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Original poster

Pushy EA (first time buyer)

99 replies

lockdownlucylu · 19/05/2020 11:36

Hi all, would be great to have some advice on this.

Looking to buy a property in a big UK city as a FTB. Property originally priced at £Xk, I offered over but was declined in favour of someone else who offered slightly more. Now their offer shows no sign of materialising so I am next down the list - have deposit of c.80% compared to theirs of 10% which I am hoping will be helpful atm.

Have a viewing booked this week but EA playing hardball and saying they need an idea of my offer before the viewing. Am I ok to say not more than the original offer & not give figures yet - and that I will be in a better place to give these after viewing? I imagine they want to lock me in at my last offer which was over asking price which I won't be doing in this current climate...

Can anyone advise? Thanks!

OP posts:

PegasusReturns · 19/05/2020 19:01

Unless you really want this house I’d walk away. Whether it’s the agent or the vendors this sounds like it has nightmare written all over it

Smallgoon · 19/05/2020 19:05

*I guess next question would be - if I offer - what do I offer?

Property was put on market for 400 late last year. Taken off and put on again for 430. I made an offer for asking price but apparently two others got in there for 440, pre lockdown - although now looks like the offers were over-inflated hence they have come back to me. They also have 10% deposits so it's unclear if they will be ok with mortgages and are in a chain...*

Can you give us some more info on property please?

Smallgoon · 19/05/2020 19:15

It may be the case that the sellers are desperate not to receive a lower offer, knowing full well that property price will be affected as a result of Covid - so they could be putting pressure on the EA. However, the comment about them being reluctant for second viewings is pathetic. I'm sure they would demand a second viewing if the shoe was on the other foot. You're not purchasing an item of clothing here remember!!

Honestly, you seem a little worried to me, and trust me I've been there, in fact I was there quite recently. Don't be. They need you more than you need them - don't underestimate, how valuable a FTB is, particularly one that has all their shit in order and is ready to move quickly. If it were me personally, knowing what I know now (having gone through a similar situation with arsehole EAs) I'd go cold turkey now and cut off all contact. They'll be calling you again in no time. I agree with the other poster who said they probably believe you're a naive FTB, and trying their luck.

Aren't you in the least bit curious to see what will happen with the market? Are there other properties that you have been placed in your 'saved' list on rightmove?

WombatChocolate · 19/05/2020 19:26

Go at your pace. You aren't exactly asking a lot to see a property before viewing it, even if you did view it many months ago. You can easily forget what something looks like or your requirements can change. Most people view more than once and some view numerous times.

If there really is someone else willing to make a high offer....let them. Prices are falling. Do not be forced into an offer before you are ready or above what you are prepared to pay by suggestions of other buyers.

I would actually tell the agent I've been a bit disappointed by their failure to return calls by the time you've agreed. I would mention again the fact you are in a very strong position but of course cannot make an offer until you've seen the property. Repeat that you will be viewing other properties too. Reiterate that given its a lomg journey for you, you would like to hear tonight so you can make plans around whether you will or won't be making that long journey tomorrow.

If this all falls through and you don't get to view, I'd actually make a complaint to the manager of the EA. I'd point out the failure to return calls by the agreed times, that you have felt bullied and that you feel they have made unreasonable requests, such as that you name your offer price before viewing. It is bullying behaviour.

Original poster

lockdownlucylu · 19/05/2020 21:09

Thanks all...

Property is a 3 bed semi, high spec, in an up and coming part of s London. Just less than 1000 sq ft, decent size garden. Property price is actually 100k north of figures I quoted... Was trying to anonymise but no point really :)

Very annoyed - EA said he would call me within the hour this evening (i.e. by 5.30) to firm up the viewing after getting in touch with the vendor. He has my phone number and email - have heard nothing!

Will wait for him to phone tomorrow and let him know I am no longer interested... He knows we are coming from outside London and I have had to take leave to accommodate the viewing/free up family members... And has continued to mess us about!

I am not sure why him/the vendors are playing such hardball - irony was I was keen to progress, able to move quickly, everything in place - but they have put me right off...

OP posts:

Original poster

lockdownlucylu · 19/05/2020 21:11

As an aside, I do like the property and could really see myself there - so bit of a double blow! Not sure to see if it gets put back on the market down the line or what - assuming will be a struggle if it the same EAs I will be dealing with...

OP posts:

Weclapclapclapclapclaptogether · 19/05/2020 21:17

This isn't allowed. Report them.

Shinesweetfreedom · 19/05/2020 21:25

If the estate agents mouth is moving he is lying.
He is nothing more than a glorified salesman.
He knows down well the market is starting to drop so is trying to play hard ball.
There was another thread on here where the estate agent said they were sifting out offers before allowing people to view.Sounds like they have all written their own handbook on this.After all if sellers refuse to drop and buyers quite sensibly know that the market is going to drop and are not going to be caught out by offering more than about 90 percent of the property price at this stage,then nothing is going to sell and the estate agents will be stuffed.Just a game of poker really.

Dazedandconfused10 · 19/05/2020 21:27

Maybe he doesn't want to waste anyone time? If you arent going to offer in the ballpark of what the vendor is willing to accept why waste everyone's time? It's not a firm offer and you can change it at any time. There are time wasters a plenty when selling. Nothing wrong with weeding them out.

wowfudge · 19/05/2020 21:48

He should just say so if that's the case instead of trying to pressurise the OP.

Yesbutisittouching · 19/05/2020 22:02

OP I’d wait before committing to any purchase right now. You are a cash buyer which also allows you access to auctions without requiring additional finance. I’ve seen some really keenly priced properties lately that are below the ‘normal’ pricing for the areas they are in. Unless This is your ‘omg I love this house’ or you absolutely have to purchase for some other reason I’d probably wait 3/4 months and see if the market lowers. That way, you won’t be rushed and will pay the true market value rather than the EA hoped-for value (which of course his commission is linked to). I buy and sell residential and commercial properties and renovate or let once finished so do monitor the markets closely. Auctions are not for the faint-hearted and there are plenty of bear traps but do your homework and there are bargains to be had. Good luck!

knowingmenotyou · 19/05/2020 22:09

He sounds like an unpleasant bully and has also messed you about having not confirmed your viewing. I think you are being very sensible to tell him that you have changed your mind. Such a foolish tactic when it is a buyer's market and you are in such a great position.

To previous poster, he isnt trying to weed out time wasters. The OP is not a time waster. She offered before and they already know her situation.
There are both sellers and buyers who are' time wasters' and, in this situation it seems to be the buyers.

Smallgoon · 19/05/2020 22:11

Maybe he doesn't want to waste anyone time? If you arent going to offer in the ballpark of what the vendor is willing to accept why waste everyone's time?

Pardon? Are you an EA by any chance?

Smallgoon · 19/05/2020 22:15

Property is a 3 bed semi, high spec, in an up and coming part of s London

I'd be keen to know which area this is, as a Londoner? You sound like you don't live in the City so I'm curious to know what 'up and coming' means to a non-Londoner?

You are a cash buyer which also allows you access to auctions without requiring additional finance. I’ve seen some really keenly priced properties lately that are below the ‘normal’ pricing for the areas they are in.

This is excellent advice. Auction properties are deliberately priced well to attract cash buyers. I know you feel as though this is the best property you'll come close to offering on, but it won't be. I felt the same when a couple of properties slipped through my grasp, but actually it was a blessing that they did.

StarbucksSmarterSister · 19/05/2020 22:17

Seriously, I'd tell the agent to get stuffed and look for another property.

Toomanycats99 · 19/05/2020 22:23

Could the other buyer have reduced offer and not dropped out. Hence why they are desperate for a quick offer from you so they can push original buyer to stick to their original by saying another offer on the table?

MotherofTerriers · 19/05/2020 22:32

Maybe the seller wants to withdraw the property and wait to see what happens to prices. And the agent s trying to salvage his commission by persuading them to keep it on as he has a cash buyer prepared to offer what they want. Agents are pretty desperate at the moment and will say anything to get a deal through

Original poster

lockdownlucylu · 20/05/2020 09:33

@Smallgoon - honorary Londoner of 12 years standing haha but away for lockdown - have lived in north and west last 12 years so not too knowledgeable about south. It's in the Hither Green/Bromley/Catford area!

Wednesday morning update: I think EA has ghosted me [upside down smiley emoji] - absolutely furious tbh. I have danced to their tune from last Friday, arranged to take leave from work this afternoon, drive over with family for this bloody viewing... Not only did he not call back at 5.30 yesterday, I have heard nothing by phone/email since. Viewing is this afternoon...

Who do I complain to and how???

OP posts:

MotherofTerriers · 20/05/2020 09:47

Depends who the EA works for - if its a big firm look at their website and see who you can put a complaint in to.

sbplanet · 20/05/2020 09:57

@lockdownlucylu - you would be well advised to steer clear of this EA and the property. I think you've had enough hints about what an awful sale process it could be. I say could be because there'd be a long way to go and I wouldn't trust the sellers to go all the way!

What is it about this property that makes it a must have? I'm not a Londoner but I'm amazed there aren't similar in a city full of property. :) You're a no chain, cash buyer, or low mortgager FFS you're like gold-dust I'd have thought.

WombatChocolate · 20/05/2020 10:01

I'd jot down a list of dates of communications and the aspects you've been unhappy about with each one. Put down as clearly as possible what he agreed about getting back to you etc and what was said that felt pushy and underhand.

Do it in rough today whilst it's fresh in your mind.

Were you clear in your message to him that you would not be setting out for the viewing without confirmation. You don't want to be getting a call this afternoon to say 'where are you,im at the property' type thing.

Possibly send one last email saying how disappointed you are not to have heard back confirming th appt as promised by 5.30 yesterday , given he knew it would be a 3 hour trip and you'd have to book time off work. Say you have now cancelled your leave and will be focusing on the other viewings you have arranged, where the EA and seekers seemed more interested in you as a cash buyer and have dealt with you in a more reliable way.

Time to move on...as it were!

Qgardens · 20/05/2020 10:06

This sounds very plausible.

GreyGardens88 · 20/05/2020 10:15

The estate agent sounds like an idiot, if you're a cash buyer in this current climate he should be buttering you up not ignoring you. I'd offer 10% lower than your original offer

Original poster

lockdownlucylu · 20/05/2020 10:30

Thanks for the advice all - this ok as a final email? Will cc in the office address too

Good morning [pushy EA],

I had expected to hear back from you by 5.30pm yesterday re. confirmation of today’s viewing and am disappointed not to have received anything since we spoke yesterday.

I have had to book time off work for the viewing this afternoon and, as discussed, it’s a long journey for my family members who do not live in London.

As I have not heard back, I will be cancelling my leave this afternoon and focusing on the other viewings I have arranged.

I am very disappointed by the treatment I have received at [pushy EA](I have chased multiple times to get a viewing in the diary, despite being a majority cash buyer with no chain, and only hearing last Friday afternoon that the property was being put back on the market). I was also asked to give a “best and final” offer yesterday evening which I felt to be unnecessary/aggressive given that I was to be viewing the property 24 hours later and would likely have made a revised offer at that point.

The other estate agents I am dealing with have been significantly easier to communicate with and dealt with me in a more reliable way.

Regards
LucyLu

OP posts:

Smallgoon · 20/05/2020 11:08

honorary Londoner of 12 years standing haha but away for lockdown - have lived in north and west last 12 years so not too knowledgeable about south. It's in the Hither Green/Bromley/Catford area!

Ahhh, I recently purchased in Forest Hill. Welcome neighbour!!!

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