Estate agents can be vital for advice when it comes to selling a home. However, they may not always have the sellers best interests at heart and people should be wary when taking their advice, experts at HomeOwners Alliance explained. According to the website, estate agents may use certain tricks which sellers should look out for in order to get the best price for their house. These are the warning signs you must look out for.
While estate agents can be very helpful, they may use some tactics which will leave buyers and sellers out of pocket.
When buying or selling a house, homeowners must watch out for agents talking them out of the best deal, the website explained.
“Never let them know your bottom line, if you’re selling, or your maximum price, if you’re buying,” experts said.
“Otherwise the chances are you’ll end up having to settle for it. Avoid letting an agents’ agenda eclipse your own by shopping around to find the right agent for you and getting your property valued by at least three different people if you’re selling.”
When meeting with an estate agent, buyers should be careful if they are asked to part with more cash after their offer has been accepted.
If buyers are told their offer has been outbid, experts at HomeOwner Alliances explained they should ask to see it in writing.
They said: “Your below-asking-price offer has been accepted, the property you are buying is off the market, and it’s all steam ahead towards completion.
“Then the next week, the Estate Agent calls to say that someone who viewed the property previously has put in an offer a few thousand pounds above yours.
“If you suspect this is a false bid, challenge the Estate Agent and ask to see proof in writing that this third party exists and they are willing to make a higher offer.”
By doing this, buyers can save money and not be made to pay more than they need to on a property.