Plymouth vendor advises sellers to pick an estate agent they trust
A VENDOR selling his house to retire abroad has advised sellers to take the time to pick an estate agent they trust.
Christopher Ashton, a private investigator, has sold his house in St Judes to move abroad, with the help of estate agents Lang and Co.
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Melanie Mills from Lang and Co with vendor Christopher Ashton who recently sold his home
However he struggled initially after getting caught up in a contract with another agent.
The 56-year-old, who plans to move to Turkey, said: "We were originally with another agent, they were dealing with the sale of the property next door so I just went with them and didn't really think about it.
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"It turned out to be a major mistake. I was tied into a contract for eight weeks.
"I wasn't happy with the service and they priced it too high – they put it on for £30,000 more than even we thought it was worth.
"I got in about six other agents and got a true valuation for the property.
"I went with Lang and Co because they were the best out of the six – their service was great from the beginning.
"They were great at keeping in touch and we got feedback after viewings. And you shouldn't need to be tied into a contract.
"I would definitely advise people take the time to look at a few options in terms of agents – the choice will make itself."
Mr Ashton lives in the five-bedroom property with his wide Kerry, 47, and son Jacob, 16.
The property on Beaumont Road also boasts a large kitchen, utility room, dining room and garage.
He said: "I have lived here for 27 years. I had rented a room here initially and then it came up for sale – I was single when I bought it and met my wife during the time that I lived here so it's full of memories.
"Me and my wife met 17 years ago and each had two children from previous relationships and then had Jacob together, so we have brought five children up here – it's a great house.
"We have been very happy here, and it's nice a mixed community.
"But now the children have moved on it seems we have no need for a house this size, and the opportunity came up to move abroad so we're taking it."
Melanie Mills was part of the team at Lang and Co that helped Mr Ashton sell his home.
She said: "Our directors do all of the valuations because they have had a lot of experience in the Plymouth area.
"We also make it clear to people that we are only giving our opinion and then discuss from there how they would like to price their property.
"We want it to be fair but still want to get the right price for the vendor.
"We also always send at least two people to view the houses from Lang and Co, if not most of the team, because it's good to know the houses and important to be able to talk about them with prospective buyers."
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