Getting past the EA - speaking directly to seller?

peterhjohnson

Currently in negotiation to buy and we're haggling through the Estate Agent. I've not had any direct contact with the vendor - he doesn't live at the property. I'm quite good on the phone and I think we'd make progress if we did a call. . Agents hate this?:)

Slinky

The vendor probably doesn't want to speak to you. That's one of the reasons people pay estate agents.

Thrugelmir

As a vendor I wouldn't appreciate direct contact. The EA's role is to attempt to broker a deal between the parties.

pinkteapot

Yep. Vendor doesn't want to negotiate direct with you. The EA is almost always a much better negotiator than the vendor, and the vendor wants every penny they can get.

When I was young and stupid and selling my first flat, an investor offered on the spot at a viewing and I stupidly accepted. My EA was unimpressed.

When selling my last house a viewer started to talk money. I told them we'd prefer to discuss that through the EA.

jonboy321

I had a potential buyer insist that they could only do a viewing on a Sunday, and then as soon as they got through the door started to try and talk about money- it was obviously a tactic to by-pass the estate agent. I have employed an estate agent because I don't want to talk directly to buyers- you risk upsetting the vendor hugely by doing this

OldMusicGuy

Same for me. We have just sold and I would not have welcomed the buyer trying to negotiate directly with me. Too many buyers are time wasters and the EA is a way of helping identify who the serious and proceedable buyers are.

eddddy

Presumably, you want to talk direct to the seller because you think you can manipulate them into giving you a better deal.

Obviously, most sellers will see through your game plan.

Some sellers might be insulted that you think they can be manipulated like that. It might make them less likely to compromise in negotiations with you.

need_an_answer

For once its sometimes good to have that layer of an EA between purchaser and seller.

What can start as an amicable discussion between vendor and purchaser doesn't always play out that way in the end.

Its a transaction that you need to keep neutral....initially communicate through the agent and latterly via the solicitors.

Job done

Marvel1

If I was contacted directly, I would not be happy and you will not be a buyer for me.

bigisi

peterhjohnson wrote: »

I'm quite good on the phone

How can you be good on the phone? Either you can use one or you can't. Or should I be looking to improve my phone use skills?

Paully28

I would not be happy with this, when I did viewings for a house I sold a long time ago, whenever the viewer mentioned the price I firmly said talk to the EA, and would not discuss it further.