Negotiate with the vendor or EA?

GoldStandard

I am having a second viewing on a small house later on. I am very keen on the property and intend to make an offer.

The agent will not be present at the viewing. Would it be better to make an offer in person there and then to the seller (who seems a very nice and genuine guy) or should I start the ball rolling through the agent?

My thinking is that face to face with the seller (assuming he's happy to talk) would be the way to go.

Thanks

Fire_Fox

Vendors usually want time and space to discuss or consider any offer in private.

jenny74

The 'done' thing is to offer via the EA. When I was selling at year, had I had an offer direct from a buyer, I would have politely asked them to make the offer through the EA. That is what they are paid for.

G_M

It varies. Why don't you ask the vendor which they would prefer - a direct discussion or offers via the EA?

BeauBelle

I would offer via the agent. Thats what the vendor is paying them for.

Hopejack

A lot of people choose to use an agent to market their property for precisely this reason - they do not want (or feel equipped) to deal with negotiation directly. I would go via the agent - at the end of the day, as the vendor has instructed them, even if you struck a 'private' deal now, I would think (unless the EAs contract is rubbish!) that they will still want paying so the vendor may as well use them!