Good EA/Bad EA

[Yellowstri]

We had a very strange experience viewing a house at the weekend and it made me think that estate agents are one of the professions with the biggest gap between a good one and a bad one. This one:

• Kept trying to talk us into viewing a different house while we were looking round, telling us that the other house was better, bigger etc (the other house was in a different area so not one we would consider)
• Described the lower ground floor as "notoriously dark and damp"
• When I asked about the seller's situation, said "I can't remember- they might still be deciding whether to sell or rent it out, or is that another property?" (I mean, that may be true but why say it to a potential buyer, especially if you're not sure?)
• Apropos of nothing, used the phrase "shaking like a shitting dog" (I mean, I don't mind a bit of swearing but it was quite a surprise in the context 😂)

I suppose it's possible that he thought the seller wasn't going to sell so maybe it was worth talking up another house, but if they're doing viewings then presumably the seller is at least thinking about selling- I'd be really annoyed if my agent said this sort of thing to viewers!

Would love to hear about any strange EA experiences you've had.

I’d be suspicious that the house is a bargain for whatever reason and he wants to
put you off so he/a friend or relative can buy it!

Did he literally just say 'shaking like a shitting dog' out of nowhere, no context?

Was he himself, or an aspect of the house performing this action?

He sounds like Stath lets flats but worse. 🤣

I agree with you OP. That’s why I always view properties in advance of selling to see how each agent handles viewings and follow up. Also if one person sees it through or if different people pick up various aspects of the process.

He obviously thinks he can get a better commission off the other house.
I’d see if the house is under multiple estate agents, if it is then go for it with someone else.

Was it really an agent or one of those people they give the keys to?

There was a pilates reformer in the house. He said "my mate tried that once- shaking like a shitting dog afterwards" 😂 Not really the best sales patter.

So agents have to tell potential buyers of any issues they are aware of - possibly where the bit about it being dark and damp came from, but I’d expect it to be phrased differently.
It’s possible that he had a conflict of interest ie he or a family member will gain from you buying the other house he suggested/ wants to buy this house so is putting you off. But again, this is something that should be disclosed.
I have done EA exams and worked in property sales and can assure you that he doesn’t sound like he’s following some of the guidelines!
At least you know not to use this particular company to represent your own property.
Also, there can be a big difference between good and bad agents as there’s currently no real regulations for them. They follow the consumer rights guidelines, but there isn’t proper regulations by law for them.
If choosing an agent check that they’re part of the NAEA Propertymark - it’s essentially a code of conduct they have to adhere to so agents with this should be fairly decent and knowledgable!

Yeah that sounds pretty uncouth. Though I can see it was his clumsy attempt at humour. I mean if he acted normal and just had a relaxed way of speaking and that was the only thing he said that sounded odd if probably shrug it off.

But the way he seemed to be trying desperately NOT to sell you the house was bizarre.

Either he wants to sell the other house because it belongs to a friend or relative, or he will get better commission, or he wants the house you viewed for a friend or relative and he’s telling you things to put you off.

The second thing happened to us. We found out that the EA had not passed on our offer, because a mate was going to buy the property. It all came unstuck when the mate lost his job and the mortgage offer was withdrawn.

He sounds hungover!!

Over the last 2+ years I've sold my house and been looking for a new one, been a very long process with a great many agents involved (I've also rented several properties during that time for both myself and my DDs at uni etc) - lets say I've dealt with around 30 agents and maybe 3 have seemed knowledgeable and genuine. It seems like the majority feel they answer to no one so behaviour gets pretty poor, pretty quickly. If they lose one buyer/seller there'll be half a dozen others along in a minute.

I don't understand it - yes of course sales are sales are sales, but does it really require such a low bar in order to be successful at the job? I always like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, don't like to make sweeping generalisations but with estate agents it seems justified! I wish we had more estate agents come on here and explain, its a mystery!