Why Estate Agents here are so bad?
For context: I am a foreigner, and this is my first time buying a property in London.
My question is: how tf do you handle this? I was tremendously shocked by how estate agents work here, starting from the call to arrange a viewing. I can understand people asking for my full name, phone number, email, etc., but then asking whether I live alone or with family? It may seem tolerable, but when every other estate agent asks you that and then tells you: Ehh I can’t book your appointment without you answering those questions... it really starts to annoy me.
That is the first part that really frustrates me. But when it came to viewing properties, I was also overwhelmed by the incompetence of the majority of agents. Don’t get me wrong, some of them are fine, but at least 50%( if not more) can’t even answer basic questions. For example: What is the total area of the property, including the garden? I don’t know... When was the last refurbishment done? I don’t know... Who lives next door? I don’t know... Seriously, just fuck off and sit in the office if you know nothing about the product you are selling.
I understand that my budget(300k) is small for London, and the agents might not be that prestigious, but it is still a huge amount of money that my family earned and I care where I will live for the at least next 10 years. If you think I’m being too nitpicky, then you definitely don’t appreciate the value of money.
Overall, I’m curious whether I am the only one with these thoughts. I am currently making offers, so I would really value any advice on how much you can bargain in London.
Thanks in advance!