Estate agent here, please feel free to ask me anything. Im happy to help :)

leanneslow

elfen wrote: »

I know some EA's are also LA's so I'll ask....Why are the fees so high for a little paperwork and a credit check that the potential tenant can do themselves cheaper and then give a copy of to you? I do understand that some may lie but is there any leeway within the credit check (i.e. if defaults are 4 to 5 years old and there is a valid reason would it still affect someone with a decent credit history after?)

I think some do just because they can. We charge the small amount for advertising and time for arrangements, contract, property management is optional once it has been let, BUT we DO carry out a credit check- it is a lettings check! Not a normal credit check as such, everything is taken into consideration and they cost between £45 and £100 or so- this depends on what the landlord wants. Lifestyle charge a small fortune as do many others! Best to 'shop' around or even haggling can work if they want it let out quite quickly!

leanneslow

noo66 wrote: »

A local independent agent- they only have 1 office. The vendor got really annoyed about the content of my email, which actually wasn't contentious but was strongly worded, and everything went downhill.
They also failed to inform us that the vendor had asked them to put the house back on the market until we saw it advertised and rang up- then they said they had tried to ring my husband on his mobile, not realising that all missed call numbers are stored and so we have a record of the fact that they didn't call. These were just a few of the issues we had with them.

We sent a letter of complaint to them, which they forwarded to an independent assessor (don't know much about this process), who has decided the EA is blameless. To be honest, I couldn't actually follow the reasoning given in his letter for this ruling- they didn't seem to address the specifics of our complaint accurately.

We're not leaving it there, and will forward a complaint to the Property Ombudsman.

Yes I agree, you should definately complain. They have breached your confidentiality. Luckily i havent been in that position so im not sure on the process either- thats if they even sent it! Sorry i cant help much
Good luck though

benood

What characterises an estate agents perfect buyer and seller?

princessamy86

leanneslow wrote: »

They should really. If a formal offer has bene made then yes they should.

Hi Leanne (from a fellow agent :hello:), just to clarify the above, YES the agent IS legally bound to confirm all offers in writing within 48 hours. Good thread, I'm sure a lot of people have little niggly questions they could ask on here, I'll even help

leanneslow

princessamy86 wrote: »

Hi Leanne (from a fellow agent :hello:), just to clarify the above, YES the agent IS legally bound to confirm all offers in writing within 48 hours. Good thread, I'm sure a lot of people have little niggly questions they could ask on here, I'll even help

YAY! lol

We have always followed the 2day rule as well! Well i thought it would be a good idea.

SO THEN EVERYONE JUST TO CLARIFY YOU CAN ASK ME AND PRINCESS SAMY86! JUST PLEASE BE NICE! WE'RE NOT ALL BAD!!!:rotfl:

leanneslow

benood wrote: »

What characterises an estate agents perfect buyer and seller?

That is a difficult one really. I think it is more about finding the perfect agent. You are in effect putting your life in their hands, whether you are buying or selling. I dont know if i prefer the people that call every day or every week or never! as long as poeple are serious there shouldnt ever be a problem. Each 'customer' is as valuable as the next really!

princessamy86

Haha they know me by now I think, so...perfect buyers and sellers??

Polite ones. Every time, because being spoken to like I am a piece of poo doesn't make me feel particularly helpful. Don't lie to me, don't try and play games because it doesn't help in the long run! People who have lists of demands and requirements are also difficult to deal with, as are those ones who don't really know what they want! If you're selling, I know it's stressful and you want to know what's going on, but ringing every day to be told the same thing isn't great.

EAs have very little control over the sale process once it gets past survey, we will chase it up and update you but really, you need to speak to your solicitor (who is paid to speak to you, whereas I am merely a nuisance to their day and therefore at the bottom of the priority list). Hmmm, can you tell I've had a bad day at work??

leanneslow

princessamy86 wrote: »

Haha they know me by now I think, so...perfect buyers and sellers??

Polite ones. Every time, because being spoken to like I am a piece of poo doesn't make me feel particularly helpful. Don't lie to me, don't try and play games because it doesn't help in the long run! People who have lists of demands and requirements are also difficult to deal with, as are those ones who don't really know what they want! If you're selling, I know it's stressful and you want to know what's going on, but ringing every day to be told the same thing isn't great.

EAs have very little control over the sale process once it gets past survey, we will chase it up and update you but really, you need to speak to your solicitor (who is paid to speak to you, whereas I am merely a nuisance to their day and therefore at the bottom of the priority list). Hmmm, can you tell I've had a bad day at work??

Oh I have had sellers like that. But most of the time im quite lucky. As i take the house on i give them 'the talk' and explain step by step what will happen and once surveys and searches are paid for then i cant really do a lot. Helps if you work with good solicitors, we work with the same ones a lot as we recommend them!
Where abouts are you from princess? who do you work for or dare you not say...? lol :rotfl:

noo66

Thank you Leanneslow and Princessamy86.

I was beginning to think I should just put the time and money wasted down to experience, but now the complaint will be in the post this week.

I like this thread- well done for starting it!

princessamy86

I'm from Lancashire, not saying where I work!