Is it normal now for agents to try to build chains within their agency?

[sethstarkaddersmum]

Just wondering as I remember a while back this was being discussed as if it was a bit dodgy, but when we had agents round for to value our house, one of them told us this was what they try to do.

There were one or two slightly odd things about the way the agents were behaving for a house we made an offer on recently - ie first it seemed to take a lot of persuasion for us to get a viewing, then when we made a low offer which was turned down they didn't seem too bothered about seeing if we were willing to go any higher - they already had an offer from another buyer 'in a position to proceed', but not cash, whereas ours was, so you would have thought they would have pushed a bit to see if they could get us to go higher.
Just seemed like they really really wanted to sell it to the other buyer so I am wondering if this is likely to be the reason - ie the buyer was selling their house with that agency too. Does this seem likely?

[lalalonglegs]

It makes sense for them to do this because then they get double commission (two or more houses in a chain) plus they get more control over the chain but it definitely shouldn't prejudice them against other buyers and, if you think it is, then I would write to the owners and the NAEA.

[sethstarkaddersmum]

It was all pretty subtle - I doubt they've done anything that breaks rules.

[NoseyNooNoo]

Yes, this is common - and it's a PITA!

[sethstarkaddersmum]

interesting.
and do they do it between branches of the same chain or just within a branch?

[lalalonglegs]

I imagine between branches because, even if it means that their office isn't benefiting directly from the extra commission, they will still have much more control of the chain and a better relationship with the other agents up and down it.