I have seen a property for sale in the window of a local Estate Agent. I need to sell my own house first but the seller’s agent is pressurising me to sell my house through him rather than my own appointed agent. I do not wish to lose the house I wish to purchase but have been happy with the service received from my existing agent. What should I do?
This is, of course, somewhat unprofessional but it is a fact of life that if an alternative purchaser is also selling their house through the same agent as the seller then that agent will stand to receive two commissions should that particular chain proceed.
I have to say that estate agents are far more professional these days and are acutely aware of professional standards and would not deliberately try and “steal” another agent’s client.
However, there may be a genuine conflict whereby if two parties are interested in the same property – and one of the prospective buyers is also selling their house with the same agent – then the agent may have a greater professional responsibility to that existing client compared with someone like yourself whose property is currently marketed by another agent.
The final word should be that of the seller who, on the advice of their agent, should choose the buyer who appears in the best position to proceed regardless of through which agent that prospective buyer is selling their property.
If you feel that the agent is not communicating your offer or how well positioned you are to proceed to the seller then you could always contact the seller direct to ensure they are aware.