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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To put complaint in against estate agent?

224 replies

Macanecheeseeee · 22/07/2021 12:33

In the process of buying a property. It has been an absolute shambles from start to finish. I've purchased a house before so I know how stressful it can be but this is on a whole new level. EA has lied about certain issues and overall I'm just really disappointed by their attitude and the service. Problems that could have been avoided easily if they had done their job properly, having to ask them to do something multiple times before they got it right etc, you get the picture. It took 2 months just to get the paperwork sorted (everything was fine and ready to go on my end). My offer was excepted and then everything came to a standstill because the agents hadn't reported something beforehand (something that they should have reported when the property was put on the market). I have no idea what is going on or if the property is still even mine. I'm coming and going and just feel like I'm in limbo. Communication is extremely poor (well, it was ok when they needed something from me) but now they've messed up, I've not heard a peep from them.

I phoned the agent this morning and she said she would get back to me. I even explained how frustrating this whole process has been which she didn't even acknowledge or apologise for. I told her I was debating whether or not to withdraw my offer (they haven't had any other offers for the last 9 months, I wonder why). It is a fairly large branch with a complaints and feedback department. WIBU to phone them up and explain the situation? Or am I best off waiting until I (possibly) buy the property. I don't want things to be awkward with EA but also feel she should take responsibility for her error. When I've made a mistake in my job I've always been pulled up on it.

If it wasn't for the fact I love the property/location so much I probably would have pulled out by now.

OP posts:
QueenBee52 · 23/07/2021 00:05

@Macanecheeseeee

To be honest, it is like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders Smile obviously wasn't meant to be. I think I just stuck with it for so long because I'd worked so hard and didn't want to give up at the last hurdle. I'm so glad I've withdrawn my offer though. I think I would have honestly regretted it in a few months time had I gone through with it. Panic buy indeed!

Im glad you trusted the Mumsnet Vipers to keep you right too 🤣

You took it well and well done for withdrawing. 🌸

DiscoGlitterBall · 23/07/2021 00:09

Sorry not read the whole thread but your going to have a wait on your hands.

This is all down to the seller not the ea. I had a shared ownership property. We needed to go through the housing association to get permission to sell and agree a market valuation (through their surveyor not the ea). They then Had a number of weeks to solely market the property. If it didn’t sell through their process then at a certain point it could be marketed through the ea at the agreed valuation. But even then the seller had to meet the criteria.

If you can buy full price I would suggest you look at another property. At the very least contact the housing association to get on their list and see if you qualify

DiscoGlitterBall · 23/07/2021 00:10

Apologies just caught your update. For the best

Sadiecow · 23/07/2021 06:36

@QueenBee52

How the fuck is the OP going to buy or sell a house without using an estate agent then??

you don't have to use an Estate Agent to buy or sell a house ...

lots of people do this without using Estate Agents.

Statistics for this please?

Because I think you're talking rubbish to be honest.

SpeakingFranglais · 23/07/2021 07:01

@Macanecheeseeee

Sorry for the long response. I have decided to withdraw my offer. I'm going to contact the EA tomorrow to let them know. I have also seen a property that has come up today which is lovely, cheaper (bought outright). I phoned the EA up to discuss and she was so helpful, had all the information to hand and has already said I can view the property tomorrow (I had to wait 2 weeks to view the other one as the vendor was so slow). The properties is also vacant as the sellers have already bought and moved out to somewhere else (lived there for 22 years). I have a good feeling about this one!
This sounds like it was meant to be.

Good luck OP, take great delight in telling the previous EA that you are pulling out on the basis that the property was marketed without disclosing it was a shared ownership. No need to point fingers, although I also think the seller was to blame.

You should like you are in a good position to move quickly with the new one if you like it!

Clymene · 23/07/2021 07:44

I think that's a very wise decision. Hope the new purchase goes through without hiccup

ApricotCrush · 23/07/2021 11:56

Statistics for this please?

Because I think you're talking rubbish to be honest.

It was a long time ago, but we sold our first house without an Estate Agent. We put our own board up in the garden and it sold the next week! You need a Solicitor of course.

WoodPell · 23/07/2021 11:58

My friend has just sold her flat to her friend's daughter. No agent.

knittingaddict · 23/07/2021 12:04

Sadiecow we sold our first house without an estate agent. Of course it's possible. All they do is market the house, so if you find your own buyer you don't need them.

Cherrysoup · 23/07/2021 12:07

Seller’s fault, I’d say. EA is literally just that, the agent.

GreyhoundG1rl · 23/07/2021 12:10

People only use estate agents so their house can be marketed as widely as possible. That's literally their function.
I can't believe some people think it's an essential part of the process!

Sadiecow · 23/07/2021 12:48

@knittingaddict

Sadiecow we sold our first house without an estate agent. Of course it's possible. All they do is market the house, so if you find your own buyer you don't need them.
You said lots of people do!

Not you did it, lots of people?

Statistics?

Sadiecow · 23/07/2021 12:53

@GreyhoundG1rl

People only use estate agents so their house can be marketed as widely as possible. That's literally their function. I can't believe some people think it's an essential part of the process!
I was referring to OP, the one that says "they should've done something", very unclear about what.

I think she's struggle with no agent.

She can't even see why the seller should be the one to complain or how the error is a problem for them.

knittingaddict · 23/07/2021 12:57

You said lots of people do!

Not you did it, lot of people?

Statistics?

I didn't actually. Confused Someone else did. I was backing up the person who said it happened.

GreyhoundG1rl · 23/07/2021 12:57

I was referring to OP, the one that says "they should've done something", very unclear about what.
Oh, I agree. Op is completely clueless, unfortunately.

WoodPell · 23/07/2021 12:57

Here you go. 10% private sales.

<a class="break-all" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/653581/buying-selling_homes-research.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjAk8DCkPnxAhXOasAKHR5HCU8QFjAUegQIEhAC&usg=AOvVaw0Jw2dV_gprGv1bUfpY1-ys" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/653581/buying-selling_homes-research.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjAk8DCkPnxAhXOasAKHR5HCU8QFjAUegQIEhAC&usg=AOvVaw0Jw2dV_gprGv1bUfpY1-ys

To put complaint in against estate agent?
knittingaddict · 23/07/2021 12:59

Here's an article on it, so it can't be that rare:

www.money.co.uk/guides/how-to-sell-your-house-without-an-estate-agent.htm

knittingaddict · 23/07/2021 13:00

[quote WoodPell]Here you go. 10% private sales.

<a class="break-all" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/653581/buying-selling_homes-research.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjAk8DCkPnxAhXOasAKHR5HCU8QFjAUegQIEhAC&usg=AOvVaw0Jw2dV_gprGv1bUfpY1-ys" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/653581/buying-selling_homes-research.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjAk8DCkPnxAhXOasAKHR5HCU8QFjAUegQIEhAC&usg=AOvVaw0Jw2dV_gprGv1bUfpY1-ys[/quote]
Well done. I was just searching for something similar. Hope Sadiecow accepts it now.

QueenBee52 · 23/07/2021 13:35

@Sadiecow

I hope these posters, who Sold their own properties without an Estate Agent AND @WoodPell kindly sharing Statistics.. helps you understand that ... Yes.. lots of people Sell & Buy properties without using Estate Agents .. 🌸

QueenBee52 · 23/07/2021 13:37

[quote knittingaddict]Here's an article on it, so it can't be that rare:

www.money.co.uk/guides/how-to-sell-your-house-without-an-estate-agent.htm[/quote]

I know several people who avoided Estate Agents ... obviously using a Solicitor but cutting out the middle step of EA's saved money too 🌸

Sadiecow · 23/07/2021 14:09

@WoodPell that link doesn't work!

knittingaddict · 23/07/2021 14:11

[quote Sadiecow]@WoodPell that link doesn't work! [/quote]
Yes it does.

WoodPell · 23/07/2021 14:18

Yes it does, it's a PDF. I screenshotted it for you anyway just in case you decided it didn't work.

VanGoghsDog · 23/07/2021 14:20

[quote Sadiecow]@WoodPell that link doesn't work! [/quote]
It does.

Sadiecow · 23/07/2021 14:32

@WoodPell the link does t work, so I can't see what it's from etc to agree/disagree !