Estate Agent Selling Empty House

googler

If you're doubtful whether you can trust your EA or not - don't hire them. Find another agent. If you've already hired them and are having doubts now, then no amount of posting here will substitute for actually talking to them.

Have you given them a copy of the insurance docs wherein it says that the windows, alarms, heating etc must be set?

You should discuss with your EA or any EA you wish to hire what their arrangements are for securing the keys, and how they monitor who has them. Go into their office. Talk to them.

Ask if the EA has professional indemnity insurance. This should, I would imagine, cover them against the possibility of being sued for negligence in this instance, and should also 'persuade' them to have proper systems and monitoring in place.

Regardless of what happens on TV, EAs should know who has the keys for any of their properties. As I say, ask them what their storage system is, and what their sign-out / sign-in system is. If their agents aren't going to accompany everybody (with perhaps other professionals such as surveyors excluded), then ask them why not.

I feel you're overstating the problem, and, rather than asking here for 'horror stories' here, you'd be better placed having a frank, honest chat with either the EA you've hired, or the one you're considering hiring.

[Deleted User]

As I said googler, I'll stick to asking my questions rather than yours. I think mine are more useful.

By asking people for their horror stories I find out the things that can go wrong and that makes it easier to ensure it doesn't happen to me. Whether I decide to do my own viewings, change EA or get written guarantees is the stage AFTER considering what can go wrong.

Peoples responses have certainly got your brain working - you've come up with a few good points about what people should be checking prior to mindlessly handing over keys to an Estate Agent. Which is a big step forward from your somewhat naive initial response of "Sounds fine to me. Why wouldn't they be honest and efficient about it?".

Jowo_2

Deleted_User wrote: »

If windows and doors are kept locked then squatters can't get in - right? So squatters are only likely to be a problem if someone fails to lock up properly?

Ah, bless your optimism.

"The police have powers to remove trespassers immediately so long as you act quickly whilst the evidence of forced entry is still present."


http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/squatters.htm

"Many empty properties can be walked into as they have become insecure through vandalism. You do not want to commit criminal damage and the police may try to accuse you of this, but they would only be able to do anything if there were witnesses. Once you are in, you should change the locks or secure every door and other way in so that you control entry and are physically, as well as legally, protected. You should repair any damage done by other people straight away"


http://www.squatter.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10&Itemid=25

[Deleted User]

It's pretty shocking that the law allows them to get away with this kind of thing. Fortunately for me I'm in Scotland and I've just checked and it would seem squatting is illegal here. Phew!

Out of interest, is it legal (in England) to squat in furnished property? And if so, does the squatter get to keep the furnishings too?

googler

Deleted_User wrote: »

As I said googler, I'll stick to asking my questions rather than yours. I think mine are more useful.

By asking people for their horror stories I find out the things that can go wrong ....

Still pre-judging; ask for what went right for people as well as.....