Contact EA or not?

[JMR]

We have recently viewed a house that we would be interested in buying. Our own house will only go on the market in the next few days and mortgage approval will also take a while to come through.
The question is do we contact the vendors EA and express an interest at this stage or say nothing until we are in a position to make an offer?

The house has been on the market for approx 3 months and has dropped considerably in that time.
There has been little or no interest in the house up to now....

 

[3CC]

Why don't you contact the EA, view the house etc, explain your situation, do not put in an offer but ask them to give you call if there is a serious bid on the property. I imagine they would accommodate this if they are representing their clients needs.

Keep an eye out for a sale agreed sign just in case.

 

[QED]

I would disagree with 3CC (although I have not much experience in this area).

The seller/EA will probably not be keen to reduce the price any further if they see you as a serious buyer that they just have to wait for. They will probably hold the price until you are ready to bid.

Of course there is the risk that the house will be sold in the mean-time. It depends on whether you're the gambling type..

 

[MrMan]

Let him know you are interested and tell him your situation, that should keep you in the loop.

 

[rustbucket]

Let the EA know that you are interested and explain your situation (dependant on sale of house etc)

If you put in an offer I think they are obliged to let you know if they receive another one that out bids you.