Estate agents vary in the amount of commission they charge. There may be many reasons why you might not want to go with the agent charging the cheapest commission. Not may people realise that the amount of commission is negotiable. For example, you might be able to negotiate an agent who normally charges 2.25% down to 1.75% or 2%. However, to avoid arguments later, it is important to have this in writing and inserted in your contract. Also, estate agents try and tie you to an exclusive contract for 12 weeks or 3 months. An estate agent who cant sell your house in 4 weeks is not worth their salt, so only agree to sign up for 4 weeks, after which you will be free to take your business elsewhere.
It is perfectly legal to dispense with the services of an estate agent if you are determined to save money. Fixing the right selling price is the main problem of going it alone without an estate agent. However, estate agents dont charge for valuations. Get at least 3 firms to value your house, and just be vague about your plans to sell. It is a good idea to make yourself a smart for sale board. Advertise your house in the local paper using a good quality exterior shot of the house, and investigate advertising on the Internet. Compile your own property details, using examples gathered from local estate agents. Good quality photographs can act as a useful memory aid for buyers when they get home and weigh up the various houses they have seen. Private buyers, unlike estate agents, are not bound by the Property Misdescriptions Act, but check it anyway to make sure you arent making exaggerated claims for your house.