any tips on how to evaluate estate agents?

M

mir2001

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Hi, I'm trying to help a relative sell a house in the dundalk region. Does anyone have any experience (good or bad) with the local estate agents? Or does anyone have any tips on how to evaluate estate agents?
Thanks
 
Re: estate agents

look at how they advertise their current properties online, do they have good photos etc. some don't have any photos which I think is unbelievable. Then go along to view a house they're selling, see how they treat buyers.
 
Re: estate agents

you would be surprised how many people have great intentions when looking for the right agent and then just opt for the one who says they can get the highest price. Just keep an open mind as to which agents might be inflating the figure to get your custom.
 
Re: estate agents

Thanks for the advice. I was told by one agent that the best way to sell was to offer at a low price and thus get prospective buyers in and then hope to get them to up their offers if they like the place, any thoughts on this as a strategy? Cheers
 
Re: estate agents

yeah alot of agents have that attitude. it can work for or against you...


as you'll see from most of the threads on here, alot of buyers go in waaaaaaaaaaay below the asking price so you'll probably not get anywhere near your 'real' asking price.

market the property honestly... check out what other properties have SOLD for (not the asking price... and price accordingly...
 
Re: estate agents

Almost anyone can set up as an estate agent or auctioneer in Ireland. You jyst have to prove you are not a criminal or bankrupt, pay 12k bond and off you go.
Try and get a member of one of the professional organisations - IPAV or IAVI - at least these will have some training .
Look on the internet as if you are a buyer looking for property in your area - search Google - do any of your local agents appear near the top in the search results? If they do - they are likely to get more exposure for your property and might be a better option.
Agree charges before you sign anything and check for "extras" such as internet , newspaper ads, signs.
 
Re: estate agents

Apple* said:
yeah alot of agents have that attitude. it can work for or against you...


as you'll see from most of the threads on here, alot of buyers go in waaaaaaaaaaay below the asking price so you'll probably not get anywhere near your 'real' asking price.

market the property honestly... check out what other properties have SOLD for (not the asking price... and price accordingly...
Click to expand...

In my experience, alot of agents won't reveal what price property sold for.
 
Re: estate agents

plant43 said:
In my experience, alot of agents won't reveal what price property sold for.
Click to expand...

if you look on ithink it is daft but maybe my home in the sale agreed section, it says to contact EA for selling price.

I've done it..and gotten the sale prices...

guess it depends on the EA...
 
Re: estate agents

There are some basic questions an agent needs to answer if they have a problem answering them then don't hire them.

Including;
How many properties of a similar size have you sold in the last 12 months in my area?

How long were these properties on the market?

What type of purchaser bought these properties?

Did they sell above or below the asking price and what percentage?

How will they go about marketing your property including a breakdown of marketing costs?

Are they currently selling any similiar properties ?

How do they arrange viewings?

Are they a member firm of any professional body?

Who exactly will be doing the viewings?

What can I do to sell my property quicker?

What are their fees ?

Is it possible to change agent after say 6 months if the property does not sell without paying fees?
 
Re: estate agents

thanks to everyone for their contributions, I'll definitely use that last set of questions as a checklist so cheers for that.
 
You could do as a poster here did, and try out a few. You could also go as a potential buyer to view houses they're selling (before you've met them, so they don't recognise you) and see what you think of their selling techniques.
 
thanks for that link damson, it was very interesting. My relatives house and back garden runs adjacent to a site zoned for residential development that is also currently for sale. I contacted the agent who is selling this site and he has offered to represent our sale too. He says he will try selling the house as an independent sale but will mention to any developers viewing the site next door that our house is also for sale and might be of interest to them as it will broaden the frontage for the site they are looking at. However I have some concerns on going with this agent - will he be inclined to represent the site (worth a lot more money) owners interests over our interests? Would be grateful for any views on this, thanks.
 
Just think where his fee is likley to come from and there is your answer. If the site is worth a lot more than the house it would normally be two different markets. But with the one agent selling both are you sure the following will not happen;

He has a buyer interested in the site who is a developer and a nice family interested in the house the developer believes his idea will only work if he gets the house. So who will the agent encourage more. The bulk of his fee will come from the site so he may not push for the best price on the two properties.

If you go for a different agent the developer will know the house is for sale but will have to compete on the open market in an arms length transaction.
 
The more properties on his books the better typically. It does'nt mean he is not selling them and his book is building up...contrary more people have trust to sell through him.
 
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