Why We’re Not the Cheapest Estate Agents You'll Talk To

Why We’re Not the Cheapest Estate Agent in York or Tadcaster (And Why That Matters)

When inviting estate agents to value your property, one of the most common questions is: “What do you charge?” It’s a fair question. Moving is expensive, and every cost matters. You may find that some agents charge 0.95%, 1%, or offer tempting “introductory” rates. At Wishart Estate Agents, our standard fee is 1.5% +VAT.

So why don’t we compete on price? Because we don’t believe the cheapest agent is the one who leaves you with the most money.

Estate Agency Fees: What Are You Really Paying For?
An estate agent’s fee isn’t just a percentage. It reflects:

How your property is priced
How it is presented and marketed
How buyers are qualified
How offers are negotiated
How your sale is managed through to completion
How problems are handled when they arise
The team you're trusting to do all of this

The reality is a small difference in negotiation can outweigh a small difference in fee. On a £400,000 property, the difference between 0.75% and 1.5% is £3,000. But a weak negotiation or poor management of survey issues can easily cost far more than that. Our focus is not simply on listing property. It is on protecting your position at every stage.

Our 12 Week Marketing Plan
One of the biggest frustrations we hear from sellers is: “Once it went online, we barely heard from the agent.” That is not how we operate. We work to a structured 12 week marketing plan, with planned communication, review points and strategy adjustments. We do not simply upload your property and wait.

This approach allows us to
Monitor interest levels properly
Advise on timing and adjustments
Maintain momentum
Protect your negotiating position
It is deliberate, strategic and proactive.

Strategic Pricing
Overpricing to secure your instruction may feel flattering but it can be costly. A property that starts too high often ends up reducing, losing momentum and attracting lower offers. We price carefully, based on evidence, market conditions in York and Tadcaster, and buyer behaviour, not on telling you what you want to hear. Our aim is to position your property correctly from day one to create competition, not reductions.

Negotiation Is Where Value Is Created
Many sellers assume buyers will simply offer close to asking price. In reality, negotiation is a skill. It requires:
Understanding buyer psychology
Reading the strength of a chain
Managing competing interest
Holding firm when appropriate
Knowing when to move
This is where experience matters.

A confident, well managed negotiation can make a significant difference to your final outcome.

Sales Progression
Agreeing a sale is only the beginning. The period between sale agreed and completion is where many transactions fall apart. We manage this process closely, liaising with solicitors, surveyors and buyers, resolving issues quickly and keeping everyone informed. Importantly, we do not accept referral fees from solicitors. Our recommendations are based on quality and trust, not commission. We are fortunate to work alongside a network of trusted local professionals, many of whom we have known and worked with for nearly 20 years. These relationships help us resolve issues faster and more effectively.

Why Many of Our Clients Come Back
A large proportion of our business comes from repeat clients and personal recommendations. In a world where cheaper options are widely available, that tells its own story. People come back because:
They felt properly advised
They felt supported
They trusted our guidance
They achieved the outcome they wanted

Are We the Right Fit for You?
If your priority is simply the lowest possible fee, we may not be the right choice. But if you are looking for:
A strategic approach
Calm, experienced negotiation
Structured marketing
Proactive progression
Honest advice, even when it’s not the easiest message

Then we would love to have a conversation. Because in our experience, moving well is far more important than moving cheaply.

If you are considering selling in York, Tadcaster or the surrounding villages, we would be delighted to provide a detailed valuation and talk you through exactly how we work. You deserve to understand what you’re paying for and what you stand to gain.