Not happy with Estate Agent

erind

We are currently moving home, and are at the stage of negotiating with our prospective buyers, over a bill of £1400 to isolate some old cavity wall ties. We have agreed to pay half. Estate agent rang prospective buyers today to see if they agree to this proposal. They are still thinking about it, but they told my agent that because they paid £3000 over the asking price, they really would like us to reduce the price by £1400. My agent said to me that they have a good point. (I do wonder if he is saying that to our buyers also) All through this sale he seems to be on the side of our buyers rather than us. I seem to spend my time constantly trying to get in touch with him. Its generally a full day before he returns my calls, and Im left feeling very frustrated. I also found out last week that he hadnt checked out the chain connected to our buyers , he merely took their word for it, untill I insisted that he check it properly.In addition to this they have also moved premises, which meant I couldnt get in touch for a few days. Then there was trouble with the new phone lines (another day wasted!). I feel really annoyed, and begrudge paying his 1.5% fee. If i feel that he hasnt delivered the service that was promised, can I insist that he reduces his fee?

dips_3

Without wanting to be blunt (I do sympathise) but their service is to sell your house - which it looks like they have done for over the asking price.

If it seems like they are on the buyers side it is because they are buying your house - without them there is no sale. They are keeping the buyer sweet and trying to get the sale through.

TBH it sounds like they are doing a very good job.

pawpurrs

I think you should swallow it, surely you have got more than you anticapated. If my EA got me 3k over, I would be chuffed. Its a difficult job, keeping both parties sweet, the buyer does have a point, he is just trying to make you see that, as for not paying his fees, go ahead if you wish to be sued.
There are allways teething problems when yoy move offices, surely you can understand that. Its allways frustrating when people dont get back to you quickly but maybe he has to get hold of the buyers and then get back to you, he will be out on appointments etc.

erind

Thanks for your replies.
As for the Estate agent doing a great job of selling my house. I dont feel that is the case. I received 2 offers for the asking price the first day it went on sale. It was simply a case of one wanted it more than the other and offered 3k more. I think the house sold itself. Obviously I was very pleased. The problem I am having is the after service. Not checking the chain I feel is pretty bad. He told me that the chain was fine, no problems with survey etc. However when i pressed him to check this with the estate agent it seems there is a damp problem that has yet to be resolved on our prospective buyers home, Shouldnt I be made aware of this? Should I have to wait more than a day to speak to my agent? Ive never had this problem before when Ive moved home. Im paying for the service which they advertise, but Im not getting what Ive paid for.

Jorgan_2

erind wrote:

Not checking the chain I feel is pretty bad. He told me that the chain was fine, no problems with survey etc. However when i pressed him to check this with the estate agent it seems there is a damp problem that has yet to be resolved on our prospective buyers home, Shouldnt I be made aware of this? Should I have to wait more than a day to speak to my agent? Ive never had this problem before when Ive moved home. Im paying for the service which they advertise, but Im not getting what Ive paid for.

Should you have been aware of the damp in the buyers property? It depends on whether the agent was told himself. If he had asked the other agent 'has the survey been done on x property?' The answer could have been a simple yes or no. If he had asked 'has the survey been done & are have any issues arisen as a result of the survey?' A more detailed answer may have been forthcoming.

Do you only speak to one person at the Estate Agents? If you call them in the afternoon & they are out on appointments from 2-6pm you may not get a call back until the next morning.

If the agent has a service charter or promise which they use as part of their marketing & they are not living up to this, then arrange a meeting with the agent to discuss your concerns.

PoorDave

While i sympathise, it sounds like they're not the best agent, and not the worst. Nothing i wouldn't expect really!

erind

I have spoken to the agent today, who has apologised and has assured me that I will see an improvement going forward. So we'll see what happens.