Estate Agents

AndrewHicken

I put my house on the market last July with a large National Estate Agent. As I have moved 200 miles away I asked them to do the viewings. After 4 weeks, I received a phone call from their marketing department and was asked to reduce the price by 5k, and would I agree to having a new set of photographs done (which they had organised) as they believed the photos weren't showing the property in its best light. I agreed to the price reduction, but not to new photos. 4 weeks later I was asked to reduce the price by a further 10k, as they weren't getting any interest (the EA fee was fixed, so no benefit for them to get the best price). I also caught them lying to me about the frequency of viewings. I formally complained to the company asking for release from the 6 month sole agency contract, which was rejected, although they did admit severe errors had been made. On Nov 20th I received an offer, which I accepted, was told it was a single lady who couldn't wait to move into her own property. Two weeks later I asked the estate agent if the buyer wanted the remaining furniture, and was told no, as she wishes to rent the property, and it's better to rent empty. I found this strange - first she's buying for herself and then to rent. On 24th Dec I received  a phone call from the EA to say all was going ahead, she had instructed her solicitor and a valuation survey was taking place. On 8th Jan I received a phone call from my solicitor to say she hadn't instructed her solicitor. The EA told me she had changed her solicitor and confirmed the next day that payment on account had been made and instruction given. On Thurs 6th Feb, I received a phone call from the Estate Agent to say she had still not made the payment or given instruction, and she was away on holiday and couldn't do it until next week. I explained I wanted proof from her that she was going to do this, and received an e mail from the EA claiming to copy and paste her response due to Data Protection, which to be honest anyone could have written.  I asked if they could ask the buyer to e-mail me direct; they told me they had spoken to her and she would e-mail me by 4pm yesterday. I have not received any correspondence. I honestly believe they have made the whole sale up, and there has never in fact been a buyer. I would like people's thoughts on how I should deal with this.

eddddy

So you accepted an offer on 20th Nov and the buyer has still not instructed a solicitor, and you've had no explanation why.

It's probably time to give up on this buyer, and put the property back on the market.

(It could be something like your buyer has a property to sell, and they are still looking for a buyer for their property. But if that's the case, they should have explained that.)

It sounds like you paid your EA a fee up front, so they are not interested in whether the sale goes through or not. That's why it's sometimes better to use EA who gets paid on completion - even though their fees can be higher.

kinger101

I'd remarket the property anyway, as if you do have a buyer, they are too flaky.  You'll soon find out whether the buyer has any real intention to purchase.  

It's not unusual for a buyer to not want your old furniture.  Even if they want to let the place, maybe they just don't like yours or have their own.  And regardless of fixed fee or commission, the EA just wants your property shifted.  It's not unusual for them to lure you with a high marketing price. 

I'd tell EA to do the photos again for free.  They've essentially admitted the first lot they did were not fit for purpose.

dinkylink

Just as a warning to others, a 6 month sole agency contract is crazy! Would strongly recommend people check what they sign up to before entering into contract with an agent. A 4-6 week contract would be much more reasonable. I sold a house last year and could give a week's notice to terminate the contract any time after the initial 3 week period (Thankfully I didn't need to though).