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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Estate agent made an offer without our agreement

42 replies

AmericanPastoral · 24/09/2018 17:41

The estate agent we are dealing with to buy a house has increased our offer to the buyers without our knowledge or consent. He said it was to avoid more going back and forth of which there has been quite a lot. We are obviously unhappy with this approach -how can we be sure the seller wouldn't have accepted our lower offer? We are still interested in the house but not happy with the agent. We are going to ask him to cut his fee. Does anyone have any experience of doing this?

OP posts:

ShawshanksRedemption · 24/09/2018 20:35

The EA doesn't work for you, you don't pay his fee; therefore you can't reduce his fee. Unless it works differently in your country (assuming you don't live in England)?

rwalker · 24/09/2018 20:48

I get reducing his fee for example they pay £1000 less for the house the EA reduces his fee by £1000 so sell ends up with same amount of money worth a shot but you would need vendor on board

Chewbecca · 24/09/2018 20:48

You just have to go back to him and say no, we did not and do not offer that & reconfirm your offer. It isn't for you to decide how the problem is resolved.

TheDowagerCuntess · 24/09/2018 20:51

I don't understand why you're fixated on getting him to reduce his fee to the sellers?

Win-win for them - a higher offer and a reduced EA fee.

Tawdrylocalbrouhaha · 24/09/2018 20:51

Look, if you are not happy to pay the amount agreed, say so and buy another house. If you are happy to pay that price, you aren't going to get the estate agent giving you money towards your purchase!

NewPapaGuinea · 24/09/2018 21:03

The fee is probably 1-2%. I imagine the difference is more than this!

Treacletoots · 24/09/2018 21:06

I can see your thought process... The only problem being that you are probably in a competitive situation and it's possible another buyer who is willing to pay the raised offer could just swoop in on you. The estate agent would probably grab the offer as they aren't causing them any hassle. Realistically they are technically intothe wrong but you should focus on the outcome you want to achieve not who was right or wrong (he obviously was though) sucks!

WhateverHappenedToTheHeatwave · 24/09/2018 21:17

I would walk away if it's not your dream house. I had someone do this on our behalf for renting and i was glad we didn't commit as the agent was shady and house still up for rent 2 months later with a better one.

brokenharbour · 25/09/2018 04:14

Are you happy to pay it or not? As a vendor I wouldn't bother with the fee thing as it would be too much hassle for me.

spreadingchestnuttree · 25/09/2018 04:22

Can't you just restate your previous offer? Previous posters have suggested this too .

Uncreative · 25/09/2018 04:49

First, have the sellers accepted the offer put forward by your estate agent? If not, there is no point is discussing this further. Secondly, paragraphs aren’t working and that is really pissing me off. Thirdly, if the sellers have accepted the higher than you wanted offer, you need to say that was not your offer, that was the over reaching estate agent. Your original offer should be submitted. Fourthly, are you in the US or UK (or elsewhere)? Find out if there is a governing or licensing body for estate agents. Report your estate agent.

ScotsinOz · 25/09/2018 05:31

I don’t understand why you made an offer, then proceeded to tell the agent that you would pay more. Of course he’s going to tell the vendor that you’ve offered X, but can go as high as Y. The estate agent is employed by the person SELLING the house and his job is to get THEM the highest price, and he has done his job by telling his vendors to not accept your lower offer as he knows you will make a higher one. The estate agents “loyalty” (for lack of a better word) lies with the vendor as he will get more commission from a higher sale price. In future, make an offer and let them know that is your maximum (even though it’s not) and you won’t go any higher. See what response you get, but don’t ever tell them your budget or maximum.

Aridane · 25/09/2018 05:32

How bloody annoying and unprofessional

AgentJohnson · 25/09/2018 05:37

I would be angry too and would have very little confidence moving forward. However, your ‘idea’ is a non starter but you have to decide how badly you want this house because the vendor isn’t obligated to sell at a price he doesn’t want to.

EdisonLightBulb · 25/09/2018 06:18

Scotsinoz is spot on. Why on earth do you feel the EA owes his loyalty to you? You are just a punter and his customer is the seller.

donquixotedelamancha · 25/09/2018 06:31

As PPs have said, the EA has not wronged you, lying to raise the price is common. The worst behoviour is this The EA has told us the vendor would be happy with a certain price because it is not their place to do that. If it were me, I would leave my offer on the table and walk away. If you really want the house you will probably pay the amount the EA is trying to get you to.

Bluntness100 · 25/09/2018 07:05

How much did he raise it by that a drop in fees would cover it? Bottom line is the vender refused your first offer clearly, so it's up to you whether to proceed at the higher offer. If you don't want to say you're sticking at the lower one.

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