Home seller secretly films 11 estate agent valuation appointments

Everything you think you know about choosing an agent to sell your home is wrong!
Filmed from November 2021 to February 2022, this documentary uncovers:
- Agent dirty tricks
- Most valuations are actually too low
- 3 month lock-in contracts are dead
Also, it:
- Shows all agents are not equal (but most will lose you money)
- Shows what to look out for in the agents who come round
- Shows what can happen when you get it right
linktr.ee/movinghomewithcharlie
This documentary by Charlie Lamdin (film maker, KZbinr, home-schooling parent, seaplane pilot and founder of bestagent.co.uk ) was filmed when his colleague, Samantha, was thinking of selling her home, a 3 bedroom semi-detached house near Taunton in Somerset.
Charlie jumped at the chance to perform an experiment to prove that although most estate agents will lose you money when selling your home (just look at the valuations provided, compared with the price that was achieved) there are always a few who are better than the rest.
The problem is there is no reliable way to identify them, without meeting them all in person, (at least all the ones who accept the condition that no lock in contract will be signed).
In this film, Samantha telephones all 18 of her local agents, 11 of whom accept her invitation to attend the property to meet her, give their opinion of what the property is worth (they’re almost all wrong, one agent even says that she’ll never get the price she did get) and pitch their services.
She whittles the shortlist down from 11 to 3 based on the 2 days of meetings, and finally picks one.
The film goes on to show the whole story of the sale, and eventually reveals the successful agent, who was from an estate agency brand that Sam said she would “never have called”.
“We made this film to demonstrate that picking 3 agents at random is always a bad idea, and is the main reason why most people have such a terrible experience selling their home” explains Charlie Lamdin.
He continued “The end result of this experiment is that Sam now has life-changing opportunities. It also shows that most agents, even the nice ones, don’t fully understand that their job is not just to sell a home, but to achieve the highest possible price for it, in a short period of time. Only 3 of the 11 agents who attended actually demonstrated an understanding of their job and had a credible proposal on how to achieve the highest price. The other 8, while (almost) all very nice people, had nothing to differentiate their approach. Unfortunately this is the reason why agents have a reputation for ‘just chucking it on the internet and waiting for enquiries’. Many agents do nothing more than exactly that, and somehow scrape a living doing it, while underselling their client’s properties, if they sell them at all.
Sam, the owner of the property, said: “It just goes to show that the whole debate on what kind of agent to use, corporate v independent, online v high street, one-man band v team, is irrelevant and a red-herring. None of these are considerations, it just boils down to finding the individual person, the human being, who knows how to deliver.”
She continued “It also shows that taking local For Sale boards and online reviews into account is a distraction. You just need to find that person you click with, who demonstrates a real understanding of what you want, why you want it, and knows how to get it for you.”
“I found all the brochures, presentations and marketing materials deadly dull and unhelpful. Charlie told me to only focus on the person, are they listening to me, do they understand what I want and do I trust them to get it. He said just disregard everything else.”
For the full video on how to choose the best estate or letting agent:
• How To Find the Best E...
Find an agent to sell or let your home:
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Want to find your next home?
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To find out everything you need to know about moving home go to:
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If you need a mortgage in principle click here:
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#property #sellmyhouse

[@lulabellegnostic8402]

A house is worth what someone person is emotionally prepared to pay, and what another is prepared to hold out for.

[@aevans-jl9ym]

Hope, she sold before Charlie's predicted 30% to 40% property crash in 2022/23/24 maybe this expert will get his massive yearly predicted property crash in 2025

[@thatschilltssk6274]

Why does everybody involved in property come across as so smug? One buyer got over-excited and massively overpaid and suddenly everybody involved is a genius and celebrating while knowing the unfortunate person buying the house will almost certainly be in negative equity day one after exchanging.

[@matheus.lifestyle]

In this business everyone wins except the buyer. It’s a sad game.

[@gee3883]

Estate agents are of my least favourite people to deal with.

[@katbar6066]

If they go into negative equity immediately there is a problem with the Banks Valuers or if they are cash buyers then they haven't done their own due diligence. Several times I have been a "Cash buyer" but I have always made the contract subject to both a building inspection and a licensed valuation to ensure I am not paying more than it is worth..

[@pmbpmb5416]

That’s not correct though is it ? Those buying the home now have a home , that’s what they needed and that’s what they have got .

[@cajsheen2594]

@@pmbpmb5416 I agree, you pay what you can for the home you want, and that's what the buyer did. XXX

[@8ballphil150]

Estate agents are corrupt . My daughter and my wife and i have sold several homes over the last 40 years . Every time we got a valuation they said the last home that sold in your road sold for x amount . So we will put 5000 on that price . So over the last 30 years house prices have gone astronomical . My first home was £10500 in 1985 . Now worth about £160000 . Earnings haven't gone up 15 times . my endowment mortgage then was £75 per month and £15 endowment . With earning of £400 per month . Which equated to about 24% of my earnings . A damn site higher percentage today . The kids today are screwed .

[@alexbolt3688]

how does that make estate agents corrupt?

[@8ballphil150]

@@alexbolt3688 Because they are manipulating the market by doing it . If you have an area that sells a lot of homes in a 12 month period , then the prices will rocket . That is controlling the market . The seller makes more money , but the buyer is getting screwed . But then the buyer has to buy another property . Estate agent is win win win .

[@KarenFuchsbichler]

I heartily agree. Im looking at getting a caravan!!! With five cats a dog, chooks and a kid....

[@Finderskeepers.]

The estate agents job is to get the best price and that seems to be what you are objecting to, they dont buy the property.

[@8ballphil150]

@@Finderskeepers. In principle you are right . But they have a responsibility to the buyer also . The building society is representing both . they are getting the fees off both the buyer and seller . The seller isn't going to argue , but the buyer is getting screwed . The French have the best system , you buy a home to live in , not as a massive investment .

[@TimKingdoesproperty]

Why no mention of fees in a 30 minute video??

[@hearmenow909]

Probably around 1.5%, I'm sure if they were over the market average they wouldn't have picked her.

[@lulabellegnostic8402]

Every agent sticks the property on right move. And that’s where buyers go to search.

[@joline2730]

Lula: or REALTOR if in America.

[@laylayclippy5227]

Lucky you for finding her ! We had a heartbreaking experience with a Taunton estate agent . Liars , con artists and deceivers

[@fartywood3917]

This is the perfect video of what a 'BIG F*ing JOKE' UK housing market is. She bought it for 198k inJul 2018 and sold it for 300k in Feb 2022. +51% in 4 years. I think its time to short the UK housing market.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Fair assessment, but it’s worth noting that she got £25k more than asking price due to the agent she chose, otherwise it would have been only (!) 39% in 4 years, which is less than 10% a year. The point I’m trying to illustrate with this documentary is it doesn’t matter what you think a property is worth, it only matters what an agent can get for it, and the best ones will find you a lot more money, if it’s worth it.

[@mypointofview1111]

That's how the market was moving at that time. Property prices were rising and doubling your investment in a few years was seen as normal. Yes estate agents are only interested in getting their percentage of the sales figure but Property prices are ridiculously high now

[@KAISERDJG]

@MovingHomewithCharlie 10% per year on ANY investment is absolutely insane. No one expects an investment to gain 10% per year and houses are not investments they are a finite necessity which should hold its value steadily not gain monumental increases in value in extremely short spaces of time. If the cost of anything else in your life doubled in the space of 4 years you would be crying out for blood ut because its a house its suddenly good???? Crazy thinking.

[@davidgreen7849]

@@MovingHomewithCharlie These days though where you can see all available potential properties in whichever area via National websites, it's the buyer who contacts whichever agent has signed up the seller. That BUYER would have found that agent and still made their offer of +25k. Other than the 'selling' function, which the previous sentence negates, everything an agent does could be done within a solicitors office. High End, Unusual or One Off properties, sure an agent has a place as a BUYING agent but your average dwelling gets sold when seller $'s and buyer $'s agree. Estate agencies as we've known them should be worried, most are superfluous to requirements or current function. IMHO.

[@katbar6066]

It is the same here in Aus.

[@princessunknown3158]

They need get law out estate agents. Once agreed with price will seller don't sell to others..

[@BelindaLoveLee]

Watching this after the recent interview and I'm so glad the algorithm pointed me this way!

[@simongb7897]

When selling my home, Elliots had a house we wanted, they said sign up with us and it becomes an easier transaction and incentives us to sell yours.... Complete garbage soon as we signed up a couple of weeks later the house we wanted was sold and they never even came informed us.

[@fonzoo]

I cant see this industry surviving for much longer. Id love to see the breakdown involved in what the agent is actually doing (without any BS) vs the commission they are making.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

See the diagram of what they do here. Remember, they do all of it unpaid until the last step, and if it falls through, they've done all the work for zero.

[@bud5027]

Hello Charlie, there is no link in your text, can you share that, please?

[@jordangeorgiou2757]

Couldn’t disagree more, how many start ups have failed trying to replace estate agencies?

[@user-qi7rv1xz3g]

Having bought, sold and renovated in the UK and here in Australia, this was all very predictable. Always remember they are working for themselves, not you!

[@andrewsimmonds5924]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing your experience Sam; it’s amazing to see such a fantastic result and some of the comments from the “beauty parade” are utterly cringeworthy! 🤦‍♂️

[@petergoddard1960]

Fascinating. I learned so much. Thank you.

[@KAISERDJG]

Top tip... stop thinking your house is worth more than what you bought it for. You wouldnt buy a kettle then try to sell it 10 years later for more money.... unless you have made significant improvements to the home the driving up of prices is wrong and the current economic situation and interest rates are trying to force the house values back down .... every selling agent needs to stop being greedy and giving thier clients unrealistic expectations. Selling higher and higher and higher is only going to make your future clients have to take losses when things come back down. Try working towards keeping the market steady instead of pushing all the time. Its unsustainable

[@adamc91]

Icl that’s not a top tip imo, that’s reasonable good and wishful thinking if you’re a buyer and terrible for the seller. Properties do go up in value and rarely do they decrease or stay the same. The thing is it’s not a second hand object, anyone can by a new kettle, why pay for a second hand one when it only costs a bit more for one new, especially with the huge variety available with all different price ranges and it’s guaranteed to last x amount of time, but if it was a limited edition and a unique/antique or a collectible kettle, then chances are there may well be people who want to buy it… and of corse you sell it to the person who’s willing to pay the most for it. No one says look I paid x amount so I’ll sell it to you a lot cheaper than what you expect to pay / what other people sell it for. You try and make the most amount of money possible and don’t feel bad because your not forcing the person to buy it, they can look else where if your asking for to much money, just pretty ridiculous you wish it worked the way you described.. I’m just gonna make some figures up, might be realistic or way off but doesn’t matter tbh) If you buy a house for 200k and 10 years later it’s valued at 280k, the valuation is based on the current supply of properties on the market as well as the demand - how many people are looking to buy a property.. plus what it has to offer people, it’s size, location, near by amenities etc, (the pros vs cons) and the more appealing it is, the more people it attracts who are willing to spend more for something they want (or try offering an amount that’s within their budget and what they can afford ). But If no one is willing to pay that amount because it’s unrealistically high especially when compared to similar homes, then that’s not an accurate evaluation! Question for ya. You have 2 people who both really want to buy your home because it’s basically their dream home and would be perfect for them, wouldn’t you sell to the person who has the highest offer? Assuming they both made an offer at the same time (Fyi I don’t agree on accepting an offer to then say no later on because your accepting a higher offer from someone else) would you accept the 290k offer even though it’s more than it’s estimated evaluation and they know this but they offered 10k more to increase the odds of them being successful. (because they really want to buy it) or do you turn that higher offer down to accept the lower offer of 240k? Maybe because you don’t wanna see your self as being greedy or something Or do you put it up for 200k and accept that amount when offered because that’s what you paid, or maybe you accept a slightly lower offer because it’s used and second hand 😂 But at least you shouldn’t have any problems selling it 80k under its valuation It’s just not how the world works, people like and want to make money whenever possible and no one turns down a profit especially when it’s in the thousands let alone tens of thousands! Lastly because I get what you’re saying, especially since young people don’t stand a chance at getting on the property ladder.. but imo the biggest problem in the uk is the shortage of affordable homes.. We don’t need luxury and expensive properties for the rich to buy and rent at unaffordable prices but rather lots of affordable properties that are plentiful and affordable to every day people/working class people with the owners being said people, basically increase supply and reduce demand, when your budget will allow you to choose from lots of possibly homes and no one is buying a particularly over priced property, the only way sellers will sell it is for them to reduce the asking price according to its true evaluation. (Sorry I know I’ve wrote a lot and it might be difficult to understand, and I may have repeated my self, I can’t help it sorry, I have a brain tumour and cognitive impairments, and I really struggle saying my thoughts in a way that’s easily understandable and which is straight to the point, i waffle to much when trying to explain my thoughts/opinions. And sentences are over complicated I know, but I just can’t find the right words to optimise the sentences any better So apologies but if you do read it all then I hope that it makes sense and explains why I disagree and think the above)

[@ckm-mkc]

It's called the free market. That's how prices are set, you put it up for sale and people will pay for it what they think it's worth, There are plenty of examples of "10 year old kettles" on eBay that are worth 10x what they cost at retail. Again, free market + scarcity == higher prices. For housing, the solution is to deal with the scarcity side of the equation.

[@KJ-lb4tj]

Wow... Kettles and homes...

[@whitesamurai]

This video is a success story for the seller but a failure for the buyer: in the zero-sum game of pricing, what is a life-changing positive for one party is often a life-changing negative for the other.

[@stevewithers5317]

The most interesting thing I've watched for quite a while! Thank you.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@laurawalker6431]

You’ve inspired me! Thanks! Some agents are terrible!

[@susieare]

This was fascinating. Thank you!

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@darrylrixonphotography]

As an ex agent of 20+ years, any agent can sell a property in a strong rising market where new stock is in high demand, this experiment should be conducted in the current downturn as it will be the true reflection of good agency, as having worked in the 2008 housing crash, It was tough just to try and survive without having to shut up shop unlike quite a few agencies did at that time, mostly the larger corporates who only win biz on over valuing, then bombard the vendor for price reductions. The most interesting point of the video was not one mention of any of the agents fees, which often is at the forefront of most sellers decision making process, after all we’ve all been there and had the call of I really like your valuation, but not your fee!!!

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

I'd love to do another documentary like this in the falling market - but I need someone in my close circle of friends who's selling now who's happy to have it filmed! It took 6 months to make this video.

[@darrylrixonphotography]

@@MovingHomewithCharlie I can imagine it was a difficult job indeed.

[@Finderskeepers.]

Even in a strong market, a good agent will get a better price but its not just about price. Its also about closing the deal. Thats a combination of matching the vendors needs with the right buyer. Im not an agent but am experienced. 100% agree with the OP. Like any payment for service, cheapest isnt always best.

[@user-wq9wd6qg6t]

The house is well located, overlooking the water and open fields and very well presented inside and out... a house like that is going to be popular, so it makes sense to be just as careful about finding the right agent. Good result!

[@Manowarmx3]

That shitbox cardboard box selling for 300k shows what is wrong in our society!

[@sebante7960]

People dont realise it's the currency that is breaking...

[@AG-so4gl]

A property will sell for what someone is prepared to pay. Location is key in terms of time line, and a premium if its a desirable location. Agents will over value to get your business but they are not fighting your corner, its a 1% fee, any variation in price hardly affects what the agent gets.

[@AdityaRamchandra]

Hope this was not scripted because it was absolutely brilliant to watch ❤

[@garhun]

Sam sold during a fast moving market. I’d be willing to bet that in the current slower market, the outcome would be somewhat different. I’d also point out that it would be ill advised to underestimate how important the sales progression is. From personal experience a good solicitor can also make a huge difference.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Totally agree on both points. Sam used a conveyancer I recommended. And in a tougher market it’s even more important to choose the agent with exceedingly great care

[@annoyingbstard9407]

This is simple to overcome. Get three agents to value your property and tell them all firmly you will choose the agent whose value is in the middle. They’ll all be within 5-10k.

[@robinoconnor1203]

I have recently sold my current house. After getting 3 valuations, all the same value. I went with a local agent that I had a tenuous connection with, possibly a mistake? Things I noticed about agents, they are lousy sales people, they would not survive if they were selling cars! their patter is awful, such as this is the kitchen, of course it is, the cooker and fridge are a clue. After a small number of viewings, they start, you need to reduce the price and one the same as yours close by sold for less (that was true) The good news is it sold, albeit for a bit less than I wanted, which was not too bad, as over the 28 years I have lived in the property, its value has increased by £250k and I am mortgage free. Buying and selling homes is so archaic in the UK, its time it was overhauled.

[@tonymallon953]

Wow just watched this episode 1st time your channel has appeared. But what a great episode and result. I will take this format with me in the future

[@SheridanParsons]

Excellent video, such useful viewing for sellers. I've already sent the link to one of my out of area sellers.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colinbrigham8253]

Thank you 😊 The winning agent had That something you cannot bottle plus it's her business, other larger agents have individuals as good but depends on their career trajectory within the firm at that time and the quality of the team supporting them.

[@cawfeedawg]

Gaming buyers like this is a massive contributor to soaring prices.

[@d716agq]

I've always felt that the commission structure is wrong. For example 1% (just to make the maths easy) on this property. If it sold at £250k then the commission would have been £2.5k, £275k...£2.75k and £300k... £3k commission. The problem is that a donkey could sell the property at £250k, but selling at £300k requires a lot more work yet only gets an extra £500 commission. If the commission was 10% of the sale price in excess of £250k, then if the agent sells for £300k they get £5k commission (instead of £3k),they will much more motivated to strive for the best possible price, maybe even £305k. Twice now I have managed to convince the selling agent that I was poor and they hinted that my offer was too high (pretty blatant hint at that) . Both times I purchased at a reduced offer. They don't care about the sale price, they just want to shift the home. The 1. 5% + vat does little to incentivise them to push for the best price.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

What you’re describing is how many mediocre agents operate. The best ones, who know how to get the maximum value, usually charge higher fees because it is much more work.

[@d716agq]

@@MovingHomewithCharlie How much do they charge typically?

[@d716agq]

@@MovingHomewithCharlie it seems to me that I did not do a good job of explaining my point because you did not address it at all. I believe that a flat percentage of the sale price does not incentivise the agent to get the best price.

[@John-ks6si]

​@@d716agqHe didn't get it.

[@simongb7897]

Always thought the same, if the house is high value, in the 500k plus then yes, but the fees earnt on lower priced homes wouldn't warrant pushing that bit extra.

[@talk2s5061X]

Excellent video ✅ even tho anyone could sell a house in a bull market but this really demonstrates that having a good agent can go far

[@aldennis3533]

Would be very interested to see an updated one of these.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

That was 6 months work!

[@imdadulhaque1347]

@@MovingHomewithCharlie but more relevant in this current market where houses are not selling due to poor agents. Any man and his dog sold houses back in 2021 for higher than asking lets face it. 😅

[@Seven-Seven-77]

What was the commissions? What was the ‘in the pocket’ post advertising costs etc!

[@tompearce3610]

You knew Sam so perhaps hard to repeat but the experiment now would probably show even more estate agent disparity. Integrity or otherwise would really shine through!

[@mikeutube82]

Branding is more than a logo. You definitely chose based on brand values. Open honest communication being the key one.

[@kellyjeffrie2331]

Such an interesting video! Well done Amy!! I would be interested to know if you would have called Amy out in the beginning if you hadn’t planned to ask all 11 agents out? Or would you have discounted Ewe move from the initial valuation appointments because the branding is not great?

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

At the end of the video, just after the completion Sam answers that question! She’d never have called that brand. And she’d have missed Amy.

[@Paul-nr6ws]

All this shows, is women trust women in business rather than men. One day women will wake up, hopefully.

[@MatthewPye-en5nu]

Amy we don’t know you but you are amazing. You should get your name out there more and hopefully bring so much joy to others. Look at Sam’s face

[@pjwinters8601]

I wouldn’t have any of them selling my house I would self sell. And then pass that along to the solicitors to deal with the legalities

[@monkeytennis2482]

She was very fortunate to sell the property in the 'blow off top' phase of a property boom, all the other agents would have got the same result.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

She did it based on my reading of the market and my expectation that it was close to the top, at the coal face. I got that right. It’s not true the other agents would have got the same result. Several said £285 was an amazing offer she should accept.

[@monkeytennis2482]

@@MovingHomewithCharlie Was it sold off market?, in which case Agent was instrumental, if it was on all the portals, surely all the same buyers would have just called the other agents, and the experience would have been the same, with the same offers, not knocking Amy the agent , she played the bidding process perfectly, £300k was a great result, probably £250k in todays market

[@imdadulhaque1347]

Hi Charlie, overall getting more money for your house when the market was crazy wasn't that hard lets face it as money was cheaper than water to borrow. An experiment in 2024 like this one will be more interesting too see and more relevant IMO. This will really show who really are the better agents out there...

[@Lookup2Wakeup]

The house will have dropped in value in May 2024. Maybe dropped 10%, so worth £270k now? That's if you can find a buyer. The current owner might be in negative equity.....😳 Am I right or wrong?

[@robertstorey7476]

Yeah its all nice and lovely until they can't sell the property at their inflated valuation and they move to stage 2 which is to bombard you with negative supposed "feedback" to browbeat you into lowering the price. Not all agents are so annoying but I have dealt with ones who literally don't care about insulting you or your property to get the price down.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

This happens a lot, which is why it’s so important to find the good ones.

[@bartoni79]

What was the best agent methodology?

[@crazyham]

Superb ! 🙏

[@chrispy127]

The lady said she was having two boards, front and back , Interesting to note neither the agent nor "Charlie" told her she could be fined if she does under The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, which restricts agents boards to one board .

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Didn’t know that

[@markbriggs6786]

At the end of the day the price is the price they will all put it on right move , what you want is an agent that will stringently have a decent sales progression to ensure the sale moves forward to completion .

[@kellywalker4494]

Estate agents that lie, who would have thought it. I actually do think all agents are the same, all conmen. Do you need to pick an agent? Cant you just ask them all to take it on and first past the post wins.

[@gerardowen7495]

Putting a property on the market this week had four local agents round all wanted a 3 month lock-in if sole agent, biggest difference was their commission ranging from 1.25% to 2.5%

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Don’t do a 3 month lock in!

[@Finderskeepers.]

Best of luck with it. Id be very nervous of the 1.25%. Like any service, pay peanuts get monkeys. Now the market has softened, marketing is key. Who ever can get the most people through the door will get the best price. This is why the pictures of the property are critical.

[@gerardowen7495]

@@Finderskeepers. must have had 20 people viewing it in the first week of going on the market plus people coming back for second viewings with their partners

[@kevinleesmith]

They get paid when it sells. Its easier to sell it at a lower price. On a 1% commission every 10k theybsell ur house less for (easier to sell) They lose 100. Try 300k and get 3k commission or easily sell at 280k at 2.8k commission. Its easier to sell 8 houses out of 10 at 10 or 20k less, than to try to sell for 10 to 20k more but only sell 4. They don't work for ur best interests. They work for their best interests.

[@brianlopez8855]

The Rubber Boats are now being sponsored by the big UK developers keeping the demand for housing on the UP UP UP.

[@dongmingzhu666]

I wonder which area this is the market is so heated up? A dozen viewings and numerous offers over the asking price?

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

It was Taunton in Somerset.

[@evestudd1]

Interesting, thank you. Can you clarify the reference to a lock in? Is that the same as a single agency agreement? Sounds like there might a penalty if you break it within a certain period? I haven't moved for many years and practices can change over time.

[@IjtabaHussain]

I think it's a form of exclusivity arrangement. Assuming your initial pick of agent struggles to sell the property at a price you're happy with, if you sign up with an additional agent that does sell the property at a good price - both agents are contractually entitled to their commission. Results in seller either tolerating the extra cost or staying stuck with the initial struggling agent... I consider this to be a dirty trick, because quite often a number of agents are owned by the same parent company - meaning the seller ends up paying double commission to the same legal entity.

[@evestudd1]

@@IjtabaHussain Yes I see, thankyou. I hadn't heard of that being done before, years ago I've gone from a single agency agreement to multi agent and it was never an issue. I guess there's always another way to make money for some.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

It’s the duration of the single agency agreement. 4/6 weeks is reasonable, but any longer than that merely protects slow/sloppy agents from losing a client when that client is unhappy. If a client is unhappy for any reason they should be able to leave, and now roughly 2/3rds of agents allow this.

[@joline2730]

That agent who rang to say they had someone interested (a big no-no for me) . . . And it's not even on the market yet ! I always say to agents "don't tell anyone about this property until I sign a contract" My reason is that I may just change my mind anyway and stay put. 😮

[@DMWBN3]

Didn't give them the address & was a load of bs anyway.

[@terencebunn8318]

Being delighted with an offer of £300k simply because you had - over a few days - convinced yourself the “value” was £260-£275k is exactly the problem…and the ‘guru’ in this video perpetuates it ! The REAL lesson should be that an offer of that amount indicates how - shockingly - low the valuations were. The Seller in such circumstances should shift their baseline accordingly and remarket the property….not treat it as a wild stroke of good fortune to be snapped up. As a secondary point, choosing an Agent because you get on with them is as hit and miss as anything, and not ideal when talking about hundreds of thousands of pounds.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

I assume you're an agent?!

[@terencebunn8318]

No, just my opinions 👍. Although I did regulate them for many years as a Trading Standards Officer, which perhaps exposed me to the best and the worst ! A good Agent is worth their weight in gold, but as implied in the video they are not easy to find. I liked the idea of assessing multiple Agents….it’s absolutely what folk should, and never, do.

[@Finderskeepers.]

As an experienced property guy and not an agent, I would put that down to how strong the market is and how well the property presents. Its reflect the local supply and demand. The fact so many agents came in at £275 supports this, undervaluing is not in any of their interests to secure an instruction. Reality is it can be a stroke of good luck by having 2 or more buyers competing that also have the means. Neither does it help to close the sale as the mortgage valuation may become an issue for this deal. Regarding any professional advice be it medical, legal or property, having confidence in the advisor is paramount otherwise you will always be questioning the advise. The sale of ones home is known to be one of the most stressful events in life and that effects decision making. Good communication and a good relationship does help to foster confidence but not critical if there is already confidence.

[@IronMountainx]

Her yawn at 2:50 in response to the supercilious bore detailing how its going to play out is priceless.

[@JohnSmith-gy8rc]

Ive had agent refuse to forward offers. A lot of scumbags out there.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

That's against regulations. You should take that agent to the Ombudsman. If you have evidence of that, and the agent doesn't have a valid explanation for refusing to forward your offer, they'll get into trouble

[@JohnSmith-gy8rc]

@@MovingHomewithCharlie It was a long time ago and I knew it was illegal at the time, but hard to prove in those days; he simply said he was not going to forward the offer. I believe it was because I am a visible minority. Like I said, a lot of scumbags out there. I'm sure it still happens - now they probably simply tell people their offer was declined.

[@michaelhall2138]

@@JohnSmith-gy8rc Simply put the offer through the door of the house you want. The Agent foolishly told the truth to you.

[@charliereed717]

Thing is, any agent you would have instructed would have had the same buyers and the same offers. It comes down to fee, experience or just downright preference. To sum up the video You picked Amy because you felt like you had a better connection with her. Anyone would have got you the same money.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Absolutely not true. Every agent has different buyers registered. One of the agents recommended listing it at a much higher price, which would have meant 3 of the offering buyers would not have enquired, which means the actual buyer would not have had to offer so high to secure it. Not all agents respond to enquiries with the same speed, especially busy agents with too many listings (that they aren't selling). Your view seems to be "all agents are the same" which is the mistake so many home sellers make, leading them to undersell their homes. Agents manage their buyers differently (some don't even answer the phone!) and that's just the first step. Also, agents all have different approaches to managing an agreed sale through to completion, which also affects the end result. Some deals fall through, some don't. Do you think that's the same regardless of agent?

[@charliereed717]

@@MovingHomewithCharlie to say every agent has different buyers registered is somewhat true however I’m more talking about buyers looking on portals. Hot buyers sit on Rightmove and Zoopla and if the house they want comes up in the area they are looking then they will enquire about it. I think you can make a judgement on whether an agent is proactive or not by meeting them and again it’s about rapport and connection so my opinion is not all agents are the same but more you can’t win them all, some people prefer other people 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@minno234]

@@charliereed717 In my - long (I'm ancient) experience it's far from 'somewhat true'. I have both bought and sold off-market all my life - no portals (and no advertising before they existed). Many - most? - of the very best properties never see a portal. I have always paid full whack to the agent who could demonstrate the biggest 'little black book' in whatever market I was selling to.

[@scottstewart6196]

Agent of ten years here .....these pair haven’t got a clue it’s comical

[@donaldtucker4914]

In a strong sellers market I'd pretty much agree. Some agents are better than others at monitoring and progressing the chain. Secret of selling is good presentation, effective advertising (much easier now with Zoopla, Rightmove etc,) making the property accessible for viewings and getting an agent who is accessible and responsive to potential buyers. Its difficult to undersell a property when the market is strong unless you're plain wreckless. Generally money finds its way to houses, you just have to make sure you're not putting barriers in the way. Never agree to take it off the market at offer stage, don't refuse viewings from potential buyers just because they haven't yet sold, make sure you fully investigate the chain before accepting an offer and appoint a solicitor to prep the contract before going to market.

[@minno234]

Intriguing video and very brave of Sam. But I am surprised that no-one - neither Sam nor Amy mentioned Amy's amazing Google reviews. The comments - by 51 of her clients over the last six months - are all 5* and glowing. Right at the end Charlie says 'the problem is it is very difficult to find out which is the best.' Looking at Google reviews of Taunton agents there are only three other agents that score a 'perfect 5' and none with the volume that Amy has achieved in the short timescale that she has been in business. She stands head and shoulders above her competitors. It's just a pity that Ewemove hasn't adopted a Google-focussed strategy on their/her website (the three Trustpilot reviews currently showing on her site relate to London, Southampton and Trowbridge, none of which are remotely relevant for Sam).

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

And yet she’s number 18 in the list of agents with Google reviews, and isn’t named. If you are looking for her (and know she works under the ewemove brand) then you’d find her. Otherwise there’s a very low chance. I actually feel (and I said this to her) that she’d be more successful working under her own brand.

[@minno234]

@@MovingHomewithCharlie Yes, you're quite right. The issue is complex (SEO) but she'd do far better in search if Google could find reviews on her site (Google will never disclose the actual numbers but wiser people than me reckon that's worth about 15% of a business's SEO score). What is certain is that hosting Trustpilot reviews - that don't relate to her business - on her site is not helping (and may even count against her - Google hates irrelevant or misleading information on websites). She should - assuming she stays with Ewemove - lobby Ewemove management to refocus their review strategy to Google - hosting her own, not Trustpilo's, reviews on her website. Then get as many of them as possible on to Google.

[@londonman8688]

it would have been even more interesting to have included the fees structure not just max price

[@IjtabaHussain]

Would it be in a buyers interest to work in the opposite way, i.e shadow the weaker agents? If so, I think you're on to a winning concept, as (I hope) eventually this should make the agents themselves more competitive when rankings become the norm

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

In theory, perhaps yes. In reality it’s hard to find the home you really want that’s within budget, meaning you often have no choice in the agent you’re dealing with.

[@IjtabaHussain]

@@MovingHomewithCharlie I can only hope multi agent marketing becomes the norm then. It could be in the sellers interest to get extra marketing / hands on deck, though in the past I've judged sellers as struggling / open to lower offers if they are listed with more than one agent

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

@@IjtabaHussain multi agent marketing doesn't achieve any extra marketing (if your one agent is listing on the major property sites) and in fact it only serves to de-motivate the agents themselves. It's always best to put in the time and effort to identify the agent who demonstrates a clear strategy for getting the best price. Great agents get great prices, and turn down the opportunity to be one of several agents. Why work for a reduced chance of a fee? It's a very common misconception.

[@Finderskeepers.]

@@IjtabaHussain Look at the american model which is multi agent, agency fees of 8% are common.

[@johng4093]

US model is typically 1 seller's agent + 1 buyer's agent, is that what you're calling multi agent? In California 5% is the norm combined commission split between the 2 agents.

[@nicholaspostlethwaite9554]

Just one thing, it is all, exploiting the buyer, and ramping prices upwards, the main problem in life. Perhaps it all needs reversing. Estate agents working for the buyers. The good ones get you the house for the lowest price.

[@matheus.lifestyle]

Exactly. It should be the norm.

[@teddyboysmith2]

Its okay in principle "overpaying" but if the mortgage company downvalues it then its a waste of time

[@galdessa1]

That water at the front of the house would put me off buying that house.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Horses for courses

[@live_monkey2485]

This was just before the mortgage interest rates soaring... she got a great deal (very lucky timing)

[@manichairdo9265]

Fascinating. I wonder if the Scottish method is better, safer, or easier than the English method. My Scottish nephew always loved a house close to his home. He saw it for sale one day. Immediately, he put in a cash offer. It was his by the end of the day. 😂

[@scalarnai]

The guy looks like Darius Campbell of X factor, 'Baby one more time hahaha

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Handsome guy 😎

[@dongmingzhu666]

What does ‘hold on to your seat’ mean? Like “don’t fall off your chair” or what

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

yes, it means hold-tight basically!

[@MrOnero1]

Do agents bring "fake" buyers just to give the seller the impression they are working?

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Not fake ones, but they will take “no hopers” around, as in buyers who they know won’t like it, and won’t offer, so they can give the seller feedback to make them drop the price.

[@joline2730]

Cash offers usually don't need a survey ❓️ That's absolute crap !! A person with money and a person with a mortgage should BOTH remember "Buyer Beware" and not buy a pig in a poke . . . I personally would be more inquisitive when spending my hard earned cash 😮

[@lulabellegnostic8402]

Completely agree. Been a cash buyer for the past 3 purchases. I ALWAYS get a full structural survey with valuation. It has saved me at least £10K on each purchase.

[@joline2730]

@@lulabellegnostic8402 I don't usually get a structural, especially if it's a terrace ... it's not likely to fall down if it has a property either side holding it up ‼️ But yes, if you are spending big bucks, and a semi-d, then it's prob a good idea ... I only buy at the very lowest rung of the ladder 😐

[@Elaba_]

Who wants to put all of their money in the electronic world? People learn from the past. That's why people also invest in property.

[@ChubbyChecker182]

The buyer might be in trouble in a few years time, looks like they have paid way over the asking price at a time when Prices may be about to fall dramatically (late 2022 recession, inflation and rising interest rates)... Hope they got a long term fixed rate. Winners and Losers in the Housing Market, the bigger the winner, the bigger the loser.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

They did buy at the top but they had a healthy deposit, not overextended. Long term they’ll be fine but short term maybe they might find it hard to sell if they need to

[@johng4093]

Nobody can predict the peak of a market but people want to own a home and have to make a gamble to achieve that. Over the long run it typically appreciates.

[@Cranstal]

The house is right next to a river, and best avoided. If there is a flood it would be very difficult and expensive to get insurance again.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

It’s a canal I believe, not a river, hence not as vulnerable to flooding

[@knowbs2122]

Truth is , none of them are worth the money . They aint working for you , they work for themselves

[@acmlsrtvxacmlsrtvx3059]

Don't be in such a hurry to sell, advertise it yourself cut the Real Estate people right out of the equation. Obviously they're totally and trustworthy at the best of times it's a matter of having an agent that's not gonna rob you so you shouldn't be in too much of a hurry, perhaps

[@harrydance1969]

Er, if she had chosen any one of the 11 local agents, the buyer throwing around £300k would in all likelihood have offered it all the same? I’m really not sure how the contrived conclusions prove anything much? Sure some agents are better than others (we know this) but in a (then) sellers market the high value achieved bares little correlation to one agent being a bit more “human” and chatty?

[@linkwinmathego5109]

It reminded me of my sales days. Most customers dont recognize the honest ones.

[@michaelhall2138]

I don't get this. What does an agent do but relay offers? That large offer could have come through any agent. Why is Amy, the agent, being called the best for a happy coincidence? Also Sole Agents charge a higher percentage. No mention of relative Agents fees at all. Amy was advertising on " social media "? What? The reason you use a larger, well known agency is because they put it on Rightmove and Zoopla.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Amy is on RM and Zoopla too. The point you’re missing is she managers her buyers more skilfully than other agents to procure a price significantly higher than any of the others expected.

[@adrianwright8685]

Your property is worth whatever someone is prepared to pay for it.

[@DMWBN3]

Spot on. I've worked many years in commercial property & people often say it's agents pushing prices up. It's the vendor who's setting the price & will always ask for more than most valuations. I'd probably had turned down someone who said 'I've tried 18 & had 11 to value'

[@ianmcmanus3078]

Just a "moral" question, would it have been OK for Amy to go back to the cash buyer and ask if they would like to pay 300,000 pounds or more? After all, if they had already offered 285,000 pounds, another 15K or 16K isn't too bad a stretch if they loved the property?

[@katbar6066]

Absolutely OK to do that.

[@alanreynolds5631]

Nothing has been mentioned that the Home Report has firstly to be done. The Home Report will always provide a guided valuation of what the house is worth based on previous sales of similar properties etc. The house sale price should then be based on what your personal finances are if you are planning to move to a larger home that costs more, legal expenses etc. I have move 5 times and have always based my house sale price 10/15% above the home report valuation. The only time I have decided not to move was in 2008 when the property market crashed. I had my house for sale £220,000 approximately 2 weeks before the 2008 crash and had my house revalued that dropped to £180,000. %

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

This applies only in Scotland

[@alanreynolds5631]

​@@MovingHomewithCharlie I reside in Scotland and am surprised that the rest of the UK would be different.

[@mattball8995]

it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.. any figure is right if you have the right buyer.

[@imchrisme5514]

It’s one thing what the agents say but what about the mortgage valuation?

[@Finderskeepers.]

The lenders valuation will be based on comparables. Its important to know and use the right comparables to known if the agent is BS you, no harm is a little BS as the agent might be very confident which is a very good sign but challenge them with the evidence from comparables. Condition, rightside of the street, sqft, sun etc all play into differences. At the end of the day its what the sale price is agreed at rather than what the agent says

[@martinmac844]

as much as this is good information, how much does bestagent charge , and remember by using his service is he getting the the best agent for you , and the reason why i say this is trust he could go and get another commission from the agent he has told you to use and you would be none the wiser.

[@KamaluddinPanhwar]

nice video but Sam is seller and Ammy did great job But she would bad choice for people who want to buy cheap may be at 245k.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Buyers don’t choose an agent. They just have to deal with the agent that listed the property

[@annandall9118]

To be fair, not all Estate agents are corupt. Some are, for sure. Like all sales industries, it often attracts a certain type.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

I’ve always said there are some exceptionally good agents they’re just hard to find.

[@godswilluche2956]

Am not suprise at all. The way at which properties are exceeding their asking prices and before you know it... 💥 SSTC. I have had some properties I was interested in, but before it got to my turn to view it, they called to cancel the appointment because the seller has accepted an offer 😅. I don't understand anymore.

[@Finderskeepers.]

Agents know the most serious buyers will be on the phone looking for an appointment with in days of the property going on the market. Once a seller has accepted an offer, the agent doesnt want anyone upsetting the applecart. Gazumping effects the agents reputation too.

[@smile3884]

Any agent would have got you the same price they are all on commission why would they sell for less

[@frankk.7977]

We never sell again with an agent. Here in Germany they get 2x 3.57% fees.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Wow

[@londonman8688]

why not call the bluff of the agent and get the 285 buyer around ?

[@the.blue.raven7777]

Why is it mandatory in uk to have an agent ?

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

It isn’t but good luck trying any other way. EBay?! 😂

[@connormcleod9595]

If I had a house I would use Amy too 😆

[@Dazza5007]

Just look at what cars estate agents drive today , compared to 25 years ago 😂 They had fords and Vauxhall cheapish cars now they have top of the range like merc bmw Bentley Porsche range rovers etc, it’s your money that they taking off you for not doing much work tbh. Easy money for sure since the internet came along, in my area 14 estate agents in our small town crazy 😂

[@colinm7374]

Excellent video, shame about the audio. Sound levels/quality all over the place on this one Charlie, a shame as the content was valuable.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Always working on it!

[@stevep9221]

Poor poor lady. She has no bought a more expensive house and has a mortgage that will cripple her in a few years when the fix ends. I bought in in 91 for £30,000 and put down a £7,500 deposit. I had to sell in 1997 for £22,500. That was a paper loss of around 29% £8,500 and a cash loss of £7,500. If you think it is not going to be a lot worst than that this time then good luck to you.

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

That was bad luck. No she didn’t buy a new house, she moved in with her partner so no new mortgage

[@JamesT65]

Estate agent pricing is about growth in their fees, It is a false economy, and the kids of today need to have 200k per annum to get on the ladder, and this is destroying the will of kids to start a career as most salaries are more like 30k

[@darrenelkins5923]

My wife and i watched this in October 2022 and finally in September 23, we have managed to get the house squared away to sell. Following this video, we interviewed several agents. Last but not least, we managed to speak to our local ewemove agent. He definately came across as the best of the bunch. So we have been going through the process of instructing him. (did get a bit sticky as - following your advice elsewhere - we asked if he req to be 'sole agent,' he said no. However the paperwork requests sole agent, and he confirmed that 'its best if they are.' SO, we are stil happy with him, bit a bit miffed at being spun conflicting information. My question is regarding their conveyancing package. They have said that we need to receive a call from Assured Sale & Progression Ltd for anti money laundering checks. ASAP will ask if we would like them to appoint conveyancing solicitors. Elsewhere you have suggested that agent suggested conveyancing isnt often the best option. What do you think of Assured Sale & Progression Ltd, and their offer of conveyancing package? Thanks

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Not aware of them. You need to ask if it’s because they believe they’re genuinely the best choice for the job (most reliable) or if it’s because it’s the firm Ewemove requires their franchisees to use. If in doubt trust your instincts!

[@DMWBN3]

Calls 18 agents, that's overkill. Did 20+ years in commercial property. Not all agents are smarmy, ill-fitting suit, badly knotted ties & no morals. Could tell you many stories about venrors who were complete idiots.

[@matthewb8142]

No, I agree, not all smarmy. Some are incompetent !

[@brendanoneil3489]

The buyer valued the house who would have likely have seen the listing online whoever the agent

[@MovingHomewithCharlie]

Incorrect assumption. A mistake made by so many people who think they understand how it works but don’t.

[@brendanoneil3489]

What exactly did the agent chosen have over the others in terms of sale visibility?Won't the serious buyers be registered with all the local agents? At the peak of the market early last year most houses were selling fast and at over asking prices, no skill required. Most of the agents under-valued it, and/or lucky to find a top bidder that really wanted it and was prepared to dig deep . She got lucky with the timing and having several buyers, rather than purely the choice imo. @@MovingHomewithCharlie