Was strolling past one of the local EA's last night and was staggered to see that the glossy window display had been updated with a biro and tippex.

One property had been reduced from 289k to 269k and now 249k, the original price crossed through with blue pen and the new prices hand written! Biro doesn't really work on laminated paper either.

On another property tippex had been used to change the thousands, I guess it was a similar price reduction to the above.

Not quite sure why they've adopted this approach, looks absolutely terrible but certainly made me chuckle.

Maybe they're scrimping and saving? If other people are reporting offices closing etc, it could be the difference between the office that stays open and the one that gets shut?

Instead of printing out new details and relaminating, a bodge job will suffice?
Perhaps prices are changing reasonably quickly, and they can't be ar5ed to print a new set out each time?

If they're going to continue like that though, they should leave the price blank, laminate it, then add it in with wipe clean black marker... much quicker!

I went past three EA offices today in Brighton , all were empty of clients, the EA's were either reading the newspapers or just sat gormlessly looking out of the window at the passing traffic. I know Dec is probably their quietest time but they seemed particularly quiet for a Dec

Whereabouts in Gloshire are you, BearShaped?

Im in Ciren and nothing much seems to be falling but have noticed that Stroud area looks like it might suffer some big falls from the stuff ive been watching on rightmove (and still there are no offers)

Im pretty ancient and lived through the last crash. The current mood does have that 1991 feeling all over again - even without the 15% interest rates. The difference this time is the multiples people have borrowed in order to buy. I think more people will be caught by negative equity, unfortunately. Been there, done that and wouldnt wish it on anyone.

December should NOT be quiet. Yes for new purchases but in past years an office should have 45-50 purchases, with vendors/buyers all trying to complete and move in by Xmas. December should be long hours. IT IS DEATH OUT THERE.

I'm in Bishops Cleeve, north of the racecourse, mainly new build estates around a large village. Has been double digit growth since 1999 until early 2006, seems to have been pretty flat since. Usual scenario, same properties on the market for months before being remarketed through different agents. Any that have Sold signs outside usually come back on the market after a couple of months. I sold in 2005 and same property is now only 10% higher (Asking price).

Cotswold villages seem to be holding up well, my parents live in the sticks and they haven't got a clue whats really happening.

Just thought I'd see if anyone out there in Gloucs has noticed any price falls and ask whether you went ahead and offered on the house you went to see, BearShaped?

As I thought, Cotswolds is holding up (all those bloody weekenders) but a quick peek at Property Snake shows Stroud has quite a few reduced properties, including one 3 bed in Woodchester that is down by £60k from £289k to £229k. Mind you, no one in their right mind would have paid £289k for it.

I also know of someone in Stroud who has a very ordinary3 bed modern semi - started out at £220k and steadfastly refused to consider any lower offers, is now plaintively inviting 'offers in excess of £180k' and there are loads of other examples.

Still, you wouldnt want to move from Bishops Cleeve to Stroud! But I think Cheltenham will see some falls, lots on the market but I havent been monitoring it as not so close to home.

They are offering incentives and part exchanges for the new builds in Bishops Cleeve. I am told they are to build another 450 houses too.