Is it worth complaining about Estate Agents

Purplecatcud

The estate agents we were using to sell our property have lied to a viewer. When I queried this I was told that they said it to get a sale.

They have also said there have been offers but haven’t passed these on, instead they just said “oh we are chasing them up” I can imagine this happening once, but they have said this about 4 viewers in 2 weeks.

Is it worth complaining to them?

Comms69

Im confused what I the complaint?


Estate agents lie, you can tell because their lips are moving...


As for offers not being passed on; presumably these are lower than you're current offer?

Purplecatcud

Firstly they told us for an offer to be accepted on the property we want we had to market our property with them. They said they would give us 4 weeks to sell but didn’t put it on the market for a week and then took 3 weeks to put a for sale board up. After the property being on the market for 3 weeks they put the property we wanted back on the market.

They then sent agents round to show prospective buyers. They were late and hadn’t even seen the property before.

They lied to prospective buyers about a legal aspect to the property.

Just feel like we have wasted our time with them. We don’t know what offers have been made because they are instructed to pass on all offers.

Purplecatcud

I have chased them up but they have not
Replied to my emails or returned my
Calls

Comms69

Purplecatcud wrote: »

Firstly they told us for an offer to be accepted on the property we want we had to market our property with them. - well that was naive of you. Sorry but clearly there is a never ending issue there, as any buyer for your property would also have to then market with them, etc. They said they would give us 4 weeks to sell but didn’t put it on the market for a week and then took 3 weeks to put a for sale board up. - Tbh no-one pays attention to for sale signs After the property being on the market for 3 weeks they put the property we wanted back on the market. - No, your vendor did that

They then sent agents round to show prospective buyers. They were late and hadn’t even seen the property before. - That is often the case.

They lied to prospective buyers about a legal aspect to the property. - elaborate on this. Did you correct them?

Just feel like we have wasted our time with them. We don’t know what offers have been made because they are instructed to pass on all offers.

So serve notice and market with another agent.


It would be obvious to me at least that any agent requiring me to market with them before submitting my offer would cause no end of bother.

eddddy

Purplecatcud wrote: »

They have also said there have been offers but haven’t passed these on, instead they just said “oh we are chasing them up” I can imagine this happening once, but they have said this about 4 viewers in 2 weeks.

How do you know that offers have been made?

I assume this info didn't come from the EA, as telling you that they are not passing on offers would be an admission that they are breaking the law.

Also, if they don't pass on offers, the property won't sell, and they won't earn any commission.

(More typically, EAs will even pass on very low offers. They would rather that a property sold cheaply, than not at all.)

agrinnall

Comms69 wrote: »

Tbh no-one pays attention to for sale signs

That's not entirely true, I sold my house to someone who just happened to be driving past and noticed the sign, they weren't looking to buy in that area at all until then.

Comms69

agrinnall wrote: »

That's not entirely true, I sold my house to someone who just happened to be driving past and noticed the sign, they weren't looking to buy in that area at all until then.

Fair enough, I'm generalising slightly. But I would expect the vast majority of viewings come as a result of rightmove, then window adverts.


Mostly I think they're put up to make sure viewers go to the right house

Blackpool_Saver

Comms69 wrote: »

Fair enough, I'm generalising slightly. But I would expect the vast majority of viewings come as a result of rightmove, then window adverts.


Mostly I think they're put up to make sure viewers go to the right house

Does seem to be the case now.

G_M

How long is your minimum contract term with them (if any)?

What notice period are you required to give?

Have you invited (at least) 3 other agents round with a view to switching?

What terms are hey offering you and what are you asking them for?


You could refer this agent to the relevant ombudsman but I suspect you'd have difficulty proving any of this.


Incidentally: “oh we are chasing them up” sounds exactly like a typical comment when a viewer has not made an offer, but has either given no feedback after a viewing, or expressed interest but without making a formal offer (which is what they will tell the ombudsman if you complain.....).