Conveyancing with EA

skratos

Hi,

We've recently made an offer on a property and it was accepted. Now EA is trying to get us to do conveyancing with them. He said he's preferred us over the other clients during the sale because he felt we'll go with them for mortgaging or conveyancing.. The charges from EA's solicitors are higher than the quotes I've received from other solicitors. I am sure I can no to EA but could there be any repercussions that I should be aware of? Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

libf

Definitely don't go with the EA linked firm. The EA is just looking for kick backs. Get an independent firm.

Malmo

It is rarely in the buyer's best interests to take up services "recommended" by estate agents. Don't believe them when they say that it will make the process "easier" or "smoother" if you use their recommended mortgage adviser and/or conveyancing service. The main driver for any "recommendation" from the agent is their commission or referral fee. You don't benefit in any way. It is best to keep everything independent.

Read [URL=" https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4767543this useful and informative MSE thread[/URL] on how to choose a conveyancing solicitor, before you do anything.

Then read this article to understand what "good" looks like for conveyancing quotations and what to expect from a good quotation.

Don't just stick to one quote. Get at least 3 including a local solicitor or 2 near to you.

mrstick

skratos wrote: »

He said he's preferred us over the other clients during the sale because he felt we'll go with them for mortgaging or conveyancing..

Is he saying that he would recommend to the vendor that they went with an offer from a different buyer if you don't go with them for conveyancing and MA? Seems like he'd be on shaky ground to me...

skratos

Thanks for the replies. I've asked for a few quotes from different solicitors including online ones. My worry is whether EA can do anything to the sale if I don't agree to his conveyancing or mortgage offers. The seller accepted it and I am in direct contact with seller as well.

binerds81

can you ask for a memorandum of sale and then say no? that way you have proof that your offer has been accepted by the vendors in any case whoever you go with?

Senior_Paper_Monitor

memorandum of sale has the solicitors named in it !!

doryfish

This is really unscrupulous. The EA should not be interfering with a sale based on you taking up their recommendations.

I would recommend as others have not using any of the additional services the estate agent recommends. Not only does the agent get commission on their referrals but you may find that you're not getting a good deal.

I would recommend a solicitor do conveyancing in case anything goes wrong around exchange/completion time, then you're not having to find a solicitor as well as the conveyancer to put things right.

It's also in the EAs interests for the sale to go through smoothly, so never assume they're doing you a favour. They're not, they're doing themselves a favour.

amnblog

Under UK law an Estate Agent should not be putting pressure on you as the buyer to use associated services.


Worth mentioning to the negotiator at the Agency that they break the law themselves by taking such action.

stator

Well since we know the estate agent is dishonest and breaking the rules already it is certainly possible that he will try and scupper your offer.
However all you can do is act honestly and tell him you are using another solicitor. You will get a much better service from them.
When you use their 'recommended' conveyancing firm you are getting a 'cut price' service for a 'full price' fee because half the fee goes to the estate agent.
If you suspect he is trying to mislead the vendor into dropping out, write a letter to the vendor telling them what the estate agent is doing. (He has already admitted he's not working in their best interests by allegedly pushing your offer based solely on his own financial interest!)