Help with wording explanation to EA..

mermaid85

No, I realise an extension will be drawn out, we didn't think we could afford to move, but the perfect house came up within our range, so we got ours on the market asap - but missed out anyway.

They have taken it down "for now" but I'm going to have to tell them it's not going back on with them. I'm concerned about the ethics of the branch manager - the guys showing our house have been fine, but since we said we wanted to take it off, manager has been involved and is a nightmare. He wanted me to accept the low offer while waiting for a better one, on the off chance that something comes up. I don't agree with telling someone I'll take their offer with no intention of sticking to it, and told him so. Which makes me wonder what he is telling buyers?!

I didn't realise EAs were still so shady!

mermaid85

Pixie5740 wrote: »

Have you seen an independent mortgage broker or just the EA's in-house one?

I haven't actually, I had the intention to but my OH has been out of the country on and off for the last couple of months and we haven't squeezed it in yet. Is it likely to be much different?

Surrey_EA

mermaid85 wrote: »

I didn't realise EAs were still so shady!

Some are, some are not! It varies.

Sounds like the branch manager is not exactly focused on your best interests. Is this branch part of a large chain, or is it a small independent? From the situation you describe I would guess the former.

eddddy

mermaid85 wrote: »

They have taken it down "for now" but I'm going to have to tell them it's not going back on with them.

Have you checked your contract with them?

You probably have to give this EA 2 or 4 weeks written notice before you can instruct another EA (assuming you are no longer in their minimum contract period).

If you like, you can just give the written notice - you don't have to explain yourself.


Also, ask the EA for names of anyone they feel they have introduced to your property (especially anyone that has made an offer). You should pass that list to the new EA, and say that you will not pay commission to the new EA in relation to any of those people. (i.e. the new EA should refer them back to the old EA.)

GaleSF63

Surrey_EA wrote: »

Sounds like the branch manager is not exactly focused on your best interests. Is this branch part of a large chain, or is it a small independent? From the situation you describe I would guess the former.

When I sold my mother's house I had 3 agents round - one long established local family firm; two national chains.

The local one (manager came I think) which I expected to favour was arrogant, rude about the house and talked down to me as if I was a six-year-old.

I went with a national, and got excellent service. I was particularly pleased with the way they responded to my phone calls - I had a contact but if he wasn't there whoever was would always deal with it (efficiently) - none of this "he's out, can you ring tomorrow" or "he's not in till Tuesday I'll get him to phone you." that is prevalent today. They all sounded as if they enjoyed their jobs and wanted to help. I was 300 miles away so it would have been easy to leave me to stew. It wasn't an expensive house either so they weren't making a mint.

I believe a manager has a big effect on the efficiency and atmosphere in an office. Hate to think what the local was like to work in.

moneyistooshorttomention

There are EA's that only require notice of one week if leaving them - I know because that's what I had for my last place.

So - I'd be quoting that sort of thing at them if they contacted me against my will again.

However, why are you picking up the phone to them? Do you have a phone with "caller display"? If so - you will know it's them and just let it ring and leave the room. They will get the message after a while.

If you don't have that type of phone - then just resist the urge to answer it when it rings and then dial up to see what number called you. If it's someone you wish to speak to - you ring back. If it's them - you don't ring back.

mermaid85

It is a large chain. I think we are to give 2 weeks notice, but they have had it in writing that we want to be taken off the market. I was answering their calls as I was chasing up why they haven't taken us off yet - asked on Thurs and on Tuesday I still had him trying to pressure me with a too low offer, I could have just ignored their calls but then I wouldn't be getting the break from websites that I wanted before going on at a "normal" price instead of in excess of.
I have been in to the office, which was awkward, and notes have been put on as to why I am leaving and unhappy. The person I spoke to can't do anything about it himself, but the next in line should see the notes on the system and deal with manager from it. Unless of course he takes the same approach!

Jimmy_Neutron

eddddy wrote: »

Also, ask the EA for names of anyone they feel they have introduced to your property (especially anyone that has made an offer). You should pass that list to the new EA, and say that you will not pay commission to the new EA in relation to any of those people. (i.e. the new EA should refer them back to the old EA.)

Don't vendors receive emails and text messages informing them that Mr XYZ is asking to view their house at such a date/time?

eddddy

Jimmy_Neutron wrote: »

Don't vendors receive emails and text messages informing them that Mr XYZ is asking to view their house at such a date/time?

Yes (or perhaps a phone call).

Since there's potentially a few thousand pounds at stake, it makes sense to ask for a list. If you disagree with the list, you can challenge it now, rather than later when you may have the EA threatening court action.

Pixie5740

mermaid85 wrote: »

I haven't actually, I had the intention to but my OH has been out of the country on and off for the last couple of months and we haven't squeezed it in yet. Is it likely to be much different?

It depends whether the in-house mortgage broker is whole-of-market or not.