Comments on: 15 Reasons Why Estate Agents Are Idiots

By: Susie

Susie — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:57:35 +0000

I am an Estate Agent – I am both qualified, and regulated, and I have never worn Old Spice :)

By: guido

guido — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:26:43 +0000

We believe you.

By: Realtors GO AWAY

Realtors GO AWAY — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:10:46 +0000

Real estate agents do very little for the outrageous commissions they demand. And to any realtors reading this: Sorry but it’s true and you know it. Charging up to 10% to put an ad on their website is ridiculous and is basically all a realtor does. Their industry also attempts to misinform the public through nonsense blogs and articles that buying and selling property without using a real estate agent is risky and dangerous. Pathetic really. I have bought and sold numerous properties over the years without an agent and each and every deal went smoothly without exception. They also do whatever they can to inflate prices over the fair market value so that they can maximize their commission which is a huge dis-service to buyers and even sellers who’s properties often sit unsold for lengthy periods of time due to above market value list prices. But don;t despair, thanks to the internet selling your own property is easy making realtors even more redundant.

With the money I saved by not using an agent on a deal a couple years ago I bought a new vehicle in cash and went on a nice long vacation. Think about that before foolishly listing with a useless agent:)

By: sandi

sandi — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:05:34 +0000

My own experience of estate agents as both buyer and seller:
1. Houses that have been under offer for 2 or 3 months, but not shown as under offer and then claiming they have no control over what the property website shows.
2. Trying to get me to view properties that are: a. £40,000 above my max price and then trying to convince me that the seller is open to offers. In my area, nobody is open to that size of drop; b. mid-terraced despite continuously saying they are completely off the agenda for me; c. at least 5 miles outside the area I’m interested in
3. Showing my property to prospective buyers and then lying about issues such as noise (“these properties are built fully-sound proofed” agent had never seen property, walked in 5 mins before buyers and wasn’t interested in having a quick look round)
4. Most of the time I conducted the viewings myself, agents only came if I insisted. Although advertising is expensive, I don’t think it swallows 1.5% commission on a £275,000 sale, so what else is the agent doing to justify the commission?
5. Sending viewers who didn’t know property is purpose built maisonette and have no interest in that type of property.

I’m all for fair representation of an industry, but my experience is with both national chains and independents and I’m afraid I was unimpressed.

By: guido

guido — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:54:02 +0000

Hi Holly. I too had a choice. Either a formula 1 racing driver for the Ferrari team or estate “agentting”.
Here…pull this one, it has bells on!

By: Holly Burton

Holly Burton — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:21:59 +0000

People stop getting so angry over it, he is kind’ve true! :$

Yes i’ve worked in the Estate Agenting bussiness for only 2 years but i am quite wealthy now, all i have to do is show a house around, i’m a blonde woman, i am very smart, i wanted to be a solicitor but i settled for estate agenting cause its faster and pays very good k’s; but whatever brings in the bacon, even if we have to sell our conciences.

By: mark greet

mark greet — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:36:39 +0000

estate agents do work in a professional environment and not having qulaifcations does not come into . its not a job just anybody can do you got to be a good people s person and show good communcation skills most estate agents are more than helpful and polite.also like most jobs you need product training and to understand all aspects of your sales market. i will further the general public can be very abusive to esate agents but estate agents are robust andable to not take offence to peoples pointless out bursts. im not in this industry but i have worked in salesand know some smartarse uni types who cant do this kind of job

By: Benji

Benji — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:42:34 +0000

Fair enough Guido.
Personally I dont do gazundering or gazumping on owner occupiers, no concerns doing it to other business’.
Cant see anything wrong in bunging a low paid EA a drink for an out of hours viewing or going the extra mile either.
Anway, thanks for the earlier insight.
Be lucky.

By: guido

guido — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:15:45 +0000

Sorry. I can’t continue with this. I’m not holding your hand and giving advice to you when, in one hand you say “.. you don’t do gazumping and gazundering…” when two emails ago, you were talking about bribing the estate agent. Benji….if you have a serious genuine issue you want help with, the ask. Otherwise, don’t. Next…

By: Benji

Benji — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:37:08 +0000

Thanks for the insight Guido.
Ref the commission, the £25 was a bit TIC. Your 0.75% to the agency would seem to add up though. Your obviously not talking about the bottom end. By the time the negotiator gets their slice there isnt a lot left of a £50000 sale.
Normally I dont go in for gazumping or gazundering but repos are a different kettle of fish I suppose.
In your scenario, even though dealing direct with the vendor, the EA will find out youve screwed them over at the last minute. I assume they would be reluctant to deal with you again in the future.
Final questions. EA are legally bound to pass on all offers but in your experience of the industry, does this always happen?
I can understand why it wouldnt. For e.g someone offering 30% of the asking price.
Or someone with a record of screwing vendors over by gazundering at the last minute.
What % of offers do you estimate are passed on and how do I make sure it is when its not an owner occupier?
TIA