Estate Agent and inaccurate listing for flat

AliceBanned

Recently I made a phone call about a flat I was interested in - not sure now because the EA has not only put an inaccurate/dishonest listing, but they also want to view my flat (which I would have to sell) before starting the process.


I think sometimes they can be a bit bullish and pile the pressure on for me to do what they want, but they are hardly going to get a sale that way! I feel sorry for the seller if anything.
Anyway today I took a walk down to have a look from the outside (as so far I've not been allowed to view it) and I realise that the listing is dishonest on two counts - the first pic is of the front of the building - the flat itself is barely visible on that pic. Sure sell it in the best possible light but how far are they allowed to go? I thought it was a different flat but on closer inspection including the balcony furniture and aspect through the windows I see it is north east facing, not the south facing waterside property I was interested in. Also they insist it is 2.5 years old but I know when they were built because I viewed one just before I bought my flat half a mile away 6 years ago so it can't be 2.5 years old. Even when I told them this they claimed it was a 'different phase'. Is this common practice?! I certainly wouldn't want them to sell mine. Even on the phone they were assuming they can barge in and sell mine, at a higher price than I know it is worth, so that I have the equity to pay (too much in my opinion) for the other one. No wonder there is a bubble! I'm happy enough where I am for the next year, but saw this and have had my eye on the area in the past so started to enquire. So the EA is acting as though it is desperate times but buyers aren't err buying it. Even if it were the perfect plot at the front I wouldn't pay over the odds!!

kinger101

Well, I wouldn't want to advertise my property with any agent who put in place barriers to viewings. Having said that, you're not currently a credible buyer as your place isn't even listed, never mind sold. So don't expect them to take you too seriously. Even though they're probably not busy at the moment, time spent entertaining window shoppers won't earn them a commission.

AliceBanned

Yes I think I would be better off knowing for certain that I want to sell - there is an element of 'window shopping' because unless I view a place I can't be sure I am willing to sell up and move. They don't make it any easier by exaggerating the desirability to the point of not having an outside photo of it, but having an outside photo of one that I would like to live in. If they hadn't done that I would not have made an initial enquiry at all!

AliceBanned

kinger101 wrote: »

Well, I wouldn't want to advertise my property with any agent who put in place barriers to viewings. Having said that, you're not currently a credible buyer as your place isn't even listed, never mind sold. So don't expect them to take you too seriously. Even though they're probably not busy at the moment, time spent entertaining window shoppers won't earn them a commission.

True. I suppose this might be a tactic to find out how serious I am about moving. I think when I do move I will consider selling, then renting a place in between if I have to, particularly if I am waiting for something specific to come on the market.