Connells featured on local BBC consumer show for 'forcing' buyer to use their broker.

lavalamp1 · 12 March 2015 at 3:48PM

Taylors are very persistent on seeing their Mortgage advisor. It is good to hear many positive stories that come about from seeing them but I do understand an EA discrimination when someone doesn't choose to use them and in fact would decline a higher offer.

Surely it would be a conflict of interest showing them your payslips knowing the maximum you could borrow and then getting the maximum price on the house.

Ggrw104 · 12 March 2015 at 7:45PM

My OH and I put an offer in on a property through Connells. We were told that there was another party and the vendor wanted them to financially assess both of us to help them to decide on which offer to choose. Needless to say we had to see their mortgage broker, even though I had sent an AIP when the first offer was made because we would be porting our mortgage.

We refused to play ball with them and withdrew our offer they went with the other party. I wouldn't go near them again, they give EA a bad name.

rosie383 · 12 March 2015 at 7:51PM

I think it's nuts and all just to give the EA more money from the sale. How many EA will tell a vendor when they are vying for their business, 'If we get a perfectly legit, proceedable buyer come to us with their own solicitor already in place and a mortgage agreed already, we will refuse to put their offer forward to you unless they agree to delay proceedings by switching everything to our recommended people. Obviously both you and the buyer will pay even more in fees!'

lxpeanut · 12 March 2015 at 9:30PM

lavalamp1 wrote: »

Surely it would be a conflict of interest showing them your payslips knowing the maximum you could borrow and then getting the maximum price on the house.

It didnt really matter my first offer was accepted before going to see them (supposedly on the condition that I use them). Might be relevant if they say the vendor is considering your offer but you have to see them first.

betmunch · 13 March 2015 at 9:18AM

The response is laughable! Its long been known that this is an issue within our industry. Hopefully this will shine a light on it.

Its good to see that people have positive reports about their experiences, but it doesnt change the fact that no-one should be denied the choice of who handles their arrangements.

I dont get a chance to listen to this show but I hope the OP will keep this thread updated with any follow up reports.

rosie383 · 13 March 2015 at 9:27AM

JVS is dedicating the first phone-in hour of his show to EA tricks this morning. If you aren't in the area you can listen online on iplayer radio.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecountiesradio/on-air

Just heard him promoting the show and when you hear what the EA did that was selling his flat last year, you will realise why he was angrier with them than he has ever been with any company in his life ever!

Oh, and he also said that when he came in to work this morning there was a big pile of messages from people who had had the same problem with Connells.

Should be a great listen! I can't wait!

betmunch · 13 March 2015 at 10:22AM

Cheers Rosie,

Will try and get a listen in, certainly get the iplayer version if not today

rosie383 · 13 March 2015 at 10:45AM

JVS has just said that his team have told him that the calls are still coming in and they have NEVER had so many calls on one issue.
Even callers who were told that they couldn't even view a property unless they saw the in house mortgage advisor. And one lady who had the cash in the bank and was told she couldn't put an offer on a property even though she most definitely did not need a mortgage.

The proverbial is hitting the fan!! I would not like to be in the office of Connells anywhere, but definitely not in their Stopsley branch.

rosie383 · 13 March 2015 at 11:11AM

It's an absolutely crackin' listen. The calls are still coming in thick and fast. Usually his main phone-in finishes at 10, but there are too many callers desperate to have their say.