Estate agent stress (rant)

[dippingmytoeinagain]

Feeling totally stressed and just popped on to offload. House has been on market a while, appointed a new agent almost 3 months ago - full of promise and excitement. No viewings, not a single one. Agreed best strategy to take house off market prior to Christmas and remarket in Spring.

Not heard a dickiebird from them for about 4 weeks (after I initiated contact) so emailed them today with instruction to remove from market. 10 mins later - phone call from them, quoting contract terms and notice periods (which were based on wrong contract date - just about 3 weeks out - never mind!) and basically saying they won't take house off market till end of Jan - so bang goes that strategy. When I asked them about the notice period etc they said it was to make sure that they are able to follow through with any viewers (protecting their commission in case of an offer I guess) but we haven't had any viewers....argh!

As the title says, just a rant. Thank you for letting me do that here!

How frustrating! Could you say that you have decided you want to take the house off the market for the next few months for a good reason (work commitments, stress, something along those lines) and you will definitely remarket the property in the Spring. If they are willing to waive the notice period for you now you will then remarket with them in Spring, if they don't then you will be going elsewhere. Then obviously don't remarket with them in Spring because they sound completely useless!

I'm sure they can't not take your house off the market if you want it off. Unless its a very odd contract. They can probably claim full commission from you if you accept an offer within contract period, even if you're not marketing. This full commission thing is what effectively stops you going on with another agent.

I'd suggest an email to them stating you wish to pull advertising both online and in paper press. If you're really dissatisfied also give notice but with the knowledge you can't actively market elsewhere till that period is up.

Hopefully its just a misunderstanding with a trainee!

Thank you I am breathing a little easier now and feel that I can probably have a more constructive conversation with the boss tomorrow