{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"Episode 1: What do estate agents actually do and should they charge more? Plus, the diary of a first-time buyer.","description":"

In property news this week:



Ben Madden is a director of estate agents, Fine and Country. First-time buyers have rarely had it so good, claims Russ. Does Ben agree? How do estate agents really make their money and is there an argument that they should be charging higher fees? The estate agency fee is on average less than 1% of sale price, lower than most countries in the world. Russell and Ben discuss whether estate agents get a raw deal and whether the estate agency model needs fixing. Plus, are specialist buying agents worthwhile when you're searching for a home? Ben provides some fascinating insights into how estate agents work and how you can work with them to sell your property or find your dream home.


Gareth Butters is a first-time buyer, looking for a home in Islington, North London. Follow his journey through the cutthroat world of property viewings and appointments as he negotiates the highs and lows of home-buying in his first \"Diary of a First-Time Buyer.\"



01:16 Houses are more affordable, according to the latest data

02:35 How long does it take on average to buy and complete on a property?

06:15 Why do estate agents get such a hard time from the media and public?

12:02 What does an estate agent do, exactly, for their fee?

18:37 How long does it take on average to buy a property?

24:18 What is a buying agent and how do they work?

28:00 How should estate agents improve their reputation in the UK?

30:27 First-time buyers have rarely had it so good, does Ben agree?

34:28 The diary of a first-time buyer with Gareth Butters


Get in touch if you have any questions: homefront@radionewshub.com


","author_name":"Home Front"}