Selling away from an estate agent
Discussion
We've had our house on the market with a local estate agent now for a while. Couple of viewings, no offers.
Anyway, we've recieved an offer from a family friend which we have accepted verbally and now want take our house off the market with the estate agent. Paying a small penalty fee that is in the T's and C's.
The question we have is how we would approach the estate agent? Do we have any obligation to tell them we have sold it elsewhere? Can they have any claim on them being involved in the sale (the buyer had no contact with the estate agent)
They are bound to ask why we're taking it off the market, question is, do we need to tell them why?
Anyway, we've recieved an offer from a family friend which we have accepted verbally and now want take our house off the market with the estate agent. Paying a small penalty fee that is in the T's and C's.
The question we have is how we would approach the estate agent? Do we have any obligation to tell them we have sold it elsewhere? Can they have any claim on them being involved in the sale (the buyer had no contact with the estate agent)
They are bound to ask why we're taking it off the market, question is, do we need to tell them why?
Don't have to tell them anything as far as I am concerned. Just withdraw it from the market.
Also, why do you need to pay them? And no, I don't see how you need to pay them for the sale because that would only be for someone who was introduced through the agency IMHO (bit more marginal if the buyer had seen the EA sign outside and then contact you as a result)...
Also, why do you need to pay them? And no, I don't see how you need to pay them for the sale because that would only be for someone who was introduced through the agency IMHO (bit more marginal if the buyer had seen the EA sign outside and then contact you as a result)...
Jasandjules said:
Don't have to tell them anything as far as I am concerned. Just withdraw it from the market.
Also, why do you need to pay them? And no, I don't see how you need to pay them for the sale because that would only be for someone who was introduced through the agency IMHO (bit more marginal if the buyer had seen the EA sign outside and then contact you as a result)...
You get a valuation, and the EA does and pays for all the advertising and other costs. The house sells to someone who may or may not have seen the EA advertising, and you say you didn't sell it, so I'm not paying you.Also, why do you need to pay them? And no, I don't see how you need to pay them for the sale because that would only be for someone who was introduced through the agency IMHO (bit more marginal if the buyer had seen the EA sign outside and then contact you as a result)...
Most EAs are aware of this practice, and contract accordingly. If you signed a contract saying, in effect 'if the house sells within x months, you get paid', then pay them. If not, then don't.
Quick update.
For the record, I am not pulling a fast one. We are genuinely selling to someone who was not introduced to us by the EA. Not even seeing the sign outside.
Anyway, i've told the estate agent who was fine. The contract states I have to pay £200 to cover the costs of advertising as stated above.
For the record, I am not pulling a fast one. We are genuinely selling to someone who was not introduced to us by the EA. Not even seeing the sign outside.
Anyway, i've told the estate agent who was fine. The contract states I have to pay £200 to cover the costs of advertising as stated above.
KenBlocksPants said:
Quick update.
For the record, I am not pulling a fast one. We are genuinely selling to someone who was not introduced to us by the EA. Not even seeing the sign outside.
Anyway, i've told the estate agent who was fine. The contract states I have to pay £200 to cover the costs of advertising as stated above.
Good resultFor the record, I am not pulling a fast one. We are genuinely selling to someone who was not introduced to us by the EA. Not even seeing the sign outside.
Anyway, i've told the estate agent who was fine. The contract states I have to pay £200 to cover the costs of advertising as stated above.
KenBlocksPants said:
Quick update.
Anyway, i've told the estate agent who was fine. The contract states I have to pay £200 to cover the costs of advertising as stated above.
IME they're all as slippery as a bag of eels. If your contract gave them sole selling rights, rather than sole selling agency, you are on the hook for the full commission. If they are prepared to waive that, I would get it in writting (draft it yourself) and get them to sign it when you pay the £200. Anyway, i've told the estate agent who was fine. The contract states I have to pay £200 to cover the costs of advertising as stated above.
Otherwise, wait until the end of the contractal period, which should not have been more than 8 weeks, despiteb what some may try on.
I have only ever sold 2 houses, and never yet paid a penny to an estate agent.
7.
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