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

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  • MJP43
    MJP43 Posts: 61 Forumite
    Connells bought out Burchell Edwards, who operate in the Midlands who used to use this disgusting tactic(which once cost me a sale) before even Connells took over.

    The Bruce brothers who used to own Burchell Edwards who were frankly the worst company I have ever dealt with now own Purple Bricks. I was actually considering using Purple Bricks until I found out who the shareholders were.
  • Malmo
    Malmo Posts: 710 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    edited 19 March 2015 at 1:36PM
    It's worth noting that Connells Group became 100% owned by Skipton Building Society, as of 2010. Skipton first acquired a major stake in 1996.

    I wonder what proportion of buyers they convert to Skipton products through their in-house services?
  • Malmo
    Malmo Posts: 710 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Here's another interesting Connells thread about the same type of practice. In this case, MSE member @bektin had success in being awarded some compensation after escalating the complaint to TPOS - great news.
  • stator
    stator Posts: 7,441 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    This is getting really annoying. More and more agents are constantly using high pressure sales techniques to get you into their broker. I think I just hope my dream house doesn't come up on Connells, I'm going to try and avoid them. The sooner Bricks and Mortar agents die out the better. Roll on the Internet Age.
    Changing the world, one sarcastic comment at a time.
  • pickles13
    pickles13 Posts: 157 Forumite
    I would have told them I would not agree to a meeting with their broker until they confirmed in writing that their submitting an offer made in good faith was conditional on that meeting.

    Can't see them agreeing to do that!

    Ok, so on the phone the EA told me that the offer was acceptable but that the vendor would not accept until we had seen the Connells MA. The very next day, I received an letter in the post outlining my offer etc but not saying whether it had been accepted. Is this usual practice?
  • rosie383
    rosie383 Posts: 4,981 Forumite
    I know when we have offered and haven't received an answer straight away, we have had a letter stating our offer and whether it has been accepted or rejected. Usually we will get an email within a day or so and then a letter in the post.
    I have to say, the more I'm reading, the more that I am grateful that we are buying and selling through a different agency.
    I know I did complain about them before, but compared to Connells they have been much more professional. Or perhaps it is because they know I'm a member of MSE and know my rights, and they know that!
    Father Ted: Now concentrate this time, Dougal. These
    (he points to some plastic cows on the table) are very small; those (pointing at some cows out of the window) are far away...
    :D:D:D
  • pickles13
    pickles13 Posts: 157 Forumite
    Well I have my appointment with them today and I am so nervous because I'm worried about them basically not accepting that I have no own broker and AIP already in place. Really shouldn't be this worried! I also noticed that they have asked me to bring lots of info, including details of all my pensions and insurance, why would they need that if its purely to check we are viable?!
  • rosie383
    rosie383 Posts: 4,981 Forumite
    How did it go Pickles? Did you stand strong?
    Father Ted: Now concentrate this time, Dougal. These
    (he points to some plastic cows on the table) are very small; those (pointing at some cows out of the window) are far away...
    :D:D:D
  • Stuspillz
    Stuspillz Posts: 24 Forumite
    I wish I read this thread yesterday, had two agents come to value my place, Taylors and Connells.
    I prefered what the Connells agent had to say, seemed extremely confident with various examples of similar sales to mine in the area in the last month.
    The premium listing (floorplans and audio tour) and professional photographs(8) package, full brochure included was quoted at £230.80 all in. Non Negotiable, but refundable on the completion of the sale.
    20 week lock in reduced to 10 week.
    Selling fee's reduced to £2100 instead of £2500.
    Promise of listing in two local papers and larger slot on the window (as premium listing)

    Compared to Taylors very ordinary basic marketing, higher fees even after negotiating (£2,300)
    Only one similar example, the other two brought along were of 1 bed flats apposed to my 2 bed.

    Guess im going to have to keep an eye on all offers they are getting....
  • Malmo
    Malmo Posts: 710 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Stuspillz wrote: »
    I wish I read this thread yesterday, had two agents come to value my place, Taylors and Connells.
    I prefered what the Connells agent had to say, seemed extremely confident with various examples of similar sales to mine in the area in the last month.
    The premium listing (floorplans and audio tour) and professional photographs(8) package, full brochure included was quoted at £230.80 all in. Non Negotiable, but refundable on the completion of the sale.
    20 week lock in reduced to 10 week.
    Selling fee's reduced to £2100 instead of £2500.
    Promise of listing in two local papers and larger slot on the window (as premium listing)

    Compared to Taylors very ordinary basic marketing, higher fees even after negotiating (£2,300)
    Only one similar example, the other two brought along were of 1 bed flats apposed to my 2 bed.

    Guess im going to have to keep an eye on all offers they are getting....

    Why not look for and invite local, non-corporate agents to value your property?
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