Proof of affordability before viewing a house

Jamesjames

I had wanted to arrange viewing for a house that came on the market recently. The marketing agent, Connells, informed me I had to go through the affordability assessment by their in-house financial adviser before they could allow me view the property.
This was despite me telling him I already had a DIP and that speaking to their in-house financial adviser was something I could consider after viewing the house and I felt it was a property we liked and would place an offer in.

The viewing was declined as I refused to speak to them.

I wonder if this is the normal trend and/or if anyone else has had a similar experience with estate agents when arranging to view a property.

HappyMJ

Jamesjames wrote: »

I had wanted to arrange viewing for a house that came on the market recently. The marketing agent, Connells, informed me I had to go through the affordability assessment by their in-house financial adviser before they could allow me view the property.
This was despite me telling him I already had a DIP and that speaking to their in-house financial adviser was something I could consider after viewing the house and I felt it was a property we liked and would place an offer in.

The viewing was declined as I refused to speak to them.

I wonder if this is the normal trend and/or if anyone else has had a similar experience with estate agents when arranging to view a property.

I'd just ignore them and write a letter to the vendor requesting a viewing.

That is unacceptable.

marksoton

Tell them to stick it. I cannot abide that company and their practices.

Similar thing happened to me and i just ruled out any properties marketed by them.

kinger101

Approach vendor directly. Explain the EA was being obstructive, and is trying to line their own pockets with commissions for financial services before allowing viewings.

Jamesjames

Thanks both of you. Happymj, if I did that and spoke to the owner directly, won't this sort of estate agent cause problems along the way, should we get to buy the house?

kinger101

It's likely that the EA will still get their commission due to the terms of the contract with the vendor. It's also likely they'll get a bol1ocking from the vendor. It's possible the vendor is gullible, and will believe the EA when they explain they were doing this for the benefit of the vendor.

HappyMJ

Jamesjames wrote: »

Thanks both of you. Happymj, if I did that and spoke to the owner directly, won't this sort of estate agent cause problems along the way, should we get to buy the house?

The EA still technically introduced you by advertising the property so they'll still get their commission if you make an offer directly to the vendor.

That's not your problem.

Once an offer is accepted the EA has little further involvement with the purchase process. Their job is to introduce buyers to sellers and that's it.

eddddy

If you approach the seller direct, bear in mind that the EA may have 'brainwashed' them into believing that affordability checks before viewings are vital. (e.g. "Anyone who refuses an affordability check is probably a timewaster with no funds.")

Surprisingly, some people believe what dodgy EAs tell them.

So you might have to tread a little carefully.

AdrianC

So let 'em waste their time on an affordability check. <shrug> Go in to the appointment and be up-front. Say "Look, I have a DiP for an adequate amount, and I won't be using you to arrange the mortgage, because I'm happy with my current broker". Give them a letter from your current broker, confirming that the DiP is in place for at least the asking price.

Malmo

Complain to them (https://www.tpos.co.uk/consumers/faq#q5) and then follow up with The Property Ombudsman Service if they do not admit wrongdoing. Also refer to this thread last year, which is about Connells Group. Avoid them, they are a awful company.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5196062

Jennifer_Davey

Having the same issue with Connels! Mortgage agreed with Natwest, put an offer on house above asking price. Connells said we needed to come in to be "Financially verified". Our current mortgage broker called them confirmed the details and amount of the AIP. They still persisted. We love the house and there's four other offers on the table so in a bid to stay in their good books we attended. 2 hours later and their financial adviser comes up with the same mortgage we've already secured and wants £500 to arrange it (our current broker is free!!!!)

Not happy. But desperately in love with the property!!!