It is time to call out some ‘Slim Shady’ tactics, as the great Eminem sang about!
Yes, the great tricks of estate agency.
Trick NO. 3 – ‘I can sell this in 4 weeks! Your home is that good! I’ll send over the contract!’
Email 1:
Hi Jane,
Wow, what a property! What a home, and as we discussed, I believe we can get £15,000, even £20,000 more than you have been quoted by the other agent. They are known to be soft on their pricing – what a mistake on your property.
Now, I know they gave you some evidence-based pricing; however, they missed a similar house off the research that I sold off-market just last month! It was so similar to yours!
So, just sign and send the contract over, and I will get the viewings lined up. It may take me a couple of weeks to arrange the viewings as the guys I know have just returned from their holiday.
Thanks,
Email 2:
Hi Jane,
Got the signed contract, thanks, all filed.
Email 3:
Hi Jane,
The guys we spoke about have just returned from their holiday, and they are not moving now. Sorry.
Email 4:
Hi Jane,
Sorry, the cooling-off notice has passed while we were waiting for the guys we spoke about to get back from holiday. The contract has another 23 weeks to run. The market has changed; I’m sure you have seen the news. Would you like me to reduce the price?
Tip NO. 3:
Never fall for the ‘I’ll sell this in a week’ trick! ‘I have a buyer willing to pay a higher price!’ Always check the length of the contract. Always ask for a marketing plan, a feedback plan, and any promised viewings in the 14-day cooling-off period!
Remember, any agent using a 20 to 26-week contract is hoping that house prices will increase over six months or you will accept a big price reduction. They just need you to sign the contract without realising the intention of the sales method being used. It could take you a year to actually move home!
So, Jane, pick up your mic and rap with me?
I’m Slim Shady, yes, I’m the real Shady
All you other Slim Shadys are just imitating
So won’t the real Slim Shady please stand up
Please stand up, please stand up?
Mike Matthews @TortoiseProperty
Recognised in the Best Agents Guide as one of the best 20% of estate agents in the UK 2019,2020,2021,2022,2023,2024
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