House names

I have noticed that alot of house selling agents seem to change the names of the houses they advertise for sale.  This seems odd to me, can anyone tell me why ?

They don't want people tracking down the houses and approaching the owners directly therefore missing out on their commission!

Ha ha Penny, thought there was a scam of sorts going on, as for commission, some charge 3% (normal) but others 5%, crazy....as peeps say everything here is negotiable !

5% is taking the p!ss

It's not really a scam is it? They have spent money advertising the property etc and then you see their ad and approach the owner directly. I'd be pretty hacked off if that happened to me too.

Some agents will say 3% with a minimum fee. Remember that agents effectively do the conveyancing here so if you are comparing fees with the UK it's not really a fair comparison. Having said that I never understand the agents who also tell you that you need to pay for a geometra to get all the paperwork etc (I don't mean for a survey or building advice). That would immediately say to me the agent doesn't know what they're doing or are lazy/ripping you off!!!

The lcoal CCIAA sets the agents rate - or rather 'advises' it - and 5% is taking the proverbial.  
Some change names because they think that Casa Dave sounds more attractive, others because they have to remember which house it is when someone calls and can cite only the name.  Names are easier than numbers to remember. 
Its also true that agents have to protect themselves if its a multiple listing or a nonexclusive - it is very annoying when you do all the work and someone goes behind your back. 

As far as paperwork, it is the sellers duty to provide it, in fact nowadays it is impossible for an agent to produce some of it unless they have a POA from the seller.   GEometras can have delegas from owners to release catastal stuff, whereas an agent can't.   So its not that the agent is necessarily lazy, but can have recalcitrant owners who cant be bothered, and when some paperwork can cost 1000 euros, why should the agent spend his commission on something that the seller has a legal obligation to provide?...

I remember our estate agent, the fragrant Paola, telling us that in Italy the responsibility of the estate agent doesn't end with the completion of the house sale. And indeed, over the years, she has continued to be more than helpful as regards IMU, insurance etc etc at no further cost.
So, in my experience, Italian estate agents earn every eurocent of their commission.

Yes, ir is true,names are easier to identify and remember.
As for commissions... I am of the opinion that a good agent is worth every penny...and more. I even give them extra personal gifts whenever I find that they have done a good job and have helped. The last one, got her commission, all fees for the extra work she had to do for us and a beautiful natural pearl necklace for herself, as she worked for an agency. She was happy and we were happy 

Where the agents work ends is rather subjective!  By law it ends with the compromesso - they get their money and can disappear totally at that point.  Those that grasp the idea of customer service will get recommendations, more work and even the odd pearl necklace!

I suppose it is the luck of the draw but I too, like Gala Placidia, have had extremely good after sale service from all the people involved in the purchase of my apartment. As Modicasa says, good service can always engender further work.

I totally agree with the two comments above. The hose agents who limit their involvement to the compromise stage, will never get repeat and referrals... Or the odd pearl necklace