Dealing with Estate Agents

[ln1234]

We have been thinking of contacting some local estate agents and viewing some houses around our area, with a view of keeping an eye out for our dream house/bargain. I wanted to ask for advice on how to deal with estate agents in the current climate. I don't mind giving out my personal details to them, but don't want to get hounded with countless phone calls, and details on properties we're not interested in - we know the kind of property we're after. I've already got a mortgage agreement in principle (in case we do find something we really like), so will pass on speaking to their 'financial advisers', but any tips on how to deal with them appreciated.

Cheers

[ln1234]

aussiebruce said:

where are you looking?

SW London!

[ln1234]

2something said:

In the places we've looked - dream house and bargain rarely go together, even in the current climate. There are plenty of bargains, but the houses we have looked at in good locations have had a nasty tendency to go very quickly, twice they went for above the asking price. In the not so good locations (can be just a couple of streets over), there are bargains to be had and properties are sticking.

I have a feeling we're going to have the same experiences, but hopefully we're looking with our eyes wide open, and buying a house is definately a nice-to-have for us at the moment. There is always the hope that we'll like a house that someone is desperate to sell, and no one else is interested (fat chance I know).

[ln1234]

hornetrider said:

Coco H said:

I think you have to be honest about what you want and say you are absolutely not interested in anything that varies from those criteria.

On the mortgage advisor front thing - we have one to sell and one of the National agents we saw last week told me that all buyers have to speak to their man to prove they have the money /mortgage in place before they put an offer in. Is this really correct - do they really want to see your bank balances?

The problem with this is - they will then know how much you have to spend, and will most likely advise their clients accordingly.

So if I tell them I already have a mortgage agreed in principle, can they still have a requirement for me to speak to their fincial advisor before I view a house?

[ln1234]

GreatGranny said:

Why do you need to contact the EAs?

Can't you just get updates from rightmove, globrix etc and if a house comes up then contact the EA.

Thats exactly what we're doing. There is a house we like the sound of, and am considering calling the EA, but I want to approach it all the right way, and don't want any 'spam mail' from them hence me asking for advice.

I've heard you need to give them your current address as well?