EA changes sign on building back to 'for sale' after i put offer in!!??

annamy

I'm confused! Found peoperty and put offer in (15k below asking) 3 weeks ago, i;ve got no chain and it's all cash., so the EA seemed happy, all good...
Then, an original buyer came back and the EA said it was just 'fair practise' to let the buyer's bank solicitors to get their information for his mortgate, so any negotiations could begin, etc.Fair enough, I thought.

Then after a couple of weeks, i tried to get in contact with the EA, he said it was going to take some time, and that the property probably was going to go to the original buyer!?
I reassuresd him that I was still keen and prepared to negotiate, but wanted to have a fair go at negotiations, but as I didn't know what the seller thought of my offer, wouldn't put in a higher bid at this stage.
Since then I haven't heard anything, despite trying to get hold of the EA. The yesterday, I saw that the sign on the house had been changed back to 'for sale'...
I've tried to get hold of the EA today, but he always seems to be 'out'. Is it really 'fair practise' to ignore a perfectly good offer like that, and probably trying to get more bidders in, hence the 'for sale' sign up again?!

I don't understand a thing. Also, before putting my bid in, the EA kept going on about he wanted a 'quick sale'. Fine, here I am!!!

Do all EAs come from a different planet??

thesaint

The Estate agents are only obligated to follow their clients instructions, they should be upfront with you though, it would save a lot of time and unnecessary worries.
Have you enquired at the house that you are interested in?

annamy

Hi, thanks!

Well, the house has been empty for quite a while, but I've found the contact details of the owner, but am not sure if the EA would be a bit annoyed if i contacted the seller directly...perhaps I should do anyway?

courtjester

It's not really up to the agent, but bear in mind that the vendor may only want to deal with you via their agent, so you might want to indicate that you have been having difficulty finding out the position via the agent and hence why you have called direct, but apologise for doing so - if the vendor then is happy to talk to you and deal directly, that's fine - the agent is the vendor's concern, not yours.

You might want to try and check whether your offer was passed on (legally the agent must do this).

You also need to be concerned if another buyer is being given priority by the agent over your offer, because they are taking the agent's mortgage service - it is against the law for agents to discriminate against you (i.e refuse to pass on your offer) on this basis.

However, your rights tend to run out there - the vendor is not obliged to sell you the property even if they accept your offer, just as you can pull out of the sale anytime up until exchange, so can they and if other offers come in, you don't have the right to enforce your agreement. You can only talk and negotiate, but talking is a good first step so go for it.

hearts

If you want it raise your offer. He is quite entitled to leave his property on the market and to try and achieve what he believes to be its true value.
....and before I hear " a property is only worth what someone will pay for it" its also only worth what someone will sell it for ;-)
If you want it put your money where your mouth is. ;-)