Do we have to pay estate agent fee?

Brizzo

No only about 4 miles away unfortunately...!

The only 'bill' the solicitors have had is for the original amount which they on their letter had cc'd the solicitors about when they wrote to me. However they haven't cc'd the solicitors at all on their 'offer to reduce' letter, which again makes me wonder if they know they're talking rubbish and thus not writing the same to the solicitors to tell them.

That said, if my solicitors have had their original bill are they still not obliged to settle this on exchange, seeing as they know they have this (as this is where it all started) but have now said to ignore them. Do I assume they won't settle the bill?

Doozergirl

tell them not to settle the bill! It's not like the mortgage which they have to pay (obv!)

Brizzo

I'm guessing that's what she meant, just worried that if they come after us we'll have more rubbish to sort.

Floxxie

Brizzo wrote: »

I've just updated my solicitor and told her it's because of them the EA knows which she apologised for.
I read the the EA's amusing letter which made her laugh at how ludicrous it all it. She told me she did speak to the EA about how they knew and they reckoned it was because my buyer say their financial guy but that was before they were officially buying mine so we know that's bull.

The solicitor has now advised that I ignore them as when I move they won't know where I am and will have to drop the case - can they do this or is this bad advice?

I don't get this. Your solicitor has caused this mess and has the audacity to sit there laughing at the EAs letter! The EA knew because your solicitor told them. When you instruct your solicitor not to pay any requested EA fees, do so in writing and detail why no EA fees are due i.e. it was a private sale outside of the contract and the EA is only aware of it because your solicitor told them. Keep a copy. Move. If there is a court case, this will be your 'evidence'. As for her advice - are you using a conveyancer or a solicitor?

Floxxie

Brizzo

It is a firm of solicitors but the woman I'm dealing with it is their conveyancer who is in charge of other people. She seemed very sure in her advice as if it wouldn't be a problem, that's what threw me. Doesn't seem right to me and yes I agree if anyone should be paying this fee now it's them as they caused this mess.

Anne3333

I've known the guy for about 2 years and the girl for about 5 years and her mum, brother and 2 cousins work for our company too! One of these cousins lives 6 doors away and that's how she initially knew through word of mouth then rang me from her desk to ask if they could come view.

May not be cut and dried. As well as the buyers being on the estate agents mailing list, how did the cousin of the buyer know that your property was for sale? They lived 6 doors away from you so would presumably have seen the estate agent's sale board. Would their advertising via the board not be relevant to the sale and hence their fee?

Brizzo

Sorry didn't explain the cousin bit, her cousin also works for our company that's how everyone knows we're selling. I just meant she was therefore more interested as she has a relative living 6 doors away so already knows the house layout etc

sukysue

I've read all the opinions and evidence on here and I still think you are on a bit of a sticky wicket Brizzo. Sorry just my ho but would hate for you to get stuck with a bill from sol .

Brizzo

I've decided I'm going to write one last go to town letter to the EA...but along with it send copies of all correspondance along with the fact that I'll tell them I'm cc'ing the same to the OEA. We'll see which way they go then, either fight it in which case I'll back down or they'll give in and drop it. Hopefully the latter - what do you think?

sukysue

Don't back down completely if your efforts fail, just negotiate with them .Good luck!