Estate Agent has ceased trading?

eddddy

Bossypants wrote: »

I'd go to their offices/former offices in person asap.

I think I'd be tempted to do nothing.

I wouldn't want to get involved in some weird argument between a bunch of estate agents.


The only time I'd get involved is if I needed the EA to do something. e.g. Return a key they're holding.

I guess the downside is that, following their bust-up, it maybe that nobody will be doing any Sales Progression.

AdrianC

eddddy wrote: »

I think I'd be tempted to do nothing.

I wouldn't want to get involved in some weird argument between a bunch of estate agents.

No argument.

"Are you still trading?"
Yes - "So this other EA are simply trying to poach me."
No - "Bumhats. Better look at another EA."

Don't ask - days/weeks of uncertainty while you wonder why you haven't heard much from the EA lately... Maybe you'd better give 'em a shout...?

Marvel1

Comms69 wrote: »

Sorry, but anyone can cease trading - IE literally stop work, without the need to carry out the rest of the formalities.

Thomas Cook is a recent example.

I remember years ago, being in a store and they told customers to leave, went into administration, staff had no clue.

Bossypants

Comms69 wrote: »

Sorry, but anyone can cease trading - IE literally stop work, without the need to carry out the rest of the formalities.

Fair point, I should have been clearer: They can, but typically this type of business don't, not like this and not immediately following a row between business partners. Of course it is possible, legally speaking (although even big companies like TC, there were rumours flying around weeks in advance - Lehman Bros is the last one I can remember which was a complete and total surprise), it's just that it would be very unusual for a company the size of the average local EA, and that is reason enough for me to be suspicious.

Bossypants

eddddy wrote: »

I think I'd be tempted to do nothing.

I wouldn't want to get involved in some weird argument between a bunch of estate agents.


The only time I'd get involved is if I needed the EA to do something. e.g. Return a key they're holding.

I guess the downside is that, following their bust-up, it maybe that nobody will be doing any Sales Progression.

The only reason I'd be seeking clarity is to make sure my solicitor pays the right company their fees. Also out of sheer curiosity, to be honest, I'm nosy like that.

steampowered

You should ask the new agent for proof that they have taken over the business of the old agent.

Until then, your fee is owed to the old agent. Not the new agent.

You don't want to sign a contract with a new agent as then you would risk having to pay the fee twice ...

As others have advised, you should NOT incur a bunch of cost on making arrangements until you have exchanged. Until you have exchanged you do not have a fixed moving date.

Weimy

Thanks for all the replies, a member of the new estate agents turned up at our house today and the funny thing is, he advised us not to sign the contract or pay any fees to any estate agents including them.

So I have got confirmation from my solicitor that he wont pay any estate agents fees from the proceeds of the sale of my house.

Due for completion on Friday according to the solicitors latest e-mail so I am going to wait and see what happens.

Apparently we have to pick the keys up to our new house from this new estate agents, if I haven't paid them can they refuse to hand the keys over?

davidmcn

Weimy wrote: »

if I haven't paid them can they refuse to hand the keys over?

The vendor is obliged to give you access, nothing to do with the estate agents being paid. Not normal for them to be paid before keys are handed over anyway.

MovingForwards

Are you paying a buyer's fee or something to the estate agents or are you also selling a property through them?

It's not common for a buyer to pay an estate agent.

pinkteapot

MovingForwards wrote: »

Are you paying a buyer's fee or something to the estate agents or are you also selling a property through them?

It's not common for a buyer to pay an estate agent.

Could be that the vendor of the house OP is buying just happened to sell using the EA OP is now being asked to sign up with.