Chosen by Asker

Sorry to hear about your relationship. All your local estate agents would be happy to value your property for free, I have yet to come across an agent that charges for valuations because they all want the instruction, and it would alienate you as a client. Remember you are the customer... they are providing you a service for a significant final fee so don’t let them bully you with unnecessary charges! In London the average fee for a small agent is 1-1.5% and for an established agent 1.5-2.5% but I would highly recommend (unless you're supremely confident they will sell your property quickly) don't go above the 1.5% mark. HAGGLE, HAGGLE, HAGGLE, they want your instruction so don’t be soft. Unfortunately I'm not local so wouldn't want to advise you to go with any agent without knowing more details but I'd recommend you talk to people you know who have sold in the area in the past because a recommendation from a trusted source is far better then relying on a big name or first impression. Maybe have a drive around town looking for 'Sold' boards and ask the owners about their agents and whether they thought the service was good and would they recommend them. Initially have a look on the web for local agents and book 5 or so in for a free valuation of your house (these are no obligation too). This will get the ball rolling and you'll get an indication of the value. DO NOT just go with the highest value or best impression valuer, this could be criminal in this market and you might find your property sits there for months. Go for an agent you think understands your needs, has a good assessment of the market and looks hardworking. Try and meet the person who will be selling your property as it is vital you have a good salesperson with good first impressions who can flog your place to anyone (ideally an agent who likes the property themselves and works weekends!). Selling a house in this climate will definitely be tough but if you don't have a choice then I suppose you will have to try! Unfortunately you'll find you won't get anywhere near what you expected to get 2 years ago. It’s a bad time to sell but good time to buy so it's important you buy while the prices are low and don't just hold onto the cash. It's probably also a good idea to find a property with potential which can be invested in later down the line. You'll find you'll get it for less then market value but I understand that it might be difficult with children. Prices will continue to drop till national consumer confidence improves so don't be disappointed if the place you buy also drops in value. Many believe it’s far from over, so ensure you buy a place with the long term in mind.

Source(s)

Used to be an agent now a property developer

by Matt L

1 year ago

Asker's Rating: 

Most of the national chains will do free valuations. In fact most of the small ones will too. I have never had to pay for a valuation. Get at least 2 or 3 as no-one can really predict what the market will do at the moment.

by Cool Hal- 1 year ago

I think you are better off selling it yourself, without an estate agent. There are things online to tell you how and you get to keep all the money. You will be earning the money, but we are talking thousands, not a couple of quid. Make sure the house passes the saleablitiy tests. Clean. No clutter. No smells from animals. Safe.

by Listed- 1 year ago

most will. just phone them but don't get sucked in by their bully tactics.

by david h- 1 year ago

they all will give a free valuation. just check first in case they try and conn you after. get three and dont tell any of them what the other had valued the property at. the market is at a standstill at the moment but you might get lucky and get a quick sale. you can sell the property yourself and save money. the newspaper "loot" and buy and sell will let you advertise for free. good luck.

by bazspur4- 1 year ago

Might i suggest to take alot of pictures and post them online, create something like a virtual tour. indoing so more people will be able to see your house online and if it interests them they will contact you.

by John M- 1 year ago