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Christopher Russell

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1.00 /5

We instructed Tailor Made Moves to sell our home at 62 Drummond Road late last year while we had a reservation on a new-build property with a strict deadline attached. The purchase depended entirely on achieving a sale within a defined timeframe. This was explained clearly from the outset and the agent indicated they were confident working within that timeframe. Concerns about the practicality of the deadline were only raised much later, which was difficult to reconcile with the position taken at the beginning. There were some positives. Communication was generally courteous and viewings were arranged once interest emerged. From the outset we also made it clear that we were motivated sellers and were willing to act on any feedback or guidance provided during the marketing process. We were later told that the level of viewing activity achieved was considered exceptional, although we had assumed it would be fairly typical for a property on the market. However, the early stages were concerning. We waited around a month for the first viewing and during that period no change in strategy, pricing or marketing approach was proposed. It was only after we prompted discussion that adjustments were considered. In a sale where timing was critical, that lack of early momentum felt significant. There were also practical issues during the early marketing stage. We had to prompt both the installation of the sale board and the property being listed online. Photography required two rounds after an initial set appeared to have been taken in haste. In our view the final photographs were not of a particularly strong standard, which may have made marketing the property more challenging. More broadly, the process often felt reactive rather than proactive. Periods without activity required us to initiate conversations about next steps and these concerns were raised during the marketing period rather than only afterwards. When feedback from viewings raised questions about the condition of the property, we again made clear that we were prepared to act on any guidance given. However, we were reassured that nothing needed to be done and this did not develop into a clear or structured plan. Pricing and marketing decisions were also made in line with the advice we were given. In the final week before our onward purchase was withdrawn there was also no further discussion about strategy or intervention despite the known deadline attached to the chain. Given how critical that stage was, we had expected some form of escalation or renewed effort to engage potential buyers. From our perspective there was no meaningful shift in approach during what was clearly the most time-sensitive point of the process, and we would also have appreciated a little more empathy for the situation we were in. When we eventually concluded that Tailor Made were not the right agent for us and raised our concerns, the response from the office felt defensive. Some points appeared to be refuted before there had been an opportunity to properly clarify the issues we were raising, which made what was already a difficult situation feel more uncomfortable. To be fair, no agent can guarantee a sale and market conditions always play a role. The property did attract some interest and we recognise that selling a house can be unpredictable. However, given the clear time pressures attached to our onward purchase, we believe a more proactive and structured approach may have improved the chances of achieving a sale within the required timeframe. For anyone selling without time pressure their experience may be different. For those selling against a hard deadline or dependent purchase, it would be sensible to ask detailed questions in advance about how strategy will change if activity slows and what practical steps will be taken to maintain momentum. ** worthy of a comment following Tailor Made's comment that they chose to focus on the timeframe (which they knew from the start and did not take that seriously) and not perhaps the other far more significant issues.**

Reply from agent

Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your disappointment and understand how frustrating the situation must have been. The timeframe attached to your onward purchase was set by the developer, and while we worked hard to generate interest and viewings, we are equally disappointed that we were unable to secure a sale for you within that period. We wish you the best with your future plans.

Contact details
Opening hours

Unknown

Address

33 The Oval, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 9ER, South East, UK, DA15

Our team

Russell Gibbs

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

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