10 Sneaky agent tricks and downright lies…

Many of you choosing to sell your home privately will be approached and even bullied by agents wishing to sell you an agency agreement. This is how agents secure their enormous commissions. You are also competing with their business. The last thing an agent wants is a rumour of a successful and equally professional sale ‘by owner’ circling the neighbourhood.

The number of Private real estate sales is rapidly increasing worldwide. With the ease of DYI Internet listing, professional advice, tips and the availability of highly professional marketing material, this trend will continue to grow in the coming years. Ask yourself if agents really do have YOUR interest at heart. Expect agents to shake their heads and tell you anything that will undermine your confidence and play on your fears about selling your home yourself.

Things to expect agents will tell you to secure a contract:

1. They can achieve a significantly higher price.
   
   
2. Their commission will be easily covered by the higher price they will achieve
   
   
3. They have a buyer who will pay more than you’re asking
   More than likely a lie, as the mysterious buyer has not even seen your house.
   
   
4. You are simply not qualified to sell your house.
   
   
5. Buyers do not like dealing directly with the homeowners.
   There is no one more familiar and better qualified to sell YOUR house than YOU! Anyway, what is an agent going to do? Put a sign out the front, hoard strangers through and jot down names!
   
   
6. You don’t have the tough negotiation skills.
   Maybe you don’t but your solicitor does, and he spent a lot more than six weeks learning them.
   
   
7. You have no experience in this complex industry.
   Carefully consider what and agent does. It is not complex!
   
   
8. You will NEVER be able to close a deal.
   
   
9. You are just being “Stupid” or “Foolish”
   
   
10. They can advertise the property better.
    You have the same access to advertising as they do and, either way, you will pay for it!

Most importantly DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING before discussing it with your solicitor. In the event that somebody you have shown the house returns to buy it, your right to continue to sell privately needs to be clearly agreed to in writing. Once you have signed a standard sole agency agreement you have virtually guaranteed them a substantial commission, even in the event that you have found a buyer yourself.

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