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How do I report an unscrupulous estate agent?
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Comments
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aoleks said:phone the agent again and record the conversation. say you think you misunderstood him the first time.
then get the house for the lowest possible price without paying them anything or else...1 -
Hi,
Off topic I know but:adhoc said:thanks for the replies and advice. Hmm I don’t think they would put this in writing and a recording of a conversation without consent is not allowed right?
Data protection laws will have an effect on who you can lawfully share the recording with.
Personally I would talk direct to the owner, explain what has happened and check that your offer has been correctly communicated. Trying to report the corrupt agent doesn't help you buy a house so it is not a priority.2 -
Urgh. I would put a letter through the owner's door telling them what the agent is up to, that they're breaking the law, and that they're now entitled to sack the estate agent for breaking contract terms and recruit another, if they wish. And give them your contact details.
Plus what others say re Trading Standards, Police and Ombudsman, later down the line, if you really care enough.2 -
If mischievous, you could say, that its really generous of the estate agent to make up the £15k 'shortfall' but you can't possibly ask them to pay.That or you 'agree 😉' to play their game with money on completion and just continue the purchase through your solicitor (though do let them know you have concerns about the estate agent). Don't pay the money to the estate agents, its unlikely they'll get far trying to get you to pay via court. Your defense is you thought they were joking because their proposal sounds illegal.Any solicitor who colludes with the estate agent to pay the fee from seller's gunds deserves striking off. (When I sold my first home my conveyancer vanished mid way through the sale due to dipping into client money and his assistant took over).May you find your sister soon Helli.
Sleep well.1 -
[Deleted User] said:Just tell them to submit your offer to the buyer and if they fail to do so you will report them. I'd be surprised if the other offers even exist.0
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doodling said:Hi,
Off topic I know but:adhoc said:thanks for the replies and advice. Hmm I don’t think they would put this in writing and a recording of a conversation without consent is not allowed right?
Data protection laws will have an effect on who you can lawfully share the recording with.
Personally I would talk direct to the owner, explain what has happened and check that your offer has been correctly communicated. Trying to report the corrupt agent doesn't help you buy a house so it is not a priority.0 -
Hate to say that this happens in the world. The neighbour opposite my parents' house gave the EA a 5K backhander to get the house. It's totally wrong, but it happens. There will be a buyer that takes the EA up on their offer. I personally don't believe in buying a house this way - doesn't sit right for obvious reasons.1
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KievLover said:Recorded convos are only admissible in court if you tell the other person you're recording the convo at the start, and ask for their permission to continue, in case that's what you're thinking.3
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Thanks for the advice all. Really helpful
to get different perspectives. I don’t think I will pursue this sale even if it means losing out - technically within our upper limit - I do not this unscrupulous thieving EA benefiting at the expense of the seller. Its not like he asked for an extra payment, rather he wants the seller to think they are getting less while he pockets the difference. The house is not near where we currently are but we will I think try and warn the seller about this. Up to them if they believe us. As propertyhunter notes, there will be other buyers that will consider this option.1
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