Seller Won't Accept Offer - Allegedly

w00519772

I had this when I bought my house. When I turned up to the appointment I made it clear that I was not interested as I had done thorough research (with price comparison websites and a few other mortgage brokers). The appointment lasted five minutes. I showed him:

1) Bank account balance
2) Agreement in principle
3) Contract of Employment

warby68

Helvetica_Van_Buren wrote: »

In lieu of visiting the vendor, I'm going to send a simple polite letter (next-day-guaranteed-for-sign-by-special) explaining the facts and demonstrating I can afford it.

I have no issue showing I can afford it - because I can; I have issue with being forced to have an hour-long meeting with their mortgage broker before (they claim) my offer will be considered.

Precisely

Verbal stuff can be denied or claims made you misunderstood etc if challenged.

In writing or email, less so

If you're happy to, put a phone number or email on your letter so vendor has the option of getting in touch also.

Perhaps approach the broker meeting in the way suggested - just to show proof if you really don't want the hour.

kaylajane

Maybe I'm a bit sceptical but all that goes through my head is that the agents work for the seller, and I wouldn't be happy showing them a DIP/AIP if it was more then what was required to buy the property you want. They may try and push for more money from you if they know your full position.

AnotherJoe

You could take a middle way. Go into EA broker, say "here are my documents proving I can buy can you validate those please" and simply refuse to enter into any discussion regards a mortgage with them.

I'd still send the letter as above, but adding in that you are happy to prove to the EA you can afford it but object to what in effect is one of those "free trip round the island for attending a one hour timeshare presentation" scams. I'd do this so the EA cannot pretend that you are pulling the wool over vendors eyes by not letting them vet your details.

If this is a chain agency I would also write a letter to the head office complaining, should you get a hard sell when you go in for your five minute meeting. (They may book a one hour but you don't need to let it last that long)

Helvetica_Van_Buren

kaylajane wrote: »

Maybe I'm a bit sceptical but all that goes through my head is that the agents work for the seller, and I wouldn't be happy showing them a DIP/AIP if it was more then what was required to buy the property you want. They may try and push for more money from you if they know your full position.

I have thought of this also, but the amount I can borrow does not mean the value of the house increases. They may think that it does and that I'll pay more, but I've already offered the higher end of their asking price. If they tried to hold out for even more, then quite simply I'm not the buyer for them.

I either show them my offer in principle, or I don't. I'm not going to get much further without showing them so I have to take the risk.

Helvetica_Van_Buren

AnotherJoe wrote: »

You could take a middle way. Go into EA broker, say "here are my documents proving I can buy can you validate those please" and simply refuse to enter into any discussion regards a mortgage with them.

I'd still send the letter as above, but adding in that you are happy to prove to the EA you can afford it but object to what in effect is one of those "free trip round the island for attending a one hour timeshare presentation" scams. I'd do this so the EA cannot pretend that you are pulling the wool over vendors eyes by not letting them vet your details.

If this is a chain agency I would also write a letter to the head office complaining, should you get a hard sell when you go in for your five minute meeting. (They may book a one hour but you don't need to let it last that long)

It is a chain and I do intend on complaining once the process is concluded - whichever way it goes.

Based on the great advice so far, I am going to submit my offer in writing (a letter printed to PDF) along with my evidence of affordability. In the accompanying email I'm going to explain that I've sent exactly the same information to the vendor and for them (the agent) to state (by replying to my email) that a meeting with their mortgage broker is a condition of putting my offer forward.If they don't, then that's great; if they do then at least I have it in writing for my complaint.

kaylajane

Maybe just remind them that under the Estate Agents Act 1979 that they must pass on all offers promptly. If they need to see that it is affordable then DIP or letter from prospective lender should be enough

Helvetica_Van_Buren

kaylajane wrote: »

Maybe just remind them that under the Estate Agents Act 1979 that they must pass on all offers promptly. If they need to see that it is affordable then DIP or letter from prospective lender should be enough

Thanks kaylajane - I wasn't aware of this information. I will use it in my letter confirming my offer.

debsy42

Perhaps call their bluff? Go along to the meeting with their broker but when you get there ask them to call the seller there and then and insist you have a chat directly with the seller about your offer.......

Helvetica_Van_Buren

debsy42 wrote: »

Perhaps call their bluff? Go along to the meeting with their broker but when you get there ask them to call the seller there and then and insist you have a chat directly with the seller about your offer.......

I thought about doing something similar; just going through with the appointment and then insisting they call the seller whilst I'm there.

To be honest, I'm sold on the idea of writing to the seller directly and removing the control the agent has on the flow of information. I'm hoping once the seller has all the details they'll ask the agent what they're playing at with the delays.