How to deal with estate agents?

Competsoph

Hi all, I posted a similar post on another thread recently but wasn’t sure it was the best place.
I thought a specific thread on estate agents was required, as they do seem to be a tricky character to deal with! 

A bit of context, Ive been waiting to view an empty property since lockdown began. The property is empty but the vendor doesn’t live near so hasn’t been able to drive to open the door and EA is national as opposed to local, so doesn’t have keys. In fact the EA hasn’t been able to give me much info on why the house is being sold, though they were keen on telling on that 13 others were interested. The property was initially listed at 165k and quickly reduced to 150k as there was little interest. I’m pondering what this may mean?

Since lockdown I’ve been able to view from outside as the property is on my way to work. I’ve been twice, the fence panels need replacing and a bit of tidying generally but the house itself looks good. Brickwork woodwork etc. I’ve also spent a rather considerable amount of time considering all the usual options and think this house is virtually what I’ve been waiting for (I appreciate this may change when I view internally). 

I’ve emailed the EA twice, (once to express interest in which he called me to discuss and the 2nd mid way through lockdown) in about 5 weeks to ask if they had any idea when viewings could take place. With Boris’ announcement due this PM should I email again tomorrow AM to ask if they have any further ideas when this could happen? I’m conscious of annoying the EA and they have said they will ring me but they also told me 13 other people are interested, likely now more, and I’ve missed out on viewings before because others view before me. I work on the frontline of the NHS and I’m in work Monday to Wednesday this coming week. I really don’t want to miss out on a viewing even if it turns out it’s not the house for me. 

I don’t want to annoy the EA however I have always been polite and I’m really keen to get i there first.

Hoping you have some advice!
Thanks 🙂

Thrugelmir

Why hasn't the vendor provided the EA with keys? Doesn't the EA have an office close by. Odd if the vendor has to travel to undertaken the viewings personally. Probably why the property has struggled to sell! If it's that much hassle. 

The personal reasons behind the sale are irrevelant and none of your business. 

AdrianC

Competsoph said:

I thought a specific thread on estate agents was required, as they do seem to be a tricky character to deal with! 

A bit of context, Ive been waiting to view an empty property since lockdown began. The property is empty but the vendor doesn’t live near so hasn’t been able to drive to open the door and EA is national as opposed to local, so doesn’t have keys.

That makes no sense.
There is no reason for the EA not to have keys and conduct viewings.

You mean the EA is an online-only? Even they have local "viewers", if the vendor wants to pay for that service.

Basically, the issue there is the vendor not actually being very bothered about selling.

In fact the EA hasn’t been able to give me much info on why the house is being sold

Does it make a difference? Perhaps the vendor simply hasn't told them.

...though they were keen on telling on that 13 others were interested. The property was initially listed at 165k and quickly reduced to 150k as there was little interest. I’m pondering what this may mean?

It means nobody wants to pay £165k, and everybody knows it.

I’m really keen to get i there first.

If there really ARE 13 people in the same position as you, then what makes you special?

First able to arrange a mutually acceptable viewing appointment gets to view first.

If there really are that many waiting to view, and the EA has any gumption (and keys...), then they'll be pushing the vendor to arrange an Open House.

Competsoph

I can only say what the EA told me, I do believe they are online only. He said the vendor isn’t local and they didn’t have any keys? I wasn’t aware that was even a thing. 

It makes a difference regarding the situation as I would like to know the standard, how long they have lived there, the reason behind selling? If they’ve lived there 6 months and want a quick sale is there something drastically wrong? Awful neighbour? Etc. These are sensible questions and information based on advice both on this forum and many other credential sites (MSE, WHICH) when purchasing. 

Nothing makes me special other than being FTB, mortgage promise in place, deposit ready and waiting to go, very keen to purchase, no property to sell no chain. I appreciate other than that nothing does put me ahead of others but why shouldn’t I be keen to get a viewing? If no one was bothered about anything life would be pretty boring 🙃

They weren’t really the things I was asking about however. I was wondering people’s opinion on how to approach the EA. Is there specific conduct which should be taken? I don’t want to annoy but keen to view and want this to come across. 

🧐

D.L

For how long they've owned it, you can check land registry data or other websites that aggregate this (houseprice.io, Rightmove, Zoopla etc.)

Competsoph

Thanks @D.L I’ve had a look at this following advice from this forum which is always helpful!! 😊😊🙏🏼as I said I’ve done quite a lot of research whilst we've been in lockdown but I always think it’s good to discuss these things with the EA to get a bit more about reasons for sale etc.

Thanks again 😃

robatwork

Self-Isolate.

If you can't then keep a distance of at least 2m. 

This goes for lockdown and for the next 50 years too.

GDB2222

I suppose a reasonable question is what happens if you offer £135k, just based on the online photos? 

Competsoph

GDB2222 said:

I suppose a reasonable question is what happens if you offer £135k, just based on the online photos? 

I really don’t think I have enough information to do this. I also don’t have the ‘balls’ for want a better phrase 🙈

GDB2222

Competsoph said:

GDB2222 said:

I suppose a reasonable question is what happens if you offer £135k, just based on the online photos? 

I really don’t think I have enough information to do this. I also don’t have the ‘balls’ for want a better phrase 🙈

Well, it means rather little, and you get your bid in early. You are not bound to go ahead and, if they accept your offer, you can put some pressure on to let you see inside the property, so you are not wasting everyone's time and money.

The fact is that you're an unencumbered buyer, able to proceed quickly, with a very stable job, so you are just what they want for an empty property. If they turn you down, it could be a lot of months before they find another buyer.

kazwookie

Who does have the keys?