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Why is it that EAs never...

have the full details about the place they are showing you around!
Today I saw 7 properties - 4 different agents
None of them could tell me how much the ground rent / service charge was for any of the properties
None of them could tell me how long the lease was "long" doesnt tell me anything

They never have keys to / know which garage is with the place
Which spot is allocated parking... I even had one today who didnt know which garden belonged to the flat.

They all say the standard "call the office' - which seems to be closed before 5pm even on a Saturday. I got through to a person in one and they too said that I would have to wait til Monday - seems this information is stored in one persons head (rather than centrally on a computer that all staff can look up)

AAAAAARRRRGH!

C*F
«1

Comments

  • shane42
    shane42 Posts: 293 Forumite
    you went on a sat
    its weekend dweebs
  • Made_Without
    Made_Without Posts: 365 Forumite
    But don't most viewing happen on the weekend?! I work during the week- well into the evening (unfortunately :()

    I just don't get why they don't print out the details in full - why give me a leaflet with half the info

    And even weekenders - surely all they need to do is check a database or something

    C*F
  • boomerangs
    boomerangs Posts: 284 Forumite
    have the full details about the place they are showing you around!
    Today I saw 7 properties - 4 different agents
    None of them could tell me how much the ground rent / service charge was for any of the properties
    None of them could tell me how long the lease was "long" doesnt tell me anything

    They never have keys to / know which garage is with the place
    Which spot is allocated parking... I even had one today who didnt know which garden belonged to the flat.

    They all say the standard "call the office' - which seems to be closed before 5pm even on a Saturday. I got through to a person in one and they too said that I would have to wait til Monday - seems this information is stored in one persons head (rather than centrally on a computer that all staff can look up)

    AAAAAARRRRGH!

    C*F
    You must realise that EA's are nothing but unqualified wide boys. Customer service isn't paramount in their minds, rather shafting their customers for every penny they can.
  • DVardysShadow
    DVardysShadow Posts: 18,949 Forumite
    edited 16 May 2010 at 11:02AM
    The reason is that the EA is liable for any errors. And the EA is totally reliant on vendors who may or may not be trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes.

    So for this information, you need the useless HIP which everyone says is a waste of time and everyone will be glad to see that back of. Oh wait, perhaps it could be useful after all. Never mind, clang, consigned to the dustbin of history, you'll need to get about 7 weeks into the buying process before you get to the bottom of this sort of question.
    Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam
  • david29dpo
    david29dpo Posts: 3,967 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Have you looked at the HIP?
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 34,078 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    That's what I was going to say - HIPs are useful on leasehold properties! You will get all of that info from the HIP...
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 34,078 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    If you're really keen over the weekend, you can spend £4 and get a copy of the lease from the Land Registry website.
    Everything that is supposed to be in heaven is already here on earth.
  • Made_Without
    Made_Without Posts: 365 Forumite
    Estate agents dont bring along HIPs to the viewings

    If it was a simple case of just taking a look at the HIP - when I call the office, someone there should be able to take a look and give me the answer re: leaselength and service charge
    - most dont still seem to have them ready and at hand once an offer is placed.


    Also, I personally dont feel I need all the info contained in a HIP at 1st viewing - I do however need to know charges and length of lease to start factoring value / price.

    C*F
  • Made_Without
    Made_Without Posts: 365 Forumite
    Doozergirl wrote: »
    If you're really keen over the weekend, you can spend £4 and get a copy of the lease from the Land Registry website.

    I'd hope anyone who is looking at spending so much money would be 'keen' and the fact it's the weekend - well that's the only time I have!

    Land Registry website is closed on Sundays.

    C*F
  • Made_Without
    Made_Without Posts: 365 Forumite
    The reason is that the EA is liable for any errors. And the EA is totally reliant on vendors who may or may not be trying to pull the wool over everyone's' eyes.

    So for this information, you need the useless HIP which everyone says is a waste of time and everyone will be glad to see that back of. Oh wait, perhaps it could be useful after all. Never mind, clang, consigned to the dustbin of history, you'll need to get about 7 weeks into the buying process before you get to the bottom of this sort of question.


    Exactly - which is unacceptable.
    C*F
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