Estate Agent not calling back? Is it normal?

always_sunny

I went to see a flat (new build) on the weekend and I liked it. I called the agent on Monday to get the paperwork for the next steps (putting a booking fee down) and haven't heard from them yet (Wed). Is it normal?
Another agent has the same flat (slightly different price) and called them too on Monday, still haven't called back!!!

Should I keep pestering them?

PasturesNew

Yes, they're really poor at being available, being reachable and calling back.
If possible, it's always better to slouch into their offices and chat to everybody in there. Share a cheery chat if possible; get known.

Unfortunately, they seem to remember people better when they've met them/when they pester them a lot.

Bit annoying if you're the "trusting" sort and not the "mithering" sort.

Go on ...give them a call. Slack 4rsew1pes.

always_sunny

Thank you! I guess then they must be used to being pestered all the time!!!

jacko74

Yes, entirely normal, they seem to be remarkably reluctant to actually sell houses in my experience.. even in the current supply starved market when they must be very un-busy I find I still have to mither and pester them when attempting to gain info about or even put an offer on any of the properties on their books.

blinko

yes estate agents are expert at being useless UNTIL you dangle a sale/commission in front of them THEN they are amazing.

saddatabid

Yes, you can call them without any hassle. If you show your interest in the property, then they will definitely call you back.

I also agree with the @blinko..

J_i_m

I imagine it's completely normal. Back in the day when I was looking for rentals, I'd never get a call back if I were unlucky enough to go through to voicemail.

I do wonder about the amount of potential business agents loose by ingnoring messages.

I'm not exactly a bulshy person, but I've found that I've had to leave any anxiety about 'pestering' behind and pick up that phone to chase things along.

You don't have to be unreasonable or difficult but some well aimed assertiveness can work wonders in showing your interest and a willingness to move things forward.

I believe I secured my property to buy through a combination of letting them get on with it... Followed up periodic chase ups to show that I wasn't going to simply disappear. A good balance between persistence whilst never crossing the line to pestering.

MoneyEM

I would keep calling and ask for an update. I put an offer in for a house on Saturday, and have been in contact with them every day asking for updates. If I haven't heard from them then I will call them and ask, to show i'm really keen and serious about this place.