★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAmazing estate agents! Sold in 2 weeks!!!! Good communication, great marketing and far more viewers than other agents combined. They listened to us and really fought in our corner to get the quick sale we needed. We have sold after being mucked around both selling our house and buying our next house. We have used two other agents who let us down badly with customer service and marketing. I would recommend Bear agents to everyone. The £200 fee weeds out those who put offers on loads of properties and aren’t serious. When you are in a chain, both buying and selling you can’t afford time wasters, it affects so many peoples lives. Well done thanks to the whole team a real pleasure. You have restored my faith in estate agents 👏🏻
Corrine · 28 August 2020 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
Corrine, we are so happy to receive this, especially considering the previous trouble you have had! The £200 fee is returned to buyer on completion, and so pleased it worked for you, Many thanks and Best Wishes from Team Bear
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBear estate agents were fantastic in helping me and my family move.
From start to finish they were professional, supportive and very quick to update me with any progression. My move was not the easiest due to issues out of their control, however they were consistently chasing and updating me at every opportunity.
I really would recommend them as an estate agent, they have the personal touch without the high fees. I would like to especially thank Sydney and Helen for being so amazing at their jobs.
I will be recommending them to all of my family and friends.
Thank you bear estate agents.
Harriet · 28 August 2020 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
Thank you Harriet for your praise as the team work very hard to get a sale through to completion, especially with the more complicated sales which are more frequent than can be imagined! We really value your feedback... again, thank you!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleRecently sold my house using Bear. I wouldn't hesitate using them the next time I sell. Very professional from start to finish, always at the end of the phone for help and advice. Every member of staff that I dealt with was always very polite and always had time to listen. The sale of my property was a very difficult time for me and they couldnt have done a better job! Thank you to all of you but especially Sydney, who listened to me vent, and cry on numerous occasions 😊
Jo · 10 January 2020 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 8 January 2025
Oh wow Jo, the Bear team and especially Syds, will be delighted with your praise! So pleased it all worked out for you 😀 …
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI would not hesitate to recommend Bear Estate Agents.
Their advice before and during the marketing of our property was extremely helpful. They were always quick with updates and feedback from viewers.
Rob Plant and Tom Coxhead were particularly helpful.
After a sale had been agreed I was also very impressed with the service from Sydney Mackie. She was very good at chasing up the buyers and their solicitors to provide constant updates.
They made the whole process as smooth as possible.
10/10!
Gerry · 10 January 2020 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 8 January 2025
Thank you, Gerry, for your positivity, which the team and I truly appreciate!
★★★★★ 4/5
GoogleRating only, no written review.
Robert · 29 August 2019 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
Thanks Robert!
★★★★★ 3/5
GoogleMe and my wife were first time buyers. As instructed, we deposited £200.00 to have our intended house removed from the market. We explained to both seller and Bear that we would be unable to pay for the house for 6 months, this was agreed to not be an issue by all parties.
During this 6 month period we received many phone calls from Bear, pressuring us for progress almost to the point of harassment and was told the sellers were considering re-marketing their house if the process was not moved forward which was a little distressing as we were unable to speed anything up.
At the end of the 6 month period we were able to pay for the house in full, the sale went through in the time frame we outlined at the beginning and everything was fine.
We did have to ask four times for our initial £200.00 deposit back and only after threatening them was it returned.
All in all, they did return our deposit, they did provide us information we asked for in a timely manner and did see our purchase through with no issue but not entirely without aggravation.
3/5
Super · 29 August 2019 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
I am so sorry you experienced problems but there seemed to be a breakdown in communication between all parties which was difficult to resolve. As far as the return of the commitment fee, however, as explained, it is only returned after completion of the sale, not after exchange or before.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI contacted Bear estate agents about a year ago when I was looking for a property to purchase. Mine had been sold by another estate agents so just needed to book viewings.
The first offer I made on a property was immediately rejected without them even bothering to contact the seller. It wasn’t an unfair offer made and wasn’t in anyway meant to offend the seller. I personally didn’t think it was worth full price so didn’t offer it.
The asking price was reduced months later as I clearly wasn’t the only buyer who felt this way so I arranged for a second viewing.
The owner of the property asked me what happened as they thought I really liked their home. I told them I did and made an offer which was immediately rejected. The second viewing confirmed this was no longer a property to purchase and I walked away.
Another viewing for a different property was arranged and I made an offer with the help of the estate agents that sold my home assisting. The offer was accepted. I had no problem at all paying the £200.00 reservation fee to show “commitment” in purchasing the property. I was informed the house was mine.
2 days later, I get a call first thing in the morning to tell me someone else viewed the property after me and made a higher offer so I was asked if I’d like to match it. Nobody would tell me what the offer was so I didn’t know if it was worth it. In the end, I decided to walk away and let the house go.
It seems as if Bear estate agents are happy to let gazumping take place where none of the other estate agents do this and explained why.
I was told I would receive my money back but it took me contacting the estate agents ombudsman and a complaint to Bear estate agents before the money was returned as nobody seemed to want to refund me. I was fobbed off by staff that I would receive it the following day but it took longer than the promised 24 hours before I received a refund.
I personally would never use the services of Bear estate agents again. Soon as I see a home is being sold by these estate agents, I literally skip past them and look at another one. No matter how much I like or even love a house-once it’s being sold by Bear estate agents, I will not contact anyone.
The experience was extremely off putting. I was a serious buyer who had a sold property, my mortgage agreed and ready to go and had sent over all my documentation to prove this. To be messed about like I was and for no reason has put me off and I wouldn’t contact them again to buy or sell.
Miss · 29 August 2019 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
Hi Miss N S M, Thank you for your review that has taken you a year to post, although I am a little confused as to whether or not you have been putting in offers for other properties in that time or if you have now bought a property? Whilst extremely low offers may not be meant to offend a vendor, they often do and sometimes leave the vendor feeling distrustful of a possible buyer, which does not help in any future relationship.
The buyer has the services of an estate agent completely free and as it is the vendor who pays us, we can only do as the vendor instructs. If the vendor wishes to accept a higher price from another buyer, there is really nothing we can do, especially if that buyer saw the property before the person who made the original offer.
Gazumping can be a horrible problem which is why we take a buyer commitment fee, so that we can be assured on behalf of the vendor, that the buyer is serious and we will not then show that property to anybody else.
Your fee was returned to you as soon as we had your bank details and had nothing to do with the Property Ombudsman, as you suggest.
Buying and selling a home is a very emotional experience for many people and often may not work out the way individuals expect. Sadly, estate agents do seem to bear the brunt of these frustrations. I hope, however, you have now found your dream home.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleBear Estate Agents handled the sale of a property I just purchased. Dealing mainly with Helen and Sydney, I was very pleased with the service they provided (especially the continued updates as the sale progressed). I highly recommend them - Thank you to the whole team!
Simon · 29 August 2019 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
Hi Simon, the Bear team really appreciate the time taken to give us your feedback... it means a lot, thank you.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWorked hard for me, I was kept informed of progress. Everyone was always helpful cheerful and polite.
Great value.
Jacky · 10 January 2019 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 8 January 2025
Thank you Jacky for this review
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent service received from Kyle and the Bear Team. The standard of communication and professionalism throughout the whole process was 1st class. We will definitely be recommending Bear.
Kerrie · 29 August 2018 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
Kerrie, it has been a while since we last spoke but thanks so much for this review!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleSold our house in less than a week with no problems at all. Friendly professional agents, real people to deal with and great commission rate, what more could you ask? No wonder they are doing so well in Southend. Would recommend to anyone.
Amy · 29 August 2018 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
The Bear team really value your comments, Amy, thanks so much!
★★★★★ 3/5
GoogleI’m writing this from my new home. Which was NOT through Bear.
House buying is stressful, and towards the end of my first attempt as a first time buyer, for a property via Bear, it got more stressful and Bear added to that by trying to pressure me to exchange.
The process was long and drawn out, and I must say not down to Bear, hold ups with my contacts both legal and broker side, and eventually getting to home buyer survey which threw up issues with the house I wanted to buy. More surveys needed and less than forthcoming vendors, I ended up walking away.
It was here though for the last weeks before I walked away it became apparent that the sales progressor at Bear was after commission. I was called almost every single day without fail, even though hold ups now were with vendors, not able to agree on a price reduction. I felt pressured to make a decision and was told on a couple of occasions I had to exchange as soon as possible! Despite the property needing some extensive works and some areas unknown due to vendors not wanting to reveal areas of house to my specialists (!), the young lady at Bear insisted, even in the final hours before I said no and walked away, that I just need to make a decision by the end of the week. It was a Friday at 11am! This was without vendors agreeing to works needed.
Worth noting, Bear chased me all the time for these decisions without any real sense or acknowledgement on the poor rated survey received and shared with them, that said in black and white work needed. Bear didn’t think it was that ‘bad’ and was ‘it seems good in other areas’ despite being scored 3 across in the most vital areas.
After I decided no, I had a call with the lady at Bear, thought it was ok to tell me I should really be looking for a new builds only, as all houses have ‘bad damp’ in the area and this would happen on other surveys. Which is absolutely not the case!
She also said the price for the house I was considering, was a steal, despite the recommended works needed would have meant I was considering a money pit.
So, largely disappointed with Bear, pressuring nature and proving the stereotype of some estate agents. And the £250 fee to take off market is unfair.
David · 29 August 2018 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleI would never use Bear estate agents again. I was the buyer of a property and they could not care less about me. They demanded that I paid a fee if I was interested in the property and I would get back when we complete which as yet I have not recieved back. Twice they put the property back on the market once was 3 weeks before we moved in. Kyle the Director couldn't care less about his customers and just laughed when I complained. The other two ladies just kept telling me the personal life of the seller and messed it up from the beginning. I saw the property in March and was held up until end of August. No one calls you back and no one knows how the property market actually works.
Thanks so much for your reply which is all lies our solicitor asked for money off as you sold the property with a front garden which we then found our was not ours so our solicitor asked for £5000 to buy the land. The vendor was shocked by your behaviour and did not want us knowing her personal issues she had. Every one involved has moaned about your company and your service. Ive tried to put in a complaint but the calls always get disconnected so this is the only way. Protect your vendors from people with the money ready to buy the property you were so bad even the vendor told us last Friday we should of cut Every one out and done it ourselves. the sale was never delayed due to our deposit we were told by Helen that actually the vendors mortage leader needed 5 days to do and could not fast track. Possibly check your facts from your staff. I will now be taking this legally further.
Rebecca · 29 August 2018 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
THE FACTS
On March 18th you made an offer for a property that was accepted.
7 WEEKS LATER YOU MANAGED TO ENGAGE A SOLICITOR.
IN JUNE,10 WEEKS AFTER ACCEPTED OFFER, your solicitors were still waiting for MONIES ON ACCOUNT AND COULD NOT PROGRESS THE SALE.
Owing to this, the vendor instructed us to remarket. YOU THEN PAID.
In July we had to liaise with your solicitors as you ‘fell out’ with them.
IN AUGUST, YOU DECIDED YOU WANTED MONIES OFF FROM YOUR ORIGINAL AGREED OFFER.
Our vendor refused and asked us to remarket the property, but you then agreed to pay the original price.
THE ‘PERSONAL PROBLEMS’ YOU REFER TO WERE IMPORTANT ISSUES THE VENDOR WAS EXPERIENCING WHICH YOU HAD NO SYMPATHY FOR.
Exchange and Completion were finally delayed BY YOU as your deposit was not ready.
YOU COMPLETED ON THE PURCHASE ON FRIDAY, 26TH AUGUST, THE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND AND YOUR COMMITMENT FEE WAS RETURNED INTO YOUR ACCOUNT ON TUESDAY, 29TH AUGUST, WHEN THE BANKS REOPENED.
We made a total of 93 separate calls and communications on your behalf and you did not need to pay us a single penny for this service.
Your vendor HAS GIVEN US a glowing reference.
Ordinarily, we are able to protect our vendors from buyers like you but on this occasion, you managed to ‘slip through the net.’
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleReally impressed with the service at Bear. Communication was always fantastic, they
sold my home quickly and achieved a good price. All in all I feel the service they offer is excellent value for money. Thank you team Bear! I'll be recommending you to everyone!
Dan · 29 August 2018 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
Hi Dan, thank you for your recommendations.. we were very happy to help!
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent service, above and beyond. Everything was taken care of for me.
The house was sold within the 10 days and I received what I was expecting for the property.
Nothing was to much trouble and both the vendor and I communicated regularly via the agent.
I would definitely recommend this agency, as they are inexpensive professional and extremely efficient
A big thanks!
Angie · 29 August 2017 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
★★★★★ 2/5
GoogleAs many reviews have been from sellers I thought it might be helpful to describe my experience of buying a property through Bear. If I had to sum it up in a few words it would be "polite but disorganised".
I had my cash offer accepted on a place at the beginning of September and from then on until the day of completion I never received one phone call, email or any communication relating to the progress of the sale. The only 3 telephone calls I ever received were asking me if I was still looking to buy, months after I'd committed, engaged a solicitor etc. It was as if no one ever knew who I was or what I was buying! Even 3 weeks before completion when I arranged a final viewing through them a lady still called me the next day to ask me if I was interested in the property - that far down the line! In fairness I did receive an email from one of their directors apologising for their apparent disorganisation and lack of communication but the whole experience did not fill me with much confidence. I have bought and sold several properties in the past and based on my experience of dealing with this company I would not use them in the future.
SJ · 29 August 2017 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
Agent replied · 27 August 2024
Hi Samantha, I just thought I’d reply to your comment with some documented facts.
1. You agreed to buy the property on 21st September 2016.
2. The property completion took place on 21st December and the process took 12 weeks in all.
3. During this time we drove the sale by contacting you and your solicitor a documented 11 times as well as phoning you several more times.
4. You registered your interest in more properties via ‘Bear Exclusives’ and our software perceived you to be a new client which is why you were contacted again.
5. We were selling the property you desired which is why you ‘used’ us. You did not, therefore, pay a penny for our service to you.
6. For this fast sale, your vendor paid £1295 including vat.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleGreat experience with Bear from the first phone call to exchange. Wayne, Frank and Helen have been great and completely changed our minds about estate agents.
From the first phone call to the last congratulating us on exchange they have been a great help especially in dealing with some frustrating situations.
Bear have sold our property and sold us our new property. Would not hesitate to recommend Bear or go to them in the future if we find ourselves in the same position.
Thanks again,
Sam & Mike
Samantha · 29 August 2017 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleAs buyers we will never deal with Bear Estate Agents again. We were interested in a property and wanted to view it a second time with a view to making an offer, but were consistently fobbed off. By the time we were able to make contact with Bear about the delay, the house had been sold behind our backs and another offer accepted. We were very upset and feel that Bear were evasive about the true situation. How do the vendors know that we would not have made a better offer? Well they will never know now. Sellers beware!
Maxine · 29 August 2017 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent service. We are so pleased that we chose Bear to sell our home. The service we have received has been seamless from start to finish. Kyle was really helpful and informative at our initial visit and all the staff have been very friendly and efficient. In particular, Sidney has been a star, she has chased our chain more times than I can remember and always kept us up to date on any developments in an efficient and friendly manner. Selling our home has been very stress free using Bear and I wouldn't hesitate recommending them to anyone thinking of selling their home. Thank you!
Deborah · 29 August 2017 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
★★★★★ 2/5
GoogleRating only, no written review.
Precious · 29 August 2016 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent friendly and professional service, our house sold within hours. We had the pleasure of dealing with Kyle throughout our house sale process and despite the number of delays from the solicitors side Kyle continuously chased the relevant parties and made the process a lot less stressful. I would definitely recommend. Thank you Kyle and the team at Bear we certainly could not have done it without you!
Toni · 29 August 2016 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe have just sold our house with Bear Estate Agents who were brilliant throughout the whole process. Before going on the market officially our house details were posted on a 'Coming Soon' part of their website to generate interest. On the first weekend, Bear had organised for 5 lots of people to view our house, one of whom who did go on to make an offer. They kept us informed throughout, even chasing our solicitor at one point. Kyle and the team were always friendly and professional. The photos taken of our house were of good quality. Overall, they provide an excellent service for a very reasonable cost. Thank you to all at Bear!
Maxine · 29 August 2016 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleWe recently sold our house with Bear and can not thank them enough for the top quality service they provided throughout the whole process. They kept us regularly informed and worked incredibly hard in liaising with all parties involved. I am so pleased that I choose them to sell my house and would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone who is thinking about selling their home. A huge thank you to Kyle and all the staff at Bear.
Julie · 29 August 2016 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI had the pleasure of selling and buying through Bear Estate Agents. Kyle was professional, approachable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about selling our property.
At first I was hesitant to sell through someone offering such a good deal on price but decided to give them a chance and I am so glad that we did. The service that they offered went way above the experience I have had with other estate agents previously and the photos that were taken were excellent. I have recommended Bear to a number of people since, all of whom I know have also been happy with the way that their purchase/sales have been dealt with. If we move again I'll be using Bear for sure!
Lucy · 29 August 2016 · Bear Estate Agents Canvey Island
A review that appears on several offices' pages is shown once. We leave out reviews that name another agent.
