Estate agents

[Applesauce29]

Do you ever know whether they're not just lying through their teeth? Have offered on house that's been on the market a few months, now suddenly lots of interest and been pressured into upping offer twice already. Really at top of budget and fed up of process already - feel sick at size of possible mortgage we'd be taking on...

I don't know if they are lying or not, but you def shouldn't offer more than you are comfortable with.
There does seem to be more activity here in last week but don't know if that is just in this area.
We've had 3 enquiries in a week having had none for weeks before this

First let me say that if you're feeling sick about the mortgage, then you've offered too much.
Estate agents vary - some firms are more shark-like than others. It sounds very unprofessional that they're pressuring you to offer more than you can afford.
A fair offer from someone in good position may not always win the day, but there is no point upping your offer and then losing sleep for the next five years about paying the mortgage.
It's only a house after all....

Sounds like a good estate agent- they are doing their job. They are supposed to get the most possible for their client, many are just interested in a quick sale.

You will not know if someone is lying, but in the context of haggling, a little embellishment is common. Research the house before hand and get a clear idea what it's worth. Decide on what you are willing to pay and don't go over. Start with low offers (at least 10% less than the house is worth) and play hardball; even if they reject the offer I'd leave a week or two each time. The one thing I really can't stand is messing people around once an offer is accepted- not cricket.

The exception is if you are looking for something specific in a high demand area, you may need to just pay what the vendors want.

some are great...some dodgy