Estate agents recommendations (especially for selling)

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Permalink Reply by Rob B on October 11, 2017 at 20:47

In Harringay don't pay more than 1%+VAT for a fee. Other than Winkworth I would be very surprised if any of them put up any resistance to 1%

I liked the staff in sales at Anthony Pepe, however when I gave them the opportunity to pitch to sell my flat they gave a market appraisal at well over 10% of what I considered the absolute maximum that was achievable. I was very clear with them that I didn't want a "hopeful" appraisal, but a realistic one. They stuck at their original amount. They didn't get the gig. No flat has ever sold at anywhere near the price they were saying on that road (still - even 2 years later) and so it appears they were doing the old trick of giving a really high appraisal figure to tempt the seller then force a reduction later. 

We bought with a house sold through Paul Simon in the end. They were acceptable. Pulled the usual estate agent bullshit - but I think they all do.

I personally am of the opinion that when selling a physical estate agent with a book of potential buyers and a buffer to negotiate through is probably worth 1%, so I'm not tempted by online estate agents yet. Maybe in future though.

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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on October 12, 2017 at 9:47

I disagree that they all pull the typical estate agent stuff. This website has been going for ten years now and it's full of people ranting about Paul Simon.

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Permalink Reply by Rob B on October 12, 2017 at 10:01

I think it's worth pointing out that Paul Simon Residential sales is seperate from the lettings arm. The lettings arm has a terrible reputation. I think the sales arm is average to fine.

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Permalink Reply by Nez on October 12, 2017 at 15:49

Even if they are separate they should realise a poor reputation in one part of their business will damage another part.

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Permalink Reply by Rob B on October 12, 2017 at 16:31

Yes clearly!

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on October 13, 2017 at 10:20

It's probably worth my pointing out that Paul Simon Sales in Harringay are completely separate from the other Paul Simon.

The Harringay residential sales business was bought from the previous owners many years ago and is owned by and run completely separately to the other Paul Simon.

Much to the chagrin of the Harringay business, some reviewers on Google and elsewhere are unaware of the difference. 

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Permalink Reply by Rob B on October 13, 2017 at 10:41

To be fair to those google reviewers there is no reason for the average person to suspect they are anything other than the same business. I would have chosen a different name...

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on October 13, 2017 at 10:50

I can see what you mean. I assume that there was some commercial logic underpinning the name retention. Perhaps on balance it works out well for them, or it may be the case that they’re now constrained by the deal and have no choice but to keep it.

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Permalink Reply by Burgoyne Bec on October 11, 2017 at 21:20

Winkworth were great when we sold our house, very professional and responsive. Make sure you negotiate the fee, I wouldn't pay more than 1.5% in this market.

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Permalink Reply by Nez on October 12, 2017 at 15:52

Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by dbh1954 on October 13, 2017 at 7:19

Have just used housenetwork to sell a property. Fantastic service £1000 flat fee. I have a referral code if you’re interested.

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Permalink Reply by Allie on October 13, 2017 at 10:15

We've used Paul Simon to buy and sell a couple of houses and found them really good. I have never really understood where their bad reputation has come from - presumably it is from the lettings and development side but Richard and his team are great. Conversely I know several people who have had a terrible time with Winkworths but people seem to think they are better.

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