Really angry with estate agents!

[Anonnamechange2015]

Is there any break clause in agents contract? I've looked at it and it seems rather watertight to me?

I'm having some issues with the agent. When I got quotes from local agents they all in advance told me contract time and % fee bar one. My favorite agent, I chased them a few times for information and someone called me and told me the % and that the contract length was 8 weeks.

As I thought I am over the 8weeks I would give them written notice that I'm finding another agent and was told check your contract as it is 18 weeks. After checking it over the 1 is off the box that the agent filled in written over the text so unbeknown to me looks as if I have actually signed up to 18 bloody weeks and I'm now stuck with these twits.

The other issues I'm having are;

My house keeps disappearing off rightmove and zoopla due to a "technical error"

They valued my house and within a short space of time asked if they could reduce it as it was on too high. They set the original price and I agreed that was fine.

I've not had many viewers, 1 a friend of a neighbor who told my neighbor who told me that the agent advised them they will not get planning permission for a extension. My neighbor has the extension they were referring too.
So they are commenting to perspective buyers about things they know nothing about.

Second viewing I went out and gave agent a spare set of keys to lock up with and to post through the letterbox, came home and the door was unlocked.

I have been in for 3 out of 5 viewings and I'm quite angry at what I've heard.

They quoted the wrong price to a viewer, the viewer as soon as they were in the house asked how much the property is on for and the agent quoted a price £30k under what it is on for.

The next viewing different agent someone was admiring my furniture and asked if my wall unit was included in fixtures and fittings. The agent said yes. (He had never seen the property before and must have just assumed) after the viewer left I told him it wasn't included in the fixtures and fittings.

Same agent again, different viewer asked if the same wall unit was included and he said no but if we ask nicely I'm sure we can do a deal.

I have spoken to the manager and she has fobbed off these issues. Not locking up she said if you look at your contract it does state we are not responsible for this. So I have stayed in since. The price misquote was a slight error on the agents part and he got confused between properties and the fixtures and fittings is difficult as they have lots of houses on the market at the moment and it can get confusing for there agents to know what's going or staying.

They have a bloody brochure with them each time stating price and fixtures and fittings.

Any words of wisdom or advice on what to do?

hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-selling/how-to-resolve-disputes-with-estate-agents-a-guide-for-sellers/

That link might be useful.
I'd draft out a single page and bullet point your issues with them. Put your complaint in writing and say if it's not resolved to your satisfaction you'll have to take it further with their regulatory body.

For what it's worth it seems scandalous that if they have keys they say they're not responsible for securing the property properly when they leave.
I'd want that clause struck from the contract straight away.

I'd write to them, listing all your grievances and stating that as a result you are giving them 14 days' notice, after which point you will not be requiring their services. Keep a note of every incident in case they decide to pursue it, but stick to your guns and, if they're members of a professional association like NAEA, write to them with your complaint and send a copy to the EA. Do it quickly tho', so you can get shot of them asap.

I had the same situation with an EA, who told me verbally that I had no management contract with them. When I gave notice, they magically found an agreement! One of many instances, but they now can't understand why I don't want to have anything to do with them.

Incidentally, I've suggested this on a thread before, but have you considered using an online agent? I've been impressed so far and it's much cheaper.

Are you saying they amended it after you signed the contract? Or was the 1 there but not clear?

If they amended your contract after you signed it then you should take this up with trading standards.

Also are they a national chain with an HW and Director/area manager? If so email them and complain.

They don't seem to have your best interests at heart.

Here is what else you can. Despite contract you are entitled to remove your house from market at any time and dismiss your agent. This will cost circa £300 in "brochure" fees. I'e photos and floor plan and Rightmove listing.

You can still hire a different agent but if you sell within a certain amount of time (can't recall what that is but I think 3 months but could be 6) you may still have to pay both the original crappy agent and your new one.

Don't let that put you off though.

I do think there is something very dodgy about deliberately putting buyers off and your listing disappearing. I wouldn't be surprised as your house can be extended and has a value add situation, that they are trying to keep genuine buyers away so their favourite developer can come snap the house up cheaply when you get desperate.

Clearly you've no proof of this so can't go accusing them. I do think head office complaint as well as immediately sacking them and appointing another agent. It could prove more effective to negotiate a slightly lower fee with another agent even if you have to pay both sets.

But your original agent will have to prove the introduced and showed that purchaser around to get their fee and as they've had few viewings they will struggle.

As a former agent, I will just say that your changes of selling are reduced by being here. It mentally blocks viewers. Find an agency you can trust and leave them a set of keys for the duration of the marketing period.

If you can't trust them to be in the house alone, you shouldn't sign up with them.