Estate agent demands mortgage appointment with them before allowed viewings

m4x1ne

AlexMac said:

macman said:

As long as you go in fully aware that it's not a 'vetting' but a chance to do a sales pitch to you, what is the problem?

Agreed; play nice.  Round here, it's a sellers' market, with very little on the market, so currently, you have to toady to the gel-haired, liveried mini-driving, shiny suited gatekeepers (sorry, I meant those respected, helpful professionals) the EAs.

Then once your offer is accepted, choose your own lender

I had a similar demand from such an entitled one when last house-hunting; I went in to see their Mortgage Advisor, smiled sweetly, snowed 'em with spreadsheets then used the Nationwide as always intended.

Or you can throw your toys out and harrumph about the EA's obligation to forward all offers to their clients, Regulators' codes of conduct, etc... but life's too short!

Happy house-hunting

This is what I did too. I had to be "vetted" by EA's mortgage advisor before our offer was accepted (not before viewing though, which seems super strange). I also had a DIP from an online mortgage broker, which I now understand is useless for vendors.

Played along with the advisor, who wanted my partner and I to use him as our broker. Said "mm very interesting, thank you yes we'll definitely think about", then went direct to Barclays once the EA was satisfied

lovecake1

Update: I have now obtained a DIP from a lender and called the EA again and spoke to my 'case handler'. He didn't even mention DIPs or MIPs but said there had already been offers on the house which are being processed so no viewings are taking place. It turned out that the property had been sold about 4 months ago and the sale has fallen through, so they first contacted other buyers who had made an offer originally which is where these new offers come from. Really annoying as they have listed the property online and have not taken it off. My partner really likes the property and thinks I should call back and make an offer subject to a viewing. Any ideas if this is worth it? Just feel I am being held back by the EA, although he was happy to push me towards other properties.

AdrianC

lovecake1 said:

Really annoying as they have listed the property online and have not taken it off.

Back in the day, places stayed in the local paper's property supplement after they'd sold, right? It's just an ad. It means nothing.

My partner really likes the property and thinks I should call back and make an offer subject to a viewing. Any ideas if this is worth it?

No. There are already offers on the table. Your offer will not be taken remotely seriously.

You have missed this house.

There will be others.