2 agents vendor query

jimpix12

Hi all. I have an interest in a property that is for sale with 2 different agents. The agent I have been dealing with, has said that the property is 'under offer' yet are still doing viewings, and that they (not sure if 'they' meant the agents or the vendors) are "being messed about", and won't really give much more information on it, as they always pass it over to another staff member who is on holiday.

The property isn't marked as "under offer" anywhere and never has been, with either agent (using Property Bee).

So I was considering contacting the other agent to ask them about the offer status, but would that be classed as an introduction, i.e. would the vendor then need to pay them both? Is there a way around this - maybe using a fake name?

Surrey_EA

Not terribly helpful from the first agent. Have you actually viewed this property yet? if not, forget the first agent and start dealing with the second and see if you have more success there.

jimpix12

Yes, I've viewed it already with the first agent, sadly.

I don't mind contacting the other agent with a fake name, however if they then tell me it's not under offer, wouldn't I be unable to tell the first agent they had said that, i.e. I can't mention it to either of them?

Surrey_EA

I'm not sure I would bother calling and giving a fake name. Just phone the second agent, explaining that you've viewed it with the first, and are interested in pursuing a purchase, but the first agent haven't been able to give you a clear indication of exactly what the current situation is.

It may well be that the two agents are splitting a fee between them, rather than working on a "winner takes all" basis.

Alternatively, if the property is occupied by the owner you could attempt to contact them direct and explain the difficulties you are having whilst trying to deal with one of their chosen agents.

jimpix12

Thanks. If however they are working on a 'winner takes all' basis, and I've already first approached the 'first' agent, would the second agent try to levy a fee - even if I've just asked a simple question? Obviously it wouldn't affect me but I'm worried the vendor will be angry if they have to pay out more than necessary.

Hoploz

If you like the property, put in an offer. The EA will be obliged to put it forward, and the response will give you a much clearer picture of the situation.

Surrey_EA

spunko2010 wrote: »

Thanks. If however they are working on a 'winner takes all' basis, and I've already first approached the 'first' agent, would the second agent try to levy a fee - even if I've just asked a simple question? Obviously it wouldn't affect me but I'm worried the vendor will be angry if they have to pay out more than necessary.

Simply speaking to the second agent will not make the vendor become liable for paying a second fee. If I recall the term is "effective introduction to the property".

If the second agent wants to be awkward about it, then they may not be very helpful, as they perceive there is no financial reward in it for them, or they may end up giving you the full story and you'll know a lot more than the first agent is giving you.

Nothing for you to lose really.

Algar

I would be tempted to ask a friend to make the inquiry, he only needs to say he's interested and they'll be all over him like a rash.

jimpix12

Hoploz wrote: »

If you like the property, put in an offer. The EA will be obliged to put it forward, and the response will give you a much clearer picture of the situation.

I'm trying to find out if the mystery buyer/timewaster has indeed put in an offer as this will effect what I offer. It's been on the market for a very long time.

jimpix12

Surrey_EA wrote: »

Simply speaking to the second agent will not make the vendor become liable for paying a second fee. If I recall the term is "effective introduction to the property".

If the second agent wants to be awkward about it, then they may not be very helpful, as they perceive there is no financial reward in it for them, or they may end up giving you the full story and you'll know a lot more than the first agent is giving you.

Nothing for you to lose really.

Ok, thanks. So you think that honesty is the best policy here and to inform the second agent that I have already visited with the other agent etc?

Surrey_EA

spunko2010 wrote: »

Ok, thanks. So you think that honesty is the best policy here and to inform the second agent that I have already visited with the other agent etc?

I really do. Despite popular opinion to the contrary, most EAs aren't that bad and the chances are you'll get some help/information from the second agent. Using fake names, getting a friend to call is not the best plan in my view.