estate agent is friends with prospective buyer

gemma1984

Hi

I wanted to know people's opinions on this and what they thought/if anything, I should do.

Had a first time buyer couple round on saturday and a second viewing from them last night- very keen- one of the people at the EA branch who showed them round told me they were keen on making an offer of £75k (about 5k away from what we need)

Anyway, I called up today to speak to our specific agent to let them know that the white goods are not included in the sale (a question which this FTB couple had asked) and she proudly told me she was friends with the man of the couple!

Is this a good/bad thing HELP

Sandrock

Usually good, the buyer will not be messing the EA around if they're friends. However, slight conflict of interest as the EA is acting for you and not the buyer. Are you pleased with the EA so far and do you think the price offered is fair compared to the rest of the market?

When I purchased this place, I was an employee of the Estate Agency which was marketing it. Our connection was made very clear from the outset and everything was above board, and it made for a very smooth transaction for the seller. She was very happy with the situation.

rl290

It depends. Do you think the EA showed their friends your property in a preferential way (i.e. the first people to view)? Could any information that you have given the EA in confidence be useful to the buyer (such as the amount you would really accept - which you should never tell them)?

If there were plenty of viewings, and you gave no important information to the EA, then you are fine. However, you may ask that the agent handling your transaction is changed to someone who is impartial in case there are problems down the line.

If, however, they were the only viewers and then EA has privileged info, then please post the details.

R

maninthestreet

There is a potential for a conflict of interest - the EA is mixing business with pleasure.

ILW

Did the EA do the valuation?
Are these the only viewers?
If so I may be a little suspicious as to whether you are getting the right price.

Jowo_2

gemma1984 wrote: »

one of the people at the EA branch who showed them round told me they were keen on making an offer of £75k (about 5k away from what we need)

The property will sell at market rate - what the buyer is prepared to offer and what the seller is prepared to accept.

By mentioning the value as being '5k away from what we need' you imply you have some kind of financial commitment to secure it at that value. Is that the case?

Fire_Fox

gemma1984 wrote: »

Had a first time buyer couple round on saturday and a second viewing from them last night- very keen- one of the people at the EA branch who showed them round told me they were keen on making an offer of £75k (about 5k away from what we need)

Irrelevant what you need, what is the house worth in this market? Have you researched land registry sold prices for your street?
https://www.houseprices.co.uk