upset with estate agent

[Marijn]

The estate who is selling my late mum's bungalow took the peolple who are buying it round there today so that they could measure up the bathroom. I understood that estate agents only used the key to let themselves in to show potential buyers the property. I didn't think they were allowed to go in willy-nilly without asking my or my sisters' permission. Anyway I'm upset about it because they have pulled up edges of carpet and lino. They are treating it as if it's theirs already, even though I have asked the estate agent to be sensitive to our feelings as it is the bungalow we grew up in and we are greiving for our mum. It was a possibility they would have intruded on me had I been there at the time sorting mum's stuff out. Anyway the estate agent phoned my sister after he had been there with them. Is this ok?

[lcg]

it is certainly not ok for them to damage any fixtures/fittings while trying to sell your (the royal your, of course) property. as to how you arrange viewings, that should also have been discussed. if you are not happy, then complain and find another agent who will be more sensitive to your needs.

[Marijn]

thanks lcg. The viewings have all been done. It was the buyers, who are moving in next Wednesday, who have been in the bungalow with the estate agent, without our permission today. I just think they should have asked if it was ok, because I could have been in the property when they barged in. I feel upset when I'm there sorting out stuff as I'm still grieving, and it would have been horrible had they walked in on me. And they should leave the carpets alone.

[carrot99]

I should think if they are definitely buying the bungalow that a bit of measuring up would be ok especially as they were accompanied by the estate agent. However, if they are the new buyers could you not ask the estate agent for the key back until the sale is complete as you still have mum's personal bits and bobs in there?

[lcg]

i still don't understand why they couldn't wait until they actually moved in. surely that is the date they can start fiddling with stuff? it is insensitive to do this while you are still in/out of the property.

[Marijn]

Yes, I might ask for the key back. I was just wondering if the estate agent was allowed to take them in again without our permission. I already told him last week what a sensitive time this is for us.

[jackthehat]

Whilst I can appreciate just how painful this is for you......these aren't just potential buyers; from your later posts it appears that these will be the new occupiers.

And as such, there will be things that they wish to establish before moving in. It is not unreasonable for them to measure up and check the floors. I would want to do the same.

[Marijn]

Thank you lcg for understanding

[carrot99]

It's just the timing notafish - they are very excited to move into their new house and you are so extremely saddened at losing your childhood home. Take the key back and say keep out until Wednesday it won't hurt them and will make an enormous difference to you. x

[sherrardk]

I would be really hacked off. Just because the house is not occupied doesn't mean that they should be popping in and out when they like. They should treat the house in just the same way as if it was occupied. They should make an appointment to measure up or wait until they move in - I would say something to the estate agency concerned, it's not very professional.

[Marijn]

I understand where you're coming from jackthehat, but shouldn't they have just asked first, in case one of us was there. And shouldn't they have put the carpet edges back down anyway, how long would that have taken?

[Marijn]

Thank you all for your kind words and understanding. I think estate agent is unprofessional too.

[yelenots]

A similiar situation happened to me a couple of months ago. My Mum is in a nursing home and I am selling her property on her behalf. The estate agent has the key to show people round. I had an offer on it and the buyer organised it to be surveyed. The surveyor went round ON HIS OWN without my knowledge. I called to collect the post and all the carpets were pulled out of the gripper rods in all the downstairs rooms. In the lounge it had been pulled away all around the room. I was really upset. I rang the estate, didnt get anywhere really...and the sale fell through....they're useless!

[Marijn]

I agree with you yelenots. It's very rude isn't it. They should realise that's someone's home and holds lots of precious memories. It's not just bricks and mortar that they can just pick at as they wish. Stupid people!

[pizza]

Hi notafish it is my understanding if potential owners of the property wish to measure up for fittings etc before the contract is signed it is with the permission of the house seller.
It is common courtesy for the estate agent to ring you with this request not to do it off his own back and I would be ringing them to let them know you don't think they have been sensitive to your feelings.
I send my sympathy to you and your sister and family and friends of your Mum and remember although your Mum has gone and the house soon to go to a new family the memories will always be in your hearts xxx

[Marijn]

Thank you pizza, it's good to know that people understand.

[Twenty20]

Yes, ideally the agents should have contacted you first to say they were going round with the buyers to measure up etc but I'd try not to get too upset just because they didn't ring. It's just the way a lot of agents are. They probably didn't think anything of it - and, under normal circumstances, no-one would mind, especially as the buyers are moving in in a few days time.

A few pieces of carpet lifted at the edges is really here nor there. I know it feels like an intrusion at the moment, but it really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

I'm not being insensitive, but I wouldn't go overboard just because the agents were a bit remiss about not making a telephone call.

[Marijn]

Thanks Twenty20. I feel ok now. I was feeling emotional initially, which I had already told the estate agent, so I'd hoped he would be more careful.