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I did think about a private listing and avoiding the estate agents (like I have to deal with enough agents as it is!!) but both of us work full time, me away from home during the week and her often doing silly hours so it just isn't practical.
So a few years back I became a first time buyer (of property) and found a wealth of information and free advice for my situation on the net. Now I am about to be a first time seller and can't really find all that much unbiased and free info at my disposal. Since many of you are seasoned ladder climbers, could you give me a few pointers?
How much should I expect to pay in agent fees? (% or fixed?)
How much is a HIP & where do I get one?
Any good sellers guides you know of on the internet
Sorry for the noddy questions...
TIA
There is little need for an agent these days, all they do is answer the queries from the people who search on rightmove etc. Estate agents are mainly cowboys. So why not use http://www.houseweb.co.uk/house/sell/view.html
Agency fees vary from 1% to 2.5% (in London)
HIPS are a standard fee irrespective of the size of the property- approx £400 if you pay right now or the deferred option is £450.
.
Or you can DIY for less.
You don't need to pay some numpty to put together a pack of details obtained from someone else, you can do the "putting together" bit yourself.
Though I found some people offering a HIP for as low as 269. Quite how they can do this I don't know, some LAs charge that much just for their local search.
You shouldn't really be paying more that 1/1.25% in the current market - agents are desperate for stock.
You should also read the contract very carefully. Nasty estate agent tricks include;
1) Tie in (sole agent)period for 8 or more weeks.
2) You having to pay before completion/on exchange.
3) Tying you to/suggesting a solicitor in their pocket.
If you were happy with the service from the solicitor you used to buy the place, go with them again. They may even offer a discount for repeat business.
I'm currently paying just under 1.5% for the agent to sell my property. It's leasehold so you have to spend a little more on the HIP. IIRC mine's around £600ish. A solicitor will compile one for you.
Private message me if you want my solicitor's details, she's a property specialist and HIP expert, very reliable and very good value.
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