Moving headache, help appreciated

terrypw

I have paid the MD (who is the seller) of the EA a fee towards the mortgage advice and a fee to his conveyancing service. That makes me a customer. His business has made money out of this.

AndyT678

It's not what you'll want to hear but I don't think you'll get very far. If the vendor was unconnected you'd have no chance. Even if the mortgage advisor, conveyancer and EA are the same company which they may not be, the MD as the owner of the house is a separate legal entity. I think it would be long and expensive to try to connect them all.

terrypw

Thanks Andy. I know ultimately they get away with everything, but if it at least causes them extra work and the referral to the Ombudsman poses them some awkward questions about their conduct, it will at least help to know that I have done to make them as uncomfortable as I can for putting me and my young family in the position that they have.

Annie1960

Go to your local newspaper - this sounds like a story to me, and will get your EA lots of bad publicity.

Clearly you will lose the house if you do this, but then if you find another £10k what's to say they won't ask for more the following week?

Once trust has broken down it is difficult to do business with people.

terrypw

Thanks - I am reserving my actions until the EA has given his final answer. Fortunately we are in a position to look for another place while renting... it's just a setback such as this makes it difficult to get back into the saddle. Today it feels like we'll never get onto the ladder.

harrys_dad

Do you have any evidence (that would stand up in court or with Ombudsman) that "the sale would not have happened if you had not used the EAs mortgage advisor and conveyancing"?

I have to say that legally you don't seem to have a case to me.Morally, of course you do, but EAs and morals do not go together very often, if at all.

terrypw

Sadly they weren't stupid enough to have it on record, barring recorded calls that they hold... so nothing concrete. I have a few email exchanges but nothing damning enough.

pinkshoes

I'd get the EA to put it in writing, and only agree to the increase once they have out it in writing.

I'd then drop the price back to the original amount on the day of exchange stating that if they don't agree, you'll be going to the ombudsman and the local paper.

scummy EA!

For future reference, never use the solicitor or financial advisor from the EA, as it means they know your budget!