Your comments do not make sense. Why would you hope Estate Agents everywhere suffer? People are only earning a living and believe it or not some of us have morals. You state that money should not be an ingredient in property changing hands, so why just attack estate agents, why not attack the government, photographers, HIP providers, valuers, banks and building societies and of course vendors? They all make money from it!! Vendors have the choice to sell their properties privately, so should they choose to use an agent they should pay for the service. I have been an Estate Agent for over 15 years and have a wealth of experience and work for an extremely reputable company. When on a valuation I am constantly faced with Vendors who believe that there property is worth far more than it actually is. After having their properties valued by a few agents, they more than likely go with the over inflated price given to them by, yes you've guessed it, Foxtons!! Foxton's valuers have a shelf life of about 6 months and as they have none or little experience should set alarm bells ringing for Vendors, but alas not. You can see the pound signs flashing up in their eyes and greed is a horrible thing to witness. In my company the first rule of thumb is never to over value a property, and the service we offer is impeccable. We do not cheat, lie or submit false offers, we do everything by the book. Yet Vendors allow greed to affect their judgement, so they are the ones who are to blame, not us. Of course there are some Vendors out there who will use the services of reptuable agents, and to them I say good for you. They will not allow greed to affect the decision they make when choosing an agent!
I agree in the first part
Your comments do not make sense. Why would you hope Estate Agents everywhere suffer? People are only earning a living and believe it or not some of us have morals. You state that money should not be an ingredient in property changing hands, so why just attack estate agents, why not attack the government, photographers, HIP providers, valuers, banks and building societies and of course vendors? They all make money from it!! Vendors have the choice to sell their properties privately, so should they choose to use an agent they should pay for the service. I have been an Estate Agent for over 15 years and have a wealth of experience and work for an extremely reputable company. When on a valuation I am constantly faced with Vendors who believe that there property is worth far more than it actually is. After having their properties valued by a few agents, they more than likely go with the over inflated price given to them by, yes you've guessed it, Foxtons!! Foxton's valuers have a shelf life of about 6 months and as they have none or little experience should set alarm bells ringing for Vendors, but alas not. You can see the pound signs flashing up in their eyes and greed is a horrible thing to witness. In my company the first rule of thumb is never to over value a property, and the service we offer is impeccable. We do not cheat, lie or submit false offers, we do everything by the book. Yet Vendors allow greed to affect their judgement, so they are the ones who are to blame, not us. Of course there are some Vendors out there who will use the services of reptuable agents, and to them I say good for you. They will not allow greed to affect the decision they make when choosing an agent!