Normal for an EA?

[kirinm]

We've just gone on the market. Very reluctantly gone with the agent selling a house we want to buy - something we will probably regret.

So far, they're being as awful as I anticipated.

1. They are only sending emails to me when I told them my DP needs to be copied in.
2. I've asked for a copy of the signed contract and they've not provided it - I actually want to see this as our neighbour has suggested they might be interested in buying the place
3. was asked to facilitate another person at the agency as they'd be doing viewings. Made myself available, they didn't turn up.
4. Said they had a lot of interest and wanted to do some off market viewings / an open day - they're confirmed there is one person viewing.
5. People called to arrange to take photographs and asked us to be available on Tuesday when I have already told them about 5 times we are on holiday and they'll have the keys.

They're just endlessly incompetent and I know some of these things are very minor but I'm pretty pissed off about the pretend off market interest they suggested there was and very clearly isn't.

Is this normal? In already ready to pull the plug - and thankfully only signed a short contract with them.

Why did you go with them if it was reluctant?

As I said, they are selling the house we've offered on and had the offer accepted. I know they can't stipulate that we use them but we did feel obliged.

That doesn't mean I expect them to be incompetent.

Every agent we have spoken to has been unimpressive but one company has a complete monopoly in the area and, if I'm being generous, the ones we are using are the ones who probably know the area best.

I only asked as it’s just not necessary to do that and I wasn’t sure that’s what you meant.

All you can do is keep on at them I guess.

My experience of 'open days' in the current market is of EA booking them two weeks in advance because they don't have the staff to do ad-hoc viewings.

Of course they'll market it as the Open Days of yesteryear to you: there's so much interest that we'll have to do them all at once!!!

Absolute BS.

Getting an agent to do viewings within a week is like pulling teeth at the moment, at least if you want to do weekends. Most of the time we have to book two weeks in advance. They won't tell you they're understaffed, but they all are.

The most efficient agent I know in the area that I'm looking in gets the vendors to do all the viewings, always. I once had a viewing confirmation from them two days before I wanted it, WITHIN SIX MINUTES. They're brutally efficient and can afford to be because they don't send staff around houses.

The rest of it sounds like pretty normal agent behaviour; I'm really sorry they have a monopoly. The most popular one in the area I'm looking in are also the worst, and they also have a monopoly. I won't even consider houses they're selling now because it's an absolute mare to even get a booking. Sod hoping they'll hold a sale together if it all goes pear shaped.

Yep sounds about right. Nearly everyone I dealt with buying and selling seemed useless, sometimes rude and generally incompetent.

They have been pretty shit but can’t say I see much point in moving to a different EA. The reason you chose them in the first place is still a valid reason and moving to a new agency won’t magic up any new buyers. As long as they are on Rightmove and the photos are decent, I would stick with them for a few more weeks at least.

No, they are incompetent. They should have given you your copy of the contract there and then when you signed it. Is there a cooling off period? That might be the only way to ditch them.

Sounds typical EA behaviour. Remember it's not always they're fault as potential buyers can be a right pain too, not turning up or just being nosey. As OP said as long as they're on rightmove buyers will see your property and will persevere with the quirks of the agent if they're a serious buyer.
If you're not happy with them, drop into their office face to face. Be friendly and polite but remind them if they sell your house that's two sales when you buy the house on their books.
Good luck.

The reason to go with them is presumably they need to sell yours so you can buy the other one in order to get their commission so they should be that much more motivated, but they seem to not communicate very well.
Do you have one point if contact? I'd be calling them directly and tell them the issues you've had.

I would physically go into the EA office and talk face to face about your queries etc as they can't wiggle out of everything and offer so many excuses when you are standing there.
Also you can respond back and/or give your opinion much more easily in person.

I would definitely ask for the contract and say I'll wait here so you can get it for me now thank you.

Don't phone beforehand to let them know you're coming in.

Zero feedback from the one viewing that happened on Saturday. Pictures being taken today. I'm a bit nervous about the quality to expect based on other listings and may insist they use some of our pics.

Does anyone know how long it takes to get online once pics are approved?