EA pressuring to use in house broker - advice pre call :)

moneysavinghero

Adsta said:

I didn't think EA's are allowed to not accept any offers just to "keep it fair"? If you want to put an offer they have to legally send it to the vendor no? 

On the topic though, I had similar with the EA. Pushed me towards their broker and solicitors. I entertained the broker as they said it was also part of their affordability check (despite having an DIP). But the solicitors I just told them already have one so no need.  

Unless the vendor has given instructions to the contrary. And by giving instructions to go to 'best and FINAL' then that is what they are doing.

pinkteapot

Chandler85 said:

People are obsessed that an estate agent knows what they can afford, so they'll have to pay more.

Why would you?  You pay what it is worth.  I provided an EA with a AIP for £250k and bought a house for £190k.  That was what my offer was and what I was willing to pay, the EA could have tried everything under the sun, I still wasn't paying more.

100% this. I've met with an EA's broker before to shut them up. I knew what the best mortgage deal I could get myself was so went along to see if their broker could beat it (as some deals are only available to brokers). He couldn't - best he could do was more expensive - so I said no thanks. 

I have never, ever, justified a lower than asking price offer by saying "That's as much as I can afford." You justify the price based on other available properties and where the one you want sits in the market. So why worry if the agent knows what you can afford?