| Re: relocation agents, house finding agents any recommendations
In short - I found using an agency a waste of money (the one I used anyway).
Not sure if this will help you but this is my experience with a relocation agency...
The company I work for organised an agency to help a bunch of us relocate. Their contract boasted a complete service to remove the hassle of relocation from an orientation to the area, searches based on our criteria, viewings, applications, red-tape etc.
This is where the rant really starts.
They were pushing me to take unsuitable apartments (both in terms of size and budget). I was told my expectations were unrealistic.
In the end I started searching and arranging viewings myself. When I found a place I liked, I asked them to put in an application for me. They said I was not likely to get it and at the same time I should apply to this other apartment that they had found for me. As time was ticking, I agreed but said that the one I had found was my first choice.
A couple of days later I get a call from the agent saying I didn't get my first choice but my application for the apartment they had found me, was successful. During this time I was losing patience so called up the other management agency that was letting the apartment for the one I really wanted - just to see if they had all the paperwork they needed etc - They told me that my relocation agent had called earlier and withdrawn my application telling them I had already signed for another apartment! This was before he even called me to say I wasn't successful!
I was livid!
It turns out this agency has a 'good relationship' with a particular housing management company and they pretty much only use apartments managed by this company. It would seem they have first dibs on any of their property. Obviously using this agency can help you, if the property you like is 'one of theirs' but this wasn't the case for me. I can only assume that the apartment I found meant no commission for the agent.
I was so angry. I realise that in their line of work there will be an element of cut throat sales activity but not to this extent surely?!
Ra ra ra!
Anyway all sorted now.
Best of luck
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