Dispensing of Estate Agent

berneslai

Hi,

I'm look to dispense with my current estate agent. I have not yet signed a contract with the agent (he decided to start work precontract) and he began trying to sell my house a fortnight ago. To date he has listed my 4-bed semi-detatched property in the local paper as a 1-bed semi detached property (twice) and has also left windows and the front door (!) unlocked and wide open after viewings which thankfully didn't result in my property being burgled.

Would I be right in thinking that (as I have not signed the contract between us) I can just state in writing that I do not wish the relationship to continue, or are there other potential pitfalls to worry about? I need a new agent ASAP!

Thanks,
Bernie

Jorgan_2

I would put it in writing that you wish to terminate the use of his services & use those of another agent with immediate effect. There may not be a written contract between you but you have in effect accepted to use this agent by letting him conduct viewings on the property.

no1gymbunny

You are quite right - you have not signed a contract so you can contact the EA and ask to cease immediately. With regard to the advertising, if your local rag is anything likes ours then mistakes are inevitable EVERY SINGLE WEEK! Even though we get proofs to check through something always seems to slip thorugh the net! You must tell them why though - ie security breach, dodgy advertising, etc.

A little tip for you - cheapest isn't always best. It isn't necessarily the cheapest agent who will sell your property. Cheeky fees are 10 a penny (excuse the pun), but a good quality agent - not quite so common. They may be cheap, but that's because they don't always advertise in colour in the papers. Yes, your house will be in every week, but if your house is NEW the week the do black and white AND they're able to cram in every house they have you won't be best pleased - it'll be lost among the other houses you can't quite see because the pictures are so damn small!

Good luck