Are estate agents allowed to do this?

chickmug

MissMotivation wrote: »

No, they are not allowed to lie but many do.

But also bear in mind many sellers are capable of telling lies so don't go in like a 'bull in a china shop'.

Rockporkchop

I wouldn't be surprised if the vendor was lying, she was probably just embarrassed that she hadn't acknowledged your second offer.

We offered on a house once, the agent called them and the offer was declined there and then. Good houses were ten a penny then (oh I miss those days) so we just moved on and offered on something else.

About two months later we bumped into the vendors in Tesco and said what a shame they didn't accept our offer (house was still on the market). They looked suitably shocked and said that they hadn't known we had made an offer. Er, we were sitting in the estate agents when he called you, you muppets!! People can be very strange.

Chinkle

Chickmug has a point, maybe the vendors are the ones playing a game.

They know you're keen, by coincidence they see your sister and think, let's see if we can find out just how keen those potential buyers are. So get chatting, play innocent, oh we didn't know an offer had been made ....

I think you have shown your hand, if I were you I would back off, the vendor now knows you made an offer and that you are potentially willing to increase it, let them/the EA come back to you. Unless there is a lot of other interest they are foolhardy to play games (whether its the EA or vendor who doing so).

chickmug

Rockporkchop wrote: »

I wouldn't be surprised if the vendor was lying, she was probably just embarrassed that she hadn't acknowledged your second offer.

We offered on a house once, the agent called them and the offer was declined there and then. Good houses were ten a penny then (oh I miss those days) so we just moved on and offered on something else.

About two months later we bumped into the vendors in Tesco and said what a shame they didn't accept our offer (house was still on the market). They looked suitably shocked and said that they hadn't known we had made an offer. Er, we were sitting in the estate agents when he called you, you muppets!! People can be very strange.

Really glad you have said this as it does show that it can be the sellers that are telling lies. And as I said keep your cool, trust no one and assume all parties are capable to telling a lie.

daveypoos

The easiest way to tell if an Estate agent is lying is to look at their mouth, if their lips are moving then they are.

feeta

daveypoos wrote: »

The easiest way to tell if an Estate agent is lying is to look at their mouth, if their lips are moving then they are.

Wowsers! :rotfl:

Strapped

daveypoos wrote: »

The easiest way to tell if an Estate agent is lying is to look at their mouth, if their lips are moving then they are.

Oh dear, school holidays again is it?

chickmug

daveypoos wrote: »

The easiest way to tell if an Estate agent is lying is to look at their mouth, if their lips are moving then they are.

Welcome to a new member who looks like all they want to do is have cheap swipes and NOT help anyone.

not_loaded

Rockporkchop wrote: »

I wouldn't be surprised if the vendor was lying, she was probably just embarrassed that she hadn't acknowledged your second offer.
We offered on a house once, the agent called them and the offer was declined there and then. Good houses were ten a penny then (oh I miss those days) so we just moved on and offered on something else.
About two months later we bumped into the vendors in Tesco and said what a shame they didn't accept our offer (house was still on the market). They looked suitably shocked and said that they hadn't known we had made an offer. Er, we were sitting in the estate agents when he called you, you muppets!! People can be very strange.

Perhaps the EA dialled the speaking clock and made out he/she was talking to the vendor. People can be very strange.

Chinkle wrote: »

Chickmug has a point, maybe the vendors are the ones playing a game.
They know you're keen, by coincidence they see your sister and think, let's see if we can find out just how keen those potential buyers are. So get chatting, play innocent, oh we didn't know an offer had been made ....
I think you have shown your hand, if I were you I would back off, the vendor now knows you made an offer and that you are potentially willing to increase it, let them/the EA come back to you. Unless there is a lot of other interest they are foolhardy to play games (whether its the EA or vendor who doing so).

But at the end of the day an offer, any offer, is very ethereal and is no real commitment until exchange. I wouldn’t play games in return. If you’re interested get your second viewing, and then think about an offer if appropriate.

typeractive

Indeed people do lie - and it can be difficult to tell who some times. The EA selling the property I want to buy are more than useless in every capacity. I deal directly with the vendor then inform the EA when and where necessary. My most recent dealing to annoy me was a request I had.

I called up to check this request, to which I got (might I add in a snotty response): "who did you speak to, to request this action as I have no record on the system"

my response was - "I didn't just discuss it in person with a member of the team (worker's name), I also emailed it to both yourselves and CC'd the vendor into the mail as well."

EA: "well mr .... I have no record of that, can you tell me when it was sent?"

I calmly asked them to await my call back, the EA said she would wait but she was popping out very soon.

...3 minutes later I called back stating the date, time, subject and persons involved with my email.

Again I received a snotty response (perhaps a bit ruffled by the fact I caught her lying her !!! off to me) "well we replied to you about that email". So let me get this straight, at first they have no recollection of my requests, and the next thing she's telling me is that she's already bloomin replied to it? I think I was more shocked by the audacity and attitude of the nasty **lady.

I'd class myself as very organised with my house dealings (certainly the communications side), I'm new to the whole process and want it to run as smooth as possible.

I'll NEVER sell a house through the lying, useless, lazy, inconsiderate **people.
Don't get me wrong I'm not tarnishing all EA's with this attitude - not at all. Just this one company.

**Please note I have tried to refrain from using the appropriate language, as the board is a family board. lol