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Glenn Ackroyd · 25-10-2012, 10:24 AM

(25-10-2012 08:32 AM)vanessa warwick Wrote: I wondered that too!

But sadly, a few years ago, I attended a speaking engagement by one of the most high profile property gurus in the U.K. and he openly talked about how to bribe estate agents.

If Ruth is not a plant, then I suspect she has got into the orbit of this person or someone similiar who thinks it is clever to behave in this manner.

Over to Ruth ...

I too heard a 'guru' recommend this - at which point I lost all respect for him.

Ultimately your success in business and life is built on reputation. Once lost, you never it is back.

To some people, money is more important that reputation.

Ultimately whether it is 'right' for you depends on what type of person you are.

John Mac · 25-10-2012, 04:10 PM

There was a company in the NE that was notorious for this, they were based up in Newcastle but their reputation was well known down here in Teesside 40 miles away, non of the agents I knew in this area would touch them. About a year after hearing of them I heard that they had gone bust.

As already said "what goes around comes around".

Paul Cummings · 25-10-2012, 10:11 PM

It's the broken system that allows this nonsense. Surely a system like the Scottish one is better (without the ridiculous offers over where a OO £100k house sells for £200k) whereby you have to have a mortgage to make an offer and an offer once made is binding. This would end it.

I hate the 6-8 week uncertainty from accepting an offer to exchange of contracts. I start looking at other deals and get the ball rolling once I agree a sale only for the possibility that somebody can pull out last minute. I had first time buyers drop offer £5k (sale price £125k) on a brand new top spec refurb over nothing at the last minute recently. I turned the tables and told the agent to tell them in no uncertain terms to fu** off and they have 2 hours to proceed at original offer or property would be off market and rented. The agent knowing me long enough, ensured them I wasn't bluffing.

I have also had a repo agent pull on me and accept another offer 1 hour before exchange. Point blank refused to exchange with me and I had to go another £1600 higher (3%). So I have been tempted to stick the boot on the other foot, but I don't operate that way and never will.

It's unethical. End of.

Jonathan Clarke · 26-10-2012, 05:16 AM

(25-10-2012 10:11 PM)paul_cummings Wrote: It's the broken system that allows this nonsense.

Spot on brov. The system sucks and allows these vultures to swoop. A house purchase is the most significant purchase most people will make, yet the rug can be pulled under your feet after a month or two of intensive work after a sale has been agreed. Its sucks for all parties and I cannot believe in 21st century England that a better system has still yet to be invented.
Where are Alexander Graham Bell, Orville and Wilbur Wright or James Dyson when you really need them!

Stuart Abrams-Humphries · 26-10-2012, 11:37 AM

(26-10-2012 05:16 AM)Jonathan Clarke Wrote:
(25-10-2012 10:11 PM)paul_cummings Wrote: It's the broken system that allows this nonsense.

Spot on brov. The system sucks and allows these vultures to swoop. A house purchase is the most significant purchase most people will make, yet the rug can be pulled under your feet after a month or two of intensive work after a sale has been agreed. Its sucks for all parties and I cannot believe in 21st century England that a better system has still yet to be invented.
Where are Alexander Graham Bell, Orville and Wilbur Wright or James Dyson when you really need them!

agree! lost a couple of properties over the years to little issues - I think you should be able to exchange very quickly on a property - both sides commited then - but have usual caveats of the exchange being invalid if problem with survey/lease whatever .. obviously not a simplistic thing to change but it does need changing!

AdamB · 26-10-2012, 09:04 PM

I had someone try this trick on me on my first PPR for no reason.

Some people seem to think that because its not a face-to-face negotiation if it's through an EA that they can get away with this. If it were face-to-face the deal would most likely be over there and then and rightfully so.

I notice the OP hasn't posted back in this thread so far, so if they are genuine I hope the message from everyone on here has sunk in.

Paul Cummings · 26-10-2012, 09:24 PM

No stress as sale proceeds and everyone in the chain can relax and plan properly. Is it me, or should it be that bloody simple. Like the late great Bill Shankley said, football is a simple game complicated by idiots. That's my new catchphrase, Property buying is a simple process complicated by idiots.

Simon Topple · 26-10-2012, 11:45 PM

I don't think dyson will be enjoying himself with a hoover.... Brand loyalty is all - he would be using a dyson!!!

Ruth · 27-10-2012, 10:50 AM

I got my advice from a 55 year old investor who owns over 50 houses.

Vanessa, it never ceases to amaze me how it is usually other women that are the 1st to condemn another aspiring woman in business. I posted for support, and granted, I am naive. However, I would have much more appreciated a gentle explanation instead of what you said.

(25-10-2012 08:32 AM)vanessa warwick Wrote: I wondered that too!

But sadly, a few years ago, I attended a speaking engagement by one of the most high profile property gurus in the U.K. and he openly talked about how to bribe estate agents.

If Ruth is not a plant, then I suspect she has got into the orbit of this person or someone similiar who thinks it is clever to behave in this manner.

Over to Ruth ...

Vanessa Warwick · 27-10-2012, 10:52 AM

Hi Ruth,

With respect, I have always supported other women.

My advice was nothing to do with your gender either.

I would have said the same to a man.

You asked for advice on something that the majority consider to be disreputable. When talking of bribing people (although it is still not clear if that is what you meant), then there is no "gentle" way to answer.

The bigger picture has little to do with property and/or business. It is a matter of morals and ethics, and they are not gender specific either.

It could be suggested that my response was far more supportive than the person who suggested you act in this manner ... but only you can decide that.

All the men on this thread gave the same advice, so a little ironic that you have picked on the only female who offered some input.

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