Can this be right?

mobile-advice

I'm a FTB - made an offer on a house - but EA is refusing to forward the offer to the owner unless I tell him how much deposit I'm putting down!

They've been really pushing their mortgage broker services - but I have my own broker in place. In their own words, they want to present the best possible offer to the client and they would have most peace of mind if they were arranging the mortgage!

I feel they're making unfair assumptions about me. I'm a young-looking 26 (sometimes still can't get into clubs without ID) and the house is £275,000.

I feel if I say the deposit, they will calculate mortgage, etc, and force that upon me later down the line.

cupid_s

i don't see why it makes a difference as long as your mortgage is already in place.
just remember that they cannot force anything onto you - as long as you are firm you can tell them the deposit and then refuse their services.
though what i would be tempted to do is go and see the sellers and say their estate agents are being obstructive. I wonder if the sellers are aware that they are losing potential buyers because of their agents.

MORPH3US

Agreed as above, go and see the seller and make the offer verbally to them.

M

Lil_Dee_2

Mobile-Advice, please ask your broker to provide you with something (an Agreement In Principle if you have a mortgage in mind) to prove to the EA that you are financially viable. If they insist that you must see their broker, if you have this proof, then that's all their broker would be required to see.

A few years ago I was advised that I had to see the EAs preferred broker before they would put forwards an offer on my behalf. I was lucky, as their broker worked for the same company as my own, and I sat there looking rather smug as he advised how many options he would be able to give me that my current broker probably couldn't.

His face, as I pulled my paper work out was a picture. He very quickly realised that all the letters I had contained his company logo on them. When I suggested that should he be able to provide me with something I hadn't already been offered, I would be very interested to hear....and followed that by asking who I would speak to if I felt I hadn't received the proper advice in the first place (I was never serious about that - be he didn't know that !!!)

The EA is acting illegally by not presenting your offer to their client. I'm sure someone with a little more legal know-how than I will come along shortly, but hopefully my advice will help in the meantime.

plane_boy2000

The EA is obliged to present your offer to his clients irespective of his confidence in it. If they are not confident in your ability to meet the offer they should still put your offer forward and tell the vendor that they are not in a position to clairify its suitability.

In terms of deposit - although not really their business - I would not be to bothered about telling them, but the easiest way would be to get something from your broker stating that you can borrow the required amount.

If it was me and the agent didnt put my offer forward I would approach the vendor direct and make it clear that you are only doing this as the agent has failed to do so.

adr0ck

just lie

say 15%

what difference does it make to them...your circumstances could change...........

courtjester

Under the Estate Agents (Undesirable Practices)(No.2) Order 1991 (paragraph 2 of Schedule 3), an estate agent must forward to his client promptly and in writing accurate details (other than those of a description which the client has indicated in writing he does not wish to receive) of any offer the estate agent has received from a prospective purchaser for that property.

An estate agent may NOT discriminate against a buyer on grounds that they are not using the agents (mortgage) service or delay or refuse to pass on an offer until 'qualified' by the agents mortgage advisors.

Write to the estate agent with your formal offer and status (FTB, mortgage approved), copy the mortgage certificate if available. Ask him to confirm that your offer has been forwarded to the vendor as required by the current legislation above.

Jorgan_2

Mobile-advice, I am an EA & Court Jester advice is spot on, the agent can not discriminate against you & must forward all offers to the vendor. I'm sure arranging your mortgage would give them peace of mind, as well as a nice commission.

MortgageMamma

Mobile Device. Personally, in your shoes, I would walk up to the vendors front door, knock, introduce yourself, explain you have been making offers on the property but the estate agent has refused to put them forward because you chose not to see their mortgage advisor. Make an offer directly to the occupant yourself and let them decide. Why the vendor should have to pay thousands to a poxy company who are being obstructive to potential buyers is beyonf me, and even if you don't get the property you will be doing the seller a favour.

I have this problem all the time being Independent from an estate agent myself, it frustrates my clients when pushy estate agents make demands such as this, (Halifax estate agents are renown for it around here) and it makes me furious that I have to undertake extra work when it shouldn't need to. I usually just say the the estate agents that having seen a fully qualified broker my clients are aware of their borrowing capacity, and the mortgage company and amount of deposit is no business of theirs. They usually back down when I tell them unless they forward to offer I will instruct the client to see the vendor in person.

mobile-advice

WOW! Thanks for all the advice.

OK -here is some more information.

Mortgage is not agreed yet but I have a good deposit, and broker assures me there should not be any problems (doing a self-cert). I have looked into the feasibility myself and it's well affordable for me - I would actually save money with the mortgage (I'm renting at the moment).

The vendor is on holiday for the next few weeks. EA has their mobile number, and they said a quick decision should not be a problem.

The thing is, I like the house, but the EA's attitude is quite off-putting. He seems to be inferring that I can't afford it, which is very condecending considering I haven't disclosed how much I earn, or how much my deposit is.

Anyway, he left a message on my answerphone. Will call tommorow.

Ems*Honie

Just try to remember that your buying a house, not making friends with the estate agent, as soon as you can try to just deal via the sol's instead, Good luck