Lower fee or fuller service for a £1.018m Manchester townhouse?

[miro_ash]

The detail that changed my view was not the percentage fee but how much work sits outside the cheaper proposal. I’m choosing an agent for a Manchester townhouse expected to sell at about £1,018,000, and the quotes are difficult to compare because the service boundaries differ.

I plan to put them on the same basis first: total cost at the expected sale price, photography scope, buyer checks, negotiation, and support if an agreed sale collapses. Then there are two possible decisions. If the lower quote covers those tasks with clear named responsibility, it may offer better value; if they become extras or are handed to an unclear team, the fuller package may justify its price.

What questions would make that distinction measurable? I also want each agent to explain who controls the file after launch, how quickly offers are communicated, and how connections to buyers or recommended services are disclosed.

 

[readsAndBirch]

Start by putting every quote on the same basis: the total fee at your expected price, what triggers payment, and every excluded or separately charged item. Then ask each agent to describe the path from enquiry to completion, naming who handles viewings, buyer qualification, offers, negotiation and post-offer chasing. A polished valuer is less relevant if an unnamed team takes over immediately.

 

[lens.long]

Are the photography packages actually comparable? “Photography included” could still leave unanswered questions about who selects the images, whether floor plans or later replacements are part of the proposal, and whether you approve the listing before publication. Also, do the agents define buyer qualification in the same way, or are they simply promising to ask buyers about their position?

 

[readTheEcho]

A low fall-through figure would carry little weight unless the agent explains what sits behind it. Someone handling difficult chains or unusual homes may look worse on that number despite providing stronger support.

I would ask for their procedure when a buyer’s circumstances change: how soon the seller hears, who contacts the rest of the chain, and when the property is prepared for relaunch. If they can give clear ownership and timing for both recovery and relisting, the raw percentage becomes less important. A vague answer would alter my view of even an attractive fee.

 

[bakesAndView]

Recent comparable sales matter, but I’d ask each agent to explain why those properties are genuinely comparable to this townhouse rather than merely nearby and similarly priced. Their reasoning is more revealing than a long list.

You could also send the same ordinary follow-up question to all candidates and note the speed and usefulness of the reply. It is not a perfect test, but it shows how their promised response time works in practice.

 

[readTheEcho]

Luca’s point about the explanation is important. I’d add offer handling: will every offer be passed on consistently, what buyer information accompanies it, and who recommends the negotiating response? Ask how they disclose any connection or competing interest involving buyers or services. The answer should distinguish factual buyer qualification from pressure to accept the offer that looks easiest for the agency.

 

[readTheEcho]

One ambiguity to clear up is “closing coordination.” Does that mean occasional status calls, or one named person actively following the parties after an offer is accepted? Ask for the contact’s role, availability and handover arrangements.

I’d score the proposals across fee basis, marketing scope, named contact, response commitment, offer process and support after acceptance. Weight the last three more heavily than presentation extras if your main concern is a deadline involving several people.

 

[bakesAndView]

That scoring approach should make the trade-off visible, but I would not automatically choose the highest total. Give each agent the same short transaction scenario: the preferred buyer misses a deadline while a lower offer remains available. Ask who contacts whom, what facts reach the seller, and how the options are recorded. Specific, consistent answers should be more useful than broad promises of “full support.”