Estate agents are driving me nuts!

[JB]

A few weeks ago, they didn't tell us about a cancelled viewing (a big pain, because it's time off work to take the dogs out of the way.) What concerned me more though, was that as they had failed to communicate the cancellation to us, what would happen if they turn up unannounced? They have the keys to my house, and I have two dogs inside - whilst not vicious, if total strangers walked in whilst I wasn't there, I obviously couldn't guarantee what would happen (and the whole point is to get them out of the way of potential buyers!). They assured me that it would never happen.
Unfortunately, today it did. Estate agent and viewers turned up but fortunately I was actually in and heard the key go in the lock! Am I right to be annoyed about this? They're supposed to be professionals!

[dothawkes31]

Sack em, estate agents are ten a penny and the ones that don't listen aren't interested in keeping your business.

[boxtops]

I would not find this at all sastifactory. You could have been in the bath (or worse, on the loo). What does your agreement say about viewing when you are not there?

[Jan1957]

They'd get a bloody shock in they walked in my house unannounced. I walk around with nothing on!

Seriously, I would complain to the Manager to start with and if it happens again, sack them, as dot said.

[JB]

I know Dot, but most of the estate agents around here want to do as little as possible for their money - when you ask about accompanied viewings they look at you like you've got two heads!
Boxtops, the agreement is strictly by prior appointment. I know what you mean about being on the loo, but I'm more concerned about the dogs biting 'intruders' or (even worse!) escaping!

[Panic Button]

If they can't turn up unannounced, why give them a key?

[JB]

Panic Button - the idea is that they tell me when there is a viewing so that me (and the dogs) can make ourselves scarce so as not to put off potential buyers. (Me getting dragged out of the door by the hounds of hell may just distract people!)

[jno]

no, that is unprofessional. Basically they're acting as your agents but they're not doing what you tell them to. If there's a rival agency, try them. Alternatively demand the keys back and tell them to make their viewing appointments properly so somebody's in to receive them, even if it's just as you're leaving with the dogs in tow. I don't think buyers would be put off by the sight of a seller with dogs (though I could be wrong in this).

[JB]

jno - you'd be surprised about buyers! One of them made an offer (way under the asking price) and the reason cited for the low offer - he didn't like the decor in the hallway! Cream walls and onyx carpet is apparently offensive! (Perish the thought that he'd decorate to his own taste!) God knows what he would have made of dogs! Seems sometimes like people can't see past your life, instead of concentrating on their own.

[WhiteBear]

JB, my agency is the same. whats worse is that they dont tell u wen they move in. i was stunned wen i saw a bloke getting into the house, went up to me and said 'hi.... im '...' ' i was like ermmm hi... are u moving in ?? he said yeah.

that was pretty shcking. it was exact same when i moved in. the housemates were shocked seeing me getting into the house and moving stff in......

it would b nice if they tell us in advance init? what do we pay agency for??