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AIBU?

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Original poster

Neighbour selling with same agent

46 replies

MayorGoodwinn · 02/01/2021 19:29

Apologies I am using AIBU for traffic as this is a busy board.

Currently selling EA called this afternoon. To tell me my neighbours were selling, well which ones was my first question. Therein followed a conversation like pulling hens teeth whereby I ascertained it’s our neighbours in our semi and they’re going on with him. For considerably less.

Would this bother you? Agent was sheepish AF and it was clearly an awkward conversation so I’m guessing I should be....or not???

As a side question who goes on at the same time as their neighbour in same semi with the same agent?!? And no they don’t have to sell, couple in late 50’s was her parents, they’ve been in there 25 years. Apparently downsizing. We really need to move for work.

OP posts:
TheIncredibleBookEatingManchot · 02/01/2021 19:36

I don't get the issue.

Why should they wait till you've sold your house to put their house on the market? It could take months. And maybe they do need to sell, but just haven't told you why.

Why is using the same agent a problem? Presumably you chose them because they're the best or offered a good deal. Maybe they chose them for the same reasons?

lioncitygirl · 02/01/2021 19:38

What? What’s the issue? It’s a local agent right - I don’t see the problem? Surely they are free to go with who they want?

combatbarbie · 02/01/2021 19:39

I'm guessing OP is concerned because it's an identical house to hers but they are going in at a considerably lower value.

OP how do the two houses compare in relation to modelling, electrics, boilers etc

UsernameSaved · 02/01/2021 19:39

Any chance someone would want both?

WhoEatsPopTarts · 02/01/2021 19:39

It’s to your advantage that they’re selling with the same agent. A different EA will compare it to yours to your detriment, your EA will be able to sell them both, highlighting the differences without putting yours down.

somewhereovertheraincloud · 02/01/2021 19:40

This has recently worked in my friends favour.
Her flat was immaculate, new kitchen, bathroom, flooring.
The one over the corridor was original from 14 years ago.
Hers was on for £15,000 more.
Lots of people viewed both and compared both, and realised they'd prefer my friends with everything improved. Hers sold first.
Is yours more modern than theirs? What's the reason for yours being on the market for more?

BooFuckingHoo2 · 02/01/2021 19:40

Is the issue because yours is going on at significantly more? Is it in much better condition?

bp300 · 02/01/2021 19:40

Do you think they were trying to get you to reduce the asking price? Most agents wouldn't ring to tell you.

Icenii · 02/01/2021 19:42

How do you know they don't need to sell? Why are you reasons more important?

TracyTomatoes · 02/01/2021 19:43

Who makes you the boss about who needs to sell and when?

I get that it's frustrating to see you've got competition, but either you've got something people want to buy or you haven't.

spanieleyes · 02/01/2021 19:43

I looked at two houses facing each other across a side road, both with the same agent. One was £25000 more than the other but needed no work at all whereas the cheaper one needed a new kitchen, bathroom and re-decoration. I bought the more expensive one as I didn't want to do the work, the other one sold the following day!

Nohomemadecandles · 02/01/2021 19:43

I'm not sure why being with a different estate agent would benefit you?
EA will want to sell yours- they'll get more ££ if it's sold for more. And you can get decent feedback too.
I'm not sure you can expect people not to put a house on the market to please you, either!

Original poster
MayorGoodwinn · 02/01/2021 19:43

I wasn’t that bothered initially just thought ‘bit odd’ as I asked the agent why they were selling - not mentioned a thing to us. And he said they just fancy something different.

Well that’s why I’m asking, I said should I be bothered or not, it’s been driven by how sheepish and awkward the agent was - if he wasn’t envisaging a potential problem I’m not sure there’d be any need to feel awkward. He clearly was.

OP posts:
triceratops12 · 02/01/2021 19:44

Is yours valued appropriately, for example more modern/newer fixtures and fittings?

I really don't see your issue

Shoppingwithmother · 02/01/2021 19:45

Maybe they were trying to suggest you drop the price?

kurtrussellsbeard · 02/01/2021 19:46

I think the agent knew you would be weird about it and that's why he was sheepish. Not even sure if that's the correct word. Your neighbour wants to sell and they have picked him as an agent. It's not personal and I think you're reading a bit too much into it.

Original poster
MayorGoodwinn · 02/01/2021 19:47

Yes ours has been completely renovated in past 5 years and has extended kitchen. But there’s is going on at considerably less - a lot more than 15k.

OP posts:
EveryDayIsADuvetDay · 02/01/2021 19:47

I can't see it being the same agent makes any difference - surely anyone buying will register with all local agents anyway? (and see everything on zoopla/right move, etc).

When we bought my fathers sheltered accommodation i think we saw four apartments in the same development, all through the same agent.

The pulling hens teeth conversation may have been GDPR related - as long as they are being equally cautious with your information, probably a good thing, even if frustrating.

You may have a sole agency deal with the agent, but it's a one way street - they can't afford to only deal with one house for sale in the area.

katy1213 · 02/01/2021 19:49

The agent is going to turn down business. Your neighbours are entitled to sell when/with whom they choose. If it bothers you that much, feel free to undercut their price.

Theunamedcat · 02/01/2021 19:50

Who valued the property? If I was buying it woukd want to know why there's was so much cheaper

HeronLanyon · 02/01/2021 19:51

Can see it might be to your advantage. I’ve looked for two adjoining houses before and they are like hens teeth !
I suppose one way the timing clins be a problem fir you (no matter which way used) would be someone who didn’t want to move into house where neighbours would be doing extensive work immediately also - that’s if theirs needs a lot of work.
Also es May show yours as example of how theirs could be improved.
Good luck op.

Biancadelrioisback · 02/01/2021 19:51

Then you're selling to different buyers.
If yours is remodelled and extended, it'll probably target ppl who want to "plug and play".
If theirs is older it'll target ppl who may have less money or a project to work on with the money to spend.

Original poster
MayorGoodwinn · 02/01/2021 19:52

@Shoppingwithmother well I think it’s slightly over priced anyway if I’m honest - but DH sent him a text after we’d spoke just saying ‘do you want us to reduce then’ and got a blustery one back saying ‘no, no certainly not. I will call tomorrow to discuss’ 🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
BackforGood · 02/01/2021 19:55

Like pp, I actually think it being with the same agent is an advantage.
I don't think it is weird that people decide now is the time to sell, when they see how much they might get for their house (by a neighbour putting theirs on the market).
I really don't see it as an issue. The fact it is the same agent and they are next door means you will probably pick up viewers that might not have 'clocked' yours, after they saw your neighbours (and the other way round).
As to the pricing, the fact it is "more than £15K difference", is a bit dependant on the whole asking price. If you are in an area where semi's go for £650 000, then that is different from if you are in an area where they go for £175 000.

Roundtoedshoes · 02/01/2021 19:56

Well he rang to tell you, so he was being upfront.

As to being sheepish, they are selling for less, so he might have thought theirs could potentially sell quicker but doesn’t want to say so in as many words - he wants both your monies!

No one needs a reason to move (or at lest they don’t have to tell anyone). Last year was a strange year for all and perhaps this made them choose now.

Or maybe they saw you were moving and thought the new neighbours might not be as nice, let’s get out now?