EA wants to 'qualify' offer

Azza_1

Hello MSE,

Currently browsing for houses and me and my partner have found one that we both really like.

We've seen this property twice and put in an offer via telephone Why is this process such a pain?!

My and my girlfriend have been on and off looking for a while and the past 3 months or so we've properly started searching. We've just found a property we really like after a couple of viewing and put in an offer on Tuesday. During the call the EA (Connells) wanted us to see their Mortgage 'Expert' in order to qualify the offer. Today I went in to give the offer in writing and a copy of a DIP. Though this didn't state money for this particular property it states the max they could lend us.

After handing over the letter and stating that I wouldn't be available for an appointment with their 'advisor' while rustling through the paper he said "okay, good well she (the advisor) would qualify the offer as well, we have received another offer on the property which is in the process of getting qualified as well, it's very close. Is that going to be your best and final offer?"

After trying to pry some info out of him he said "I think the vendor would want an increase any way speaking to her any way, she said get everybody qualified and everything and we'll take it from there, we're just waiting for the other one to come in and we'll get them qualified as well".

After questioning what was involved in the 'qualifying appointment' he said "it's just so, well we'd obviously need the ID and proof of residence... let me check if there is anything else available".

From the way he was talking I get the impression that the offer hasn't been passed onto the vendor or they're waiting to see who they can push products and find out more details about before passing onto the vendor.


I don't believe a word this guy says and we have no intention in seeing their MA if we can't help it. I have got a telephone appointment on Wednesday with the lender who provided the DIP.


What's the best way to get through this as we both really like the property...?

Daerve

I'd tell the EA that I won't be seeing their MA as I already have my own appointed. Simple as that.

I'd also remind them they are legally obliged to give the vendor your offer to consider and you would like them to do so as soon as practicable.

Malmo

You might want to familiarise yourself with this extensive thread on this very topic.

Also, quote them Section 9c from The Property Ombudsman's Sales Code of Practice:

"By law you cannot make it a condition of passing on offers to the seller that the person wanting to buy the property must use services offered by you or another party"

heckmondwike06

Unfortunately the estate agent is incentivised to:

a) get more mortgage offers!
b) try and get a higher price for vendor

In certain cases, other 'buyers' would come forward that never existed until you made an offer!

Have you fallen in love with any other properties? If so, I would make offers on others too because you never know.

Do not instruct solicitors until your offer is accepted. And when it is have a condition that property is withdrawn from market.

Azza_1

Thanks Malmo, I have tried searching but I wasn't able to find anything recent. Obviously my search skills are failing me.

In two minds as to go tomorrow and just lay it down or do it over the phone.

Azza_1

heckmondwike06 wrote: »

Unfortunately the estate agent is incentivised to:

a) get more mortgage offers!
b) try and get a higher price for vendor

In certain cases, other 'buyers' would come forward that never existed until you made an offer!

Have you fallen in love with any other properties? If so, I would make offers on others too because you never know.

Do not instruct solicitors until your offer is accepted. And when it is have a condition that property is withdrawn from market.

Not as of yet. It's hard to get a combination of location, parking and price where we are looking. This house is the first really.

Seeing a property tomorrow and on Tuesday though.

rosie383

Malmo wrote: »

You might want to familiarise yourself with this extensive thread on this very topic.

Also, quote them Section 9c from The Property Ombudsman's Sales Code of Practice:

"By law you cannot make it a condition of passing on offers to the seller that the person wanting to buy the property must use services offered by you or another party"

READ THIS THREAD BEFORE YOU GO ANYWHERE NEAR CONNELLS AGAIN. You would think they would be on their best behaviour just now but obviously not!

rosie383

Oops. I see that you have now. To be forewarned and all that ...

Peronihull

I had that with Connells, I told them to get lost. If you really like house and are worried the aren't passing your offers through, drop a note into the vendors directly.

stator

Yes, put your offer in writing to the Estate Agents. Send a copy directly to the vendor too. Let the vendor know how hard the agents are making it for you.
Personally I am boycotting Connells and any agents that behave like them too (yes I know they won't care)

Azza_1

Yeah we're going to go tomorrow but basically say thanks but no thanks and see what happens.

Then send a letter direct to the vendor. They no longer live in the property but land registry has their address. I doubt Connells would pass me their details!