True, but certain agents are known for inflating asking prices to get the initial instruction from the seller.
So if your seller's agent has a green mini cooper double parked across a disabled bay with his firm's name emblazoned down the side, you should probably bid very low to start.
Bairstow aren't too bad, and Park and Bailey are ok. If you begin by looking for one-bed flats that'll give you an idea as to who's got the most on their books. Try
www.rightmove.co.uk and see who pops up frequently.