Estate Agent Query

[minty12]

Hi all,

I had my apartment advertised with a agent and he brought in a guy who offered a price on the apartment but that was below what i was expecting and i did not agree to it .Then the buyer personally dropped into my place and after negotiations finally agreed to the price that i was demanding.But the agent rang me this morning and told me that the same buyer has put a offer somewhere else and it has been accepted and says that this is the maximum price he can get for my place.I again rang the buyer and he said he has not put any offers other than mine and is fully determined to get my place.My query here is if i believe the buyer and try to sell the apartment directly to him without involving the agent is it possible that the agent would charge me or is there any way where he wont find out .

 

[CCOVICH]

The agent will more than likely be looking for a fee based on the fact that they introduced the buyer to you. They will also charge for any advertising etc.

If you want to put the agent on the spot, you and your potential buyer could go to see them in person, and see what they have to say.

If they have lied or misled you, I would seriously consider making an official complaint.

I would certainly try and get to the truth before paying them anything (other than maybe costs-advertising etc.)

 

[Mopsy]

Hi all,

I had my apartment advertised with a agent and he brought in a guy who offered a price on the apartment but that was below what i was expecting and i did not agree to it .Then the buyer personally dropped into my place and after negotiations finally agreed to the price that i was demanding.But the agent rang me this morning and told me that the same buyer has put a offer somewhere else and it has been accepted and says that this is the maximum price he can get for my place.I again rang the buyer and he said he has not put any offers other than mine and is fully determined to get my place.My query here is if i believe the buyer and try to sell the apartment directly to him without involving the agent is it possible that the agent would charge me or is there any way where he wont find out .

Be very careful how you handle this. If you signed an Agency Agreement with the Auctioneer, he can look for his professional fees. If he is a Member of IPAV or IAVI there is certain criteria which all member agents have to abide by. Check to see if he is and log onto their websites for more info. or ring them. Do you know the prospective purchaser? Does you Agent know him? Do you know how to handle the sale yourself? I presume you have engaged a Solicitor at this stage? If you have, talk to him before you do anything. If the prospective buyer is eager to purchase your place, he won't mind you telling him that you wish to run this by your Solicitor first. The main thing is if you are going ahead yourself, don't sign anything until you speak to your Solicitor.