has been made with regard to which agents to work with, it is important to ensure that you choose the right agent for your needs. It is also important to make certain you aren’t overspending on fees; somewhere around 1% should be the aim. The tie in period should also be very limited, certainly nothing more than a week. If any are not willing to discuss the details, walking away is the best policy – the seller has all the power.