Being messed around by estate agents?

Ultranol_2

I think we are being messed around by estate agents and would appreciate some insight. Bear with me, this might be a bit long…

On Tuesday I saw a property on Rightmove that I like. Its on with 2 EAs. I ring up EA 1 and give all my details and the property I am interested in to a receptionist (I assume) who says that I will be called back. Several hours pass without a call back, and because the only time I could see the property is Wednesday (my day off) I ring EA 2 and book the viewing.

See the property on Wednesday afternoon and love it, so ring back EA 2 that evening and arrange a 2nd viewing for Saturday.

However, after having another look at it on the internet on Wednesday night I notice that EA 1 has now taken the property off Rightmove and it is ‘sold or under offer’. Concerned about this, I ring EA 2 on Thursday – but they seem to think that they are the only agents. So I ring EA 1 and again to check and leave my details with the receptionist.

The viewing with EA 2 is confirmed on Friday.

On Saturday morning I get a call back from EA 1 who asked if I wanted to see the property, but wasn’t I already seeing it with EA 2. I wasn’t aware that estate agents spoke to each other?! I confirmed that I was already seeing it and queried the fact that the property seemed to have been under offer. She denied it. I was still suspicious so my sister sent an email to EA 1 pretending to be interested in viewing the property.

About an hour later I get a phone call from EA 2 saying that he can’t get hold of the tenant (the property is currently rented) and so will have to cancel and rearrange.

Then this morning (about 10am) I get an email from EA 2 saying that the property is now under offer.

However, at about 12pm my sister gets an email from EA 1 asking when she would like to go and view the property!!

What’s going on?!

maninthestreet

Turn up with your sister at the viewing.

princessamy86

I'm very, very confused by this, sorry! EAs do speak to each other, particularly if they are joint marketing a property, but I cannot for the life of me follow what's going on here. It's possible one of them has agreed a sale, and not told the other, or maybe that there is a potential buyer on the scene but they aren't 100% sure of him/her? Maybe it is sold but the vendor has asked that it be advertised as available until the survey has been done, that may account for it briefly appearing as under offer.

Ultranol_2

Could it be something to do with speaking to both EAs? The property is still on both EA's websites (no under offer or sold flag on it). I don't know whether to contact them again?

princessamy86

Try and stick with one EA because it will avoid confusion I think, I can't unravel the situation no matter how hard I try!

adg1

Go through EA1 as it will prevent all sorts of arguments later on down the line. If they are suspicious (and they will be as soon as you tell them your not looking anymore and the house you love goes under offer with a rival EA) they will keep their eyes on the house, spot you coming and going and hence know that they are due a fee from the old owner, who may well know nothing about all that has happened. They cahse old owner, goes to court, big mess etc etc.

Even if you don't like EA1, remember that you don't pay them a fee to buy the house so no need to shop around for the cheapest admin fee.