Dodgy estate agent asking deal under the table

CKhalvashi

antrobus wrote: »

And Cuba.

Apparently.

And Georgia....

I've seen the official selling price more than once of 1000 laris, purely because the annual tax is 1% of the purchase price of the property.

DRP

It's worth stringing them along to get the details of how they want to carry out the transaction, even if you don't go through with it (gathering evidence as you go)

jjlandlord

In France the sale's paperwork must be signed in essentially a notary public's office.
During the procedure it is rather common for the guy to get out of the office to "check something" so that the buyer can give the large envelope full of cash to the seller...

This must add to the charm of buying a holiday property in France.

lauranash wrote: »

I don't have any evidence so I am doomed.

What 'doomed'?

Move on, and give them the publicity they deserve when someone asks you about local agents.

wiseguy80

If the bank's valuation comes out to be less than asking price, you are paying too much money for the property. In current climate, banks are far lenient on valuation than they were in 2010-2011.

Ask a person in negative equity who paid too much in a booming area. I would say stick to your offer and play it hard. It might go to another party but in all likelihood will come back to market.

Annie1960

lauranash wrote: »

I spent a couple of hours trying to get an app that records both voices but failed (I even had an it person to hep me). So no guarantee I'll succeed.

It's really easy. I'm a complete idiot with these modern phones, but I managed it on my Android. Very simple. The one I downloaded is called ACR. No prior knowledge or skills required.

kwmlondon

The problem with this is that pursuing it will probably waste your time and it's most likely that the sale will fall through. If you don't really want to engage in the process then as satisfying as it would be to get the EA into trouble, it's going to be a waste of your time and you need to focus on your primary aim which is getting a home. Anything else is a distraction.

They may end up recommending their own friendly solicitors who could be as dodgy as a £7 note and then the whole thing will get very messy.

I'd walk away, forget about it and focus all my attention on finding somewhere else.

I admire your desire to see justice done, but it's only going to waste your time and resources.

lauranash

The agent is now ignoring me and didn't confirm whether my last offer was accepted. So it's probably the end for me on this property.
I wonder if I will receive any letter from the agent to refuse my offers!

I do have a feeling of justice and duty to do something. Don't know if I will though.

For those who wonder what the problem may be with the surveyor. This is a booming area. I have seen 3 houses sold about 10 to 15% OVER asking price on the last week and a half.
All these sales will not be recorded before a while and the first valuation may be problematic.

silvercar

I would write to the sellers and tell them what is going on. Then walk away.

plumfin

lauranash wrote: »

I spent a couple of hours trying to get an app that records both voices but failed (I even had an it person to hep me). So no guarantee I'll succeed.

Use Rectel - we use it all the time to do mystery shops. It charges to your phone bill on a premium rate number for mobiles I think, but worth it

plumfin

http://www.rectel.co.uk/