Buying a property when Haart are the agent

tez_mike

Hi all
Went to view a house recently which we really liked. When I asked about the process for making an offer I was told that I have to go and see their mortgage advisor for them to check I am financially viable (they don't credit check though) and likely to get a mortgage. I told them I have a mortgage in principle but they said they do this with all buyers so the seller isn't messed about and they can't pass on my offer unless we do this. Well my mortgage advisor is independent just not theirs so I feel this is just a way to try and sell us their products. Problem is I feel they have us over a barrell as I know they have to legally pass on my offer to the seller (as this is my second move in under 2 years) but this is also a property that will easily sell as it is reasonably priced in a nice area, they could tell the offer to the buyer but recommend he doesn't choose us. Why should I have to go to their office to get the hard sell of a product I don't want just to make an offer on a house that might not even be accepted. Also I know Haart are ruthless and will call, email and send me letters constantly once they have my details, had to threaten them with legal action last time they wouldn't leave me alone! Any thoughts welcome.

m0bov

Go speak to the vender. Tell them, haart are trying to stitch you up. They will loose the sale.

eddddy

In your position, I would do this...

Make your offer by email, stating that you have a mortgage offer in principle.

And say that once the seller accepts your offer, you will come in to the EA's office prove your financial viability.

And, if you feel like playing a bit of a game, you can also say that if the offer is accepted, you'd be interested to see if their mortgage adviser can find you a better mortgage deal. (That might encourage the EA to push your offer harder - but you can 'change your mind' about this once the offer was accepted.)

tez_mike

m0bov wrote: »

Go speak to the vender. Tell them, haart are trying to stitch you up. They will loose the sale.

Great in principle however the seller is a very old man who seemed quite vulnerable. Hence Haart being there for the viewing so I think it would upset or confuse him and no matter how much I like the house it isn't worth that.

tez_mike

eddddy wrote: »

In your position, I would do this...

Make your offer by email, stating that you have a mortgage offer in principle.

And say that once the seller accepts your offer, you will come in to the EA's office prove your financial viability.

And, if you feel like playing a bit of a game, you can also say that if the offer is accepted, you'd be interested to see if their mortgage adviser can find you a better mortgage deal. (That might encourage the EA to push your offer harder - but you can 'change your mind' about this once the offer was accepted.)

I guess I could give that a try however I would be concerned the offer would not go through to him or they'd tell him to accept an offer off someone who will go in. Might try that though. Thank you

kerri_gt

Or if you really want the house, you could play the game - go sit for an hour, nod smile and give their MA the details needed (if you have an AIP then I'm guessing all your paperwork is in order). Once they see you are viable and if your offer is accepted you can either proceed with your AIP, or see if their MA can offer a better deal.

It's a complete PIA I realise but sometimes the path of least resistance is the quickest way to getting what you want in the long run.

eddddy

tez_mike wrote: »

I guess I could give that a try however I would be concerned the offer would not go through to him or they'd tell him to accept an offer off someone who will go in. Might try that though. Thank you

In general, it's illegal not to pass on offers. That's why it's good to send it by email - so the EA can't claim you didn't make an offer.


(The EA could claim that the seller instructed them not to forward offers which have not 'validated' - but I think the EA would be skating on thin ice, if they tried that.)

Slithery

tez_mike wrote: »

...as I know they have to legally pass on my offer to the seller...

Not strictly true. They don't have to pass on offers that don't fall into the criteria that the seller has previously instructed them of.

Knowing Haart I wouldn't be surprised if they had an appointment with their advisor as one of the criteria written into their standard contract.

It's definitely worth checking the code of conduct of whichever letting agents scheme they're signed up too though.

Hannah2

Hi

I had this as well, we had our mortgage agreed, not just in principle.

I refused to go and meet the advisor, told them i didnt have time to waste, but agreed to speak to them on the phone. The advisor was lovely, the conversation was very brief, i told him what our mortgage was and he said he couldn't beat it.

I did have to give our salaries as proof of affordability, but that was it.

Maybe just ask to do it by phone, if you want the house it might be worth it?