EA didn't pass my bid onto the seller

MissesMoon

I'm bidding on a property at the moment and I put a generous offer in on Monday with estate agent. I've only found out this pm (48 hrs later) that they never informed seller of it and now someone else has joined the bidding - albeit with a lower offer.
I've just emailed them confirmation of my offer and asked that they confirm by return that it has been received, recorded and passed onto seller.
Is there anything else I can do....apart from blow a fuse! I'm pretty annoyed as it's a large estate company who are based nationwide and I would have expected a bit more professionalism.

the_syco

MissesMoon wrote: »

I've only found out this pm (48 hrs later) that they never informed seller of it and now someone else has joined the bidding - albeit with a lower offer.

How do you know that the seller didn't get your initial bid?

MissesMoon

When EA rang me to let me know of another bid which was a lot lower than my current one. She then admitted she didn't place mine.

ct5amr2ig1nfhp

Is the owner living in the house? Drop a letter into the post box telling them what happened. If my EA didn't pass on an offer to me, I would be very annoyed. You would have to wonder what other offers were not passed on to the owner(s).

intheclouds

MissesMoon wrote: »

When EA rang me to let me know of another bid which was a lot lower than my current one. She then admitted she didn't place mine.

Did she not say why?

Did you ask why?

MissesMoon

That's true...EAs are in a powerful position aren't they.
The owner is not in situ so I have no way of contacting him... I'll be emailing any future correspondence that's for sure.

gaius c

Only ever bid in writing.
In business, would you take anybody bidding six figure sums over the phone seriously?

MissesMoon

Hi intheclouds.
She claims she didn't remember me saying it. I certainly do as I nearly choked getting it out....it's a lot of money. She wasn't too bothered about it at all. A bit cheeky about it actually.

MissesMoon

gaius c wrote: »

Only ever bid in writing.
In business, would you take anybody bidding six figure sums over the phone seriously?

Oh yes indeed. My lesson is learnt!

gaius c

MissesMoon wrote: »

Hi intheclouds.
She claims she didn't remember me saying it. I certainly do as I nearly choked getting it out....it's a lot of money. She wasn't too bothered about it at all. A bit cheeky about it actually.

Don't let them get under your skin. Treat it as a business transaction. At this stage, you may as well repeat the bid but in writing and take it from there.

Good luck.

MissesMoon

Thanks everyone for getting in touch. Written bid is in and fingers are firmly crossed.

Water John

E mail your bid always.
I always phoned as well, usually before.

Gen.Zhukov

Does emailing your bid to the EA always guarantee that the bid will be passed on to the vendor ?

Water John

No, but its proof. EA won't risk getting it wrong. Also phone each time, that develops a certain relationship and puts down a marker.
You will be treated seriously and not messed around.
I think there are regs now that bids should be written, not sure.

sibersha

Withdraw old offer and make a new offer marginally greater than the new bidders offer.

Singer73

What Sibersha said

the_syco

MissesMoon wrote: »

When EA rang me to let me know of another bid which was a lot lower than my current one. She then admitted she didn't place mine.

I'm thinking the EA's mate will get the house, but try to let the owner know your bid. Perhaps ask a neighbour for contact details?

Water John

Syco, what you say is a possibility. Is the OP dealing with a staff member or the boss. Go to the boss. Or if you feel you are being messed around, get onto the HQ of the franchise. They won't be long putting the skids under them. Reputation is everything.

MissesMoon

Water John wrote: »

Syco, what you say is a possibility. Is the OP dealing with a staff member or the boss. Go to the boss. Or if you feel you are being messed around, get onto the HQ of the franchise. They won't be long putting the skids under them. Reputation is everything.

I have been dealing with a staff member and to be honest she seemed inexperienced compared to other EA's I have come across. I emailed the boss yesterday formally confirming my offer and stating how disappointed I was that my offer was not passed onto the seller earlier in the week. I also requested a confirmation email back but I have not received anything as yet.
There is a slight chance to make indirect contact with the seller.
Are you suggesting that I go to the HQ now or should I wait and see what the outcome is, i.e. that my offer is accepted. If it is, is there anything I should do to protect myself so I am not gazumped, eg. ask them to stop viewings, take it off their website etc etc. I don't trust them now at all.

MissesMoon

Water John wrote: »

Syco, what you say is a possibility. Is the OP dealing with a staff member or the boss. Go to the boss. Or if you feel you are being messed around, get onto the HQ of the franchise. They won't be long putting the skids under them. Reputation is everything.

I have been dealing with a staff member and to be honest she seemed inexperienced compared to other EA's I have come across. I emailed the boss yesterday formally confirming my offer and stating how disappointed I was that my offer was not passed onto the seller earlier in the week. I also requested a confirmation email back but I have not received anything as yet.
There is a slight chance to make indirect contact with the seller.
Are you suggesting that I go to the HQ now or should I wait and see what the outcome is, i.e. that my offer is accepted. If it is, is there anything I should do to protect myself so I am not gazumped, eg. ask them to stop viewings, take it off their website etc etc. I don't trust them now at all.

Water John

I'd wait a little. Expect to get a good response, including an apology.
Your objective is to buy your house.
You should cc all your emails to the head of the office. Keep him involved, whether he is happy with that or not.

Only if you are not happy with the response would I escalate it.