Vendors turn to estate agents

In a poll conducted last year, Moveme.com discovered that 62% of sellers had, or had at least considered, selling their property without using the services of an estate agent. However, in a similar survey carried out last month, this figure fell significantly to 32%, as nervous sellers shied away from taking on the full responsibility for their sale, drawn instead back to the added security, professional advice and marketing power provided by an estate agent.

Keith McNeilly, co-founder of home move website Moveme.com, comments: "In a difficult climate, where 150 estate agents are reported to be closing down every month, these findings offer some welcome news for those agents trying hard to remain optimistic. While a vast number of consumers have previously considered going it alone when selling their next home, the uncertainty of the current market has led the majority of those sellers to return to the more traditional route of using an agent.

"While selling your home direct can avoid the typical estate agents' 2-3% fee, it's worth remembering that a good estate agent will play the pivotal role in securing your sale. They invest heavily in reaching as wide an audience as possible and can take on a lot of the hassles associated with viewings and liaising with potential buyers."

"The best agents come into their own when the going gets tough, coaxing chains of buyers along, exerting pressure to keep the paperwork moving as well as providing invaluable advice if the buyer gets difficult or attempts gazundering at the last minute. Not many individuals have the time, expertise or the resources needed to sell their property without some help, especially in the current climate: selecting the right agent can prove the most influential factor in your sale."