What would you say to EA question?

[cakehoover123]

We've just offered on a house, 5% under asking, no chain so a solid offer. EA has replied "Will pass it on. Would you consider going up if sellers ask? Not saying they will, but would be useful to know."

Obviously won't reply "Of course!", but what to say instead? The truth is we would go up.

DH says EA is trying it on, and to ignore the email.

I think we should send something non-committal, so EA doesn't think we're rude. But it's tricky because it feels as if we don't give a hard "no", we're effectively saying "yes", and EA can pass that on to the sellers.

WWYD?

“We’ll see.”

Just say we would need to consider that but can you just present our offer as it stands , you could comment that the market is falling to set the scene

I'd say you're offering a price you're confident with, and to let you know the sellers position when they can?

The EA is paid by the seller so they are working for the seller not for you. Just say ‘we are offering what we feel the house is worth’ or something vague but err on the side of hinting you don’t want to offer more.

I'd just say no. Doesn't stop you increasing your offer if the first one's turned down.

Thank you all! I like these suggestions. Might go with @cruffinsmuffin .

Would you think the EA was being cheeky for asking? Or is that like asking if a dog is being cheeky for barking?

I don't think the EA is being cheeky, probably just trying to get a sense of where you stand. If you went back with "Sorry, that's our absolute maximum and we can't increase our budget" then at least they know. Anything else lets them know you have wiggle room, and might give them an idea of how enthusiastic you are about the property.

I honestly do think your best bet is to ignore the email, and if it comes up apologise, and say you must have missed it. Or maybe reply in a few days if you haven't heard anything back.

I would say, No, thats my offer as Ive got my eye on another property, that way they might think if they say no then your gonna put an offer elsewhere.. you can always go back and offer more later..

I can't stand EAs.

It's their job to get the best price possible. So they are asking if that's your final offer or if it's the start of negotiations. You are perfectly fine to say 'that's our offer and what we are prepared to pay'. If they come back as a no or with a counter, then you can always up it (or not, if you think they will accept or you don't think it's worth more). I think most first offers are considered the start, unless you say it's your absolute final.

Thank you everyone! Really helpful 🙏🏻

This is the perfect answer. Doesn't imply that you would, or that you wouldn't.

"This is what we think the property is worth. We don't plan on paying over the odds"

"Why do you ask? Have you put our offer forward?"

The EA's job is to get the best offer for their client (the vendor) so you can't really blame them for asking the question. Just be cool and act natural. You can say "very unlikely" but that doesn't completely close you off.

Ignore the question.

If you have to respond go with something like

Thanks for your prompt reply. Looking forward to hearing back from sellers. Would appreciate details of …. roof guarantees/dimensions of garden/sellers timescales etc.

ie put the ball back in EA’s court.

I think your husband is correct - just ignore the email. The EA is being a CF

I've had this from Estate agents recently too. 'So is that your best and final offer or could you go up?'

Its bollocks. If a seller turns down an offer because they think you will then offer more, they have to take the risk you may walk away. Or they can say yes and accept the risk that you may have offered more if they had said no. That's just how it is.

I tend to counter along the lines of 'we have thought hard about how much we are prepared to pay in the current market and think that is a fair offer' or similar

This