Sole agency agreement but find a seller myself

ukitr

I've instructed EA three weeks ago, signing a " sole agency agreement". This week I also submitted my house on the web site www.houseladder.co.uk . A buyer has now approached me without contacting my EA. Can I sell without my EA. My contract only states I will be liable to pay fees if "sale of the property is with another agent". Houseladder report they are not an EA. My contract is not 'Sole selling'.

Any ideas how I take this forward?

PJD

AFAIK, if houseladder.co.uk is not classed as an "agent" (I wouldnt have thought it is) then there should be no problem.

In either case, this buyer has only approached you, there's no offer etc, so there's no big problem as yet. If things get serious with this or another buyer, surely you can just keep it hush, & at the first opportunity terminate the contract with your EA. Check the small print with them, it may state that they need 21 days notice to terminate the sole agency agreement.

poopscoop

I think Sole Agency is fine when you find a buyer yourself. There are problems if it is "Sole Selling Rights" in which I have experienced.

Jorgan_2

You shouldn't have a problem with a 'sole agency' agreement, does the agreement mention anything about, introductions coming via their board being? I think thay would have difficulty in proving that an introduction had been made in this way. Did you inform the agent that you were trying to sell the property yourself via the web or other means. You don't have to, just curious.

ukitr

Thanks for all the advice. No I didn't let the EA know I was doing it but when I informed them of the possible private sale earlier today they hit the roof . No mention of board enquiries in contract. Buyer informed me he contacted EA a week earlier asking for properties specific for my area, my house details were not sent?

robwend

more fool them then