Do we tell estate agents or not?

sharleen29 · 13-01-2008, 03:17 PM

Hi, we are putting our house on the market tomorrow. Hubby doesnt think we should tell the estate agent but i do. The thing is we know the agent and he knows we've been talking about aus. We live in a small community were everyone knows everyone else, so he's bound to find out. Im no good at telling lies and i dont think i should have to, but we have to be in aus for 8th oct and the housing arnt moving at all at the minute. I was just going to tell them that if we dont get the price we want we're going to rent it out. I know you all have been in this predicament so what did you do???

Thanks xxx

motherof2 · 13-01-2008, 03:30 PM

HI Sharleen, I've been thinking this too. I spoke to a local to agent last year just to get a feel on prices and told them that we would be emigrating. He said that unless instructed they would not tell potential sellers our reasons for moving, that would be up to us if asked. Personally, I have read of many people on here and on other sites whose buyers have been aware of the reason to sell and have basically blackmailed the seller on the day of completion and threatened to pull out unless a few thousand pounds is knocked off. If I'm asked I think I will sayi that we are relocating, but not telling them where!! I'm sure ther will be other around with some advice and probably a few more horror stories for you, but go with what you feel is right for you and you family. Most people out there are fine, it's just the scumbags we have to watch out for.

charliebrown · 13-01-2008, 03:59 PM

personally, I wouldnt say a word - never forget the estate agent, despite being paid by you, is only acting in their own interest and will generally stop at nothing to get a sale - even if that means tipping off a buyer that they have you over a barrel.

Its your business why you are moving, not theirs.

I didnt tell our estate agent or buyers that the house was being sold cos my ex and I were separating, and we got the best price for it just 4 months ago. I dont think that would have been the case if we had said anything.

Its a business deal and *your* cash thats on the line, be hard nosed about it.

just my tuppence.

Trakki · 13-01-2008, 03:59 PM

We are not going to tell them, are just going to say we are moving back down south and already have a place so no chain. Got told that if you tell them they will push you to drop the price for a quick sale. Don't know how true but don't want to chance the buyers playing silly beggers.

julie2g1b · 13-01-2008, 04:39 PM

hi all

we are putting our house up tommorrow as well and not telling them as they could tell people and they will try to knock you down.
yes i want a quick sale but not dropping ours as we are including all the furniture in the house as we are not sure where abouts in perth yet until we get there plus the cost of shipping so easier to include it that way get what we want and buy new over there.

julie

wardy · 13-01-2008, 04:58 PM

We are just going to tell them we are selling up and down sizing as we want to spend more time in our villa in spain if anyone asks.

It doesnt matter that its my mums villa

we are trying to sell them a lifestyle option isn't that what all the programmes say to do. :)

Never going to mention we are desperate for a sale so we can move to Australia I see us loosing ££££'s if its in the best interest of agent to say and he sees a commission i cant see him not saying anything.

Keep quiet and just say Oz has fallen through but you still fancy a change

sharleen29 · 13-01-2008, 05:31 PM

Thanks for that everyone, the advice was great! I think i will stick with my hubbys instincts then and not tell them (i hate it when he's right! LOL) Better go now and start cleaning, they're coming at 10am.

PS. Im loaded with the flu and the hot whiskies are going to my head

Thanks again xxx

bernie · 13-01-2008, 06:09 PM

Hi Marc & Sharleen,

I agree with Charliebrown - don't tell them. We had some friends move to NZealand and the buyers pushed them down and down until the deadline for them to move. They were forced to accept a low price on the property, hence taking less £ with them. You are not obliged to tell an estate agent as it is your business and should not be treated as lying it's merely personal information. Perhap when all is signed as least! We are not going to tell ours when we sell. Good luck with what ever you decide, that's just my opinion.

Bernie

Bobcat · 13-01-2008, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliebrown

personally, I wouldnt say a word - never forget the estate agent, despite being paid by you, is only acting in their own interest and will generally stop at nothing to get a sale - even if that means tipping off a buyer that they have you over a barrel.

Its your business why you are moving, not theirs.

I didnt tell our estate agent or buyers that the house was being sold cos my ex and I were separating, and we got the best price for it just 4 months ago. I dont think that would have been the case if we had said anything.

Its a business deal and *your* cash thats on the line, be hard nosed about it.

just my tuppence.

Don't the Agents in the UK have to act in their vendor's best interest............. not in their own? Don't they follow a Code of Ethics?

charliebrown · 13-01-2008, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobcat

Don't the Agents in the UK have to act in their vendor's best interest............. not in their own? Don't they follow a Code of Ethics?

you'd think, wouldn't you? but having been on the end of some amazingly underhand behaviour in the past, my advice is not to give them an inch. Its a business deal - they really are not your friends, no matter if you're a buyer or seller. remember - the difference to them of losing £20k on the value of your house is only maybe £100 in commission.