Estate Agents

[Kazzarooney]

Hi all
Do any of you know if there is a website I can go to to find an Estate Agent in my area that charges the lowest % when selling my home. Many thanks, Karen

[Simeon]

Sellers fees are completely negotiable. Play one estate agent off the other.

[buildersmate]

Absolutely. Its a bit like rates on hotels - they post a "rack rate" but everything is negotiable. If you are selling a relative more expensive house (for your area) than average you have greater leverage because, although fees are always negotiated as a percentage of the eventual selling price, the costs incurred by the agent in selling are pretty much fixed per house sold.

[Kazzarooney]

Thanks both
This is my first time at selling and I have been at bit naive I currently have sole agency with the Halifax who charge 2%. My property has been valued at �139950 and I also didn't realise that you pay VAT on the 2%. I only have 2 weeks left on my contract with them so will go with another agent. I really need to get �135000 so that I can afford what I need.
Thanks again - I'll shop around

[jocky]

I have just got a 0.9% commision by playing of other estate agents, Its very easy to get them down to 1% but 1.25% is more the norm.

[Kazzarooney]

Who was that with Jocky?

[jocky]

Hodsons in Didcot (small independent in oxfordshire)

[RAYMAN]

Hi, Have you tried selling your house yourself and using a conveyancing firm to make up the selling contract.
look-up a conveyancing direct on the web

[buildersmate]

Yes, the other variable that is ALSO negotiable is the length of the contract 'lock-in' period. Agents will try and get as long as possible - but suggest you try and negotiate for 8 weeks.

[hydrogoose]

in and arround Harrow ( greater london ) Red Box Network do a good deal - 0.5% for 28 days to sell ELSE a flat fee of about 800 pound

[Kazzarooney]

Thanks Hydrogoose - I live in Erith in Kent and I can't get any lower than 1.7 or as they have said at least a fee of �2500. I am thinking of selling privately and was going to put a post on asking if anyone else had done this. I really begrudge paying that plus the 17% vat on top.