Buying but not using Estate Agent

storymaker

Basically, a neighbour of my father in law has had his house on the market for a while now and he's recently changed Estate Agent.

My father in law knew the house was going up for sale and the reasons behind it and told us before the first agent was even involved.

My question is, if we were interested in buying the house and arranged a private viewing etc would the owner still be liable to the estate agent for the sale fee?

Thanks x

G_M

Depends on the contract the seller has with the agent. As I haven't seen it, I can't answer.

ILW

Did teh EA have a board up?

storymaker

Yes, the agent has a board up and is marketing the property.

puddleduck

Did the owners know of your interest before putting it on the market? We have this situation with the couple next door - their daughter "might be interested" in our house if she can sell her own etc. and although the contract with our EA is for sole selling rights, we have an extra clause on there that says "if Mr & Mrs X or their family" put in an offer the EA will not expect their fee.
Best thing you can do is get your FIL to ask them what the situation is.

ILW

storymaker wrote: »

Yes, the agent has a board up and is marketing the property.

If I was the EA I would expect to get paid, as the board could have been what initiated the sale.

G_M

ILW wrote: »

If I was the EA I would expect to get paid, as the board could have been what initiated the sale.

If I was the EA I would hope to get paid, as the board could have been what initiated the sale. But if I couldn't prove it, OR the contract was not a 'sole selling' agreement, then I'd be unable to enforce payment.