Why should one use an estate agent?

[tec0]

Taking into consideration that the more serious questions got no proper reply and that we see a lot of edited post I accept the fact that the estate agent here wishes not to conduct a proper debate. Perhaps we were not worthy of their time. Perhaps it is something else. Who knows...

Sticking with the topic however if you do plan to use an estate agent perhaps shopping around for one with a good reputation is a start. In any business do you want a partner/employee or contractor to leave you in a ditch?

The answer is a resounding no…

[Justloadit]

I think that we are getting too deep with our questions, and hence the lack of replies.

The same follows with fully furnished rentals, all the estate agent does is gets you to deposit the money into their account before you move in, once you there, the fact that the bed stinks, or the chais are broken, or the light bulbs are faulty is not their concern, you are expected to spend your money to fix it. Every time I ask, did you actually visit the premises you are advertising? and the answer is no, we just act on the behalf of the owner.

Very Stinky I say. The loudness of the silence is deafening.

[adrianh]

I think that we are getting too deep with our questions, and hence the lack of replies.

The same follows with fully furnished rentals, all the estate agent does is gets you to deposit the money into their account before you move in, once you there, the fact that the bed stinks, or the chais are broken, or the light bulbs are faulty is not their concern, you are expected to spend your money to fix it. Every time I ask, did you actually visit the premises you are advertising? and the answer is no, we just act on the behalf of the owner.

Very Stinky I say. The loudness of the silence is deafening.

This is exactly why I have a problem with the industry, if the person takes no responsibility other than acting as a glorified classified advertisment, then why in the world should one pay huge fees and commissions.

[Blurock]

Sticking with the topic however if you do plan to use an estate agent perhaps shopping around for one with a good reputation is a start.

One I can recommend without hesitation is Charles Alterskye in Amanzimtoti. A true professional. Most of the others I have (almost) dealt with were bored housewives selling properties for pocket money.

Do not be afraid to ask for references and qualifications. You do not have to deal with the first agent you meet. There are some good ones out there, but there are more unqualified people giving the industry a bad name.

Unfortunately the principals just chase sales and go for the money rather than quality.

[Dave A]

Dave, though I agree with you to a point it is a bit like saying I should buy a secondhand car from a dealer because lots of deslers have spent a lot of time and effort on marketing.

The main thrust of that post was to tackle the "they get too much money for what they do" angle.

My answer to the primary question would be - if you don't have the skill, or the capital, or the knowledge, or the network, or the time, or the inclination, it could well be in your interests to use an estate agent. Much like anything else really - you can do it yourself or you can call in a professional.

And I assure you, as someone who services this market, there are some very professional estate agents out there.
And lots of less-than-great agents too in truth. But again, that's also a pretty common issue across industries.

[Justloadit]

Hi Dave,

Absolutely true.

However every good professional in his industry will advise clients what to look for in a professional, not simply keep quite.

Tell me the important points of a field I have no knowledge about so that I can make an informed decision, that the specific person I am contacting with has the credentials to provide me with the the correct manner of services.

[Nickolai Naydenov]

I personally think that estate agents are useless. They never know the answers to all the questions I've got and I mean questions relevant to the property like how much are the levies, who's the managing agent, how old is the building and etc. you also have to chase after them to view a property, they don't return your calls, when there is something that needs to be done to the property they hide it just so they can get the highest price and commission and for all that trouble you must pay them 5-9% commission ( I have not seen an agent that will accept less then 5% comm so not sure where Adrian got the 2.5% from).

If you looking at the seller's side there's many issues, for example they want a sole mandate, once they get it there's nothing you can do, and they don't care anyway, they make you leave your house when people are coming to view your property, when there are offers they decide how much they will drop the price as ifthey can make this decision for you, they are absolutely pathetic, I'm talking from personal experience, I have had dealings with number of them. They don't help you with paperwork and so on.

I've had cases where I was looking for a property with a few requirements in a certain area, I have ready pre-approved bond, I tell them how much I want to spend and they still do nothing. i have 4 properties and one of them I bought from a lady in a complex that wasn't even advertised, long story short, the lady had signed sole mandate with a company and despite the fact that the agent never advertised the property and the fact that I got in touch with the seller did't make any difference, the agent wanted their not just their full comm but even more money. I personally avoid estate agents, I even rent my properties out by myself as these people take money for not looking after the property and they have no responsibilites so at the end I end up fixing and painting my units, however doing it myself everything is been good so far.

So bottom line is estate agents are a waste of money, nerves and time, that's of course my own view on the matter.

[adrianh]

The 2.5% was what that guy said he takes for himself and the other 2.5% goes to the agency = 5% comm.

[samanthaflax02]

1. An estate agent's knowledge of the local area, the type of properties for sale within it and the potential demand will allow them to calculate your property's value accurately and realistically for sale.
2. They should be able to substantiate why your home will sell, the kind of buyers that might be interested in it.
3. A good agent can only do their job if you work with them. Make sure they have a set of keys from the beginning. Allow them to post a sales board outside the property.