Is My Estate Agent is allowed to Harrass Me!?

Question

Bairstow Eves after 4 weeks of my house being on the market is harrasing me to lower the price. What are my rights with the contract not to lower. And is this usual because it is quite threatening in nature and I wish I never chose them as my estate agent now.

Also if I have any work done in the meantime and ask for the price to be but up several thousand am I within my rights to do so? Or will they take me of their books. I have already paid the £300 and their final fees are much higher than other estate agents. But so ar they have acted unprofessional and shown hardly any communication with me.

Answer 1

The setting of the price is totally your call. The agent has a duty to listen to you.



However, if the agent doesn't' feel that the price you are asking is correct, they have the right to end the agreement and move on without wasting their money to market a property that will not sell.

Answer 2

It's a shame you gave them the £300 as honest estate agents do not ask for fees upfront. My inclination would be to get shot of the crooks after you have sounded out other, decent, agents.

It always pays to have at least three agents value your property you can then discuss fees and choose whomever you wish. You are entitled to raise or lower the asking price as you see fit. If they don't like it they can walk away the same as you can. Don't sign anything that commits you either to the agent, a fixed asking price or a fee for taking your house off the market. Good agents don't need to tie you up, they just get on with the job.

Answer 3

I think all estate agents are the same, i had similar problems with mine. Bear in mind though that the agent has a legal obligation to inform you of all offers on the property even if they are below what you've stipulated.



Just a note for Barry: Bairstow Eves are hardly cowboys. They are owned by Countrywide who also own several large estate agents such as John D Wood and Faron Sutaria. Bairstow Eves generally deal with higher quality properties.

Answer 4

You can price it how ever you want to. Though if you aren't going to listen to the agent, you may as well not bother using one.



" But so ar they have acted unprofessional and shown hardly any communication with me." - Are the having hardly and communication, or are the harassing you? They can't be doing both...

Answer 5

I bought a house through them 3 years ago and boy were they agressive, phone calls from them every day. There are loads of complaints on the Internet about them. Firstly what have you paid them for. it is very unusual to pay a fee upfront. You do NOT have to lower your price, they work for you and have to market it for the price you want. If you want to increase your price then do so. I am worried about this £300, what is it for. It will make it difficult for you to sack them if they will not refund your money. You can report them to the Area Manager, you should be able to find Head Office in your area on the Net.

Answer 6

I have come upon your posting a bit late but never the less here is my pennyworth.Am surprised by up front fees.A lot of the replies will give some info,tried to take in all that has been said here but in the end you have to make up your own mind.If you have not been there already try allagents.co.uk for reviews,they are mainly damning.In case you need it Head office 01733551844 e-mail either nickowen or bryanmansell @bairstoweseves.co.uk

Answer 7

they work for you, so you call the shots. You price your house however you like, if they make you feel threatened then lose them.



the country is full of estate agents and this lot give them their bad name. Write to them tomorrow, cancelling the contract , asking for your money back for their behaviour and find another agent. Let them sue you. They won't.

Answer 8

You are the customer and they are working for you. Why did you pay them up front, there are plenty of estate agents with a no sale no fee guarantee.



Write to them and tell them you want to cancel the agreement because of harassment, also tell them you are reporting them to the estate agents ombudsman, and send a copy of the letter to the ombudsman with a covering letter explaining why you are reporting the estate agents to them.

Answer 9

You do not have to reduce your price, they are YOUR agent it is not their house. They have probably locked you in for 90 days on a sole selling agreement so check this first. They may also have a withdrawl fee.

Answer 10

If you don't want to lower it you don't have to. Ask them why they recommend lowering it. If your not happy with that agent you may want to consider finding someone else. Read the contract and go from there.



Eric Hempler

Licensed in MN, Keller Williams Classic Realty Northwest

Answer 11

Remember, the agent works for YOU. They can advise, but at the end of the day, the decision on price is yours.