2 potential buyers - but complications

Annabee

After 3 months on the market we swapped agents a few days ago and dropped the price.

On Monday we received a lowish offer from first timers. We are waiting to see if they will go slightly higher as we have already dropped the price by £7k and this is another £7k under that. They are discussing with their family (who I think are helping them out). We have not heard back yet.

Yesterday we had another viewing from a couple who have sold their house. They seemed very keen and said they would probably be putting in an offer. They mentioned they had seen the details of our house when it was on at the higher price with the old agent. However they had arranged the viewing with the new agent. They have also mentioned to the old agent that we have dropped the price! (So the old agent will know they're interested).

When they'd gone I checked the list of all activity on our house that was sent by the old agents .. and yes their name was mentioned as having received particulars.

Now I'm sure you know what I'm thinking - if they go ahead, then both agents are going to think they introduced them and try to claim the fee. Help!

I was going to ring the new agent in the morning, explain the situation and suggest both agents sort it out between them. Maybe they could each take half or something? Because there's no way we're paying out 2 sets of commissions - its expensive enough already.

But then I thought - the best thing for us is if these 2 potential buyers slug it out and push up the price of the house to something decent. (I can dream, can't I?)
BUT if the new agent thinks they won't get their commission then they might decide to discourage the couple from offering. So maybe I should keep my mouth shut for a bit?

What to do for the best? When I signed with the new agent they assured me this sort of thing never happens!!

IveSeenTheLight

Annabee wrote: »

After 3 months on the market we swapped agents a few days ago and dropped the price.

However they had arranged the viewing with the new agent.

I was going to ring the new agent in the morning, explain the situation

Never been in this situation before, however my 2 pennies worth.

You had the house on with the old EA for 3 months with no real activity.
You changed to a new EA and within a few days already you have 2 people offering and a third who is about to make an offer.

I would call up the first EA and explain that you no longer require their services. If they ask why state that there was no movement in three months and you have found another EA who has provided a much better response.

The third couple you state have arranged through the new EAS, meaning for me, the new EA is entitled to the payment, not the old EA who did not make the arrangement.

Hope you get this sorted