Express Estate Agency
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Know why you're asked for £150 deposit by the estate agent!
I was requested to provide a £150 for a house purchase. I viewed a property and immediately contacted Express Estate Agency to say I wanted to purchase the house. I asked what they needed from me to proceed and Richard said "£150 deposit, proof of funds and proof of ID". I provided these as requested. At no point was I told the deposit was to secure a solicitor they recommend and receive £495+vat for the recommendation! I found out when the details of the house purchase was sent to me. It was at the bottom of the supplied information in an email. I was annoyed because I had a solicitor already lined up. It took a few weeks to get my money back. Richard tried to say that the process would be quicker if I used their solicitor but I wasn't interested because I wanted to choose my own conveyancers. What's more, I wasn't happy that they get £600 for the recommendation. It is wrong to not state clearly and upfront when requesting a deposit that its to secure their solicitor and they are handsomely renumerated for doing so. I wish i knew how many other people don't know about this arrangement. If you're happy with the arrangement then great but, to make an arrangement without being clear what it's for and that there is a substantial financial reward for doing so is unprofessional and in my view unacceptable. The estate agent did the same to the seller who had no idea what the deposit was for and about the payment Express Estate Agency received. They have so far avoided any attempt to return the money! Just terrible behaviour!