Express Estate Agency
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BEWARE OF EXPRESS ESTATE AGENCY
Right from day 1 of dealing with one of the staff, I felt something wasn't right! I felt very rushed and forced to do things! Before my offer for a property was accepted, he said I would have to use one of their recommended solicitors (claiming that they are very fast in completing purchases), and I said okay no problem. Next thing was he sending me a solicitor’s quote and I was being rushed to pay a solicitor’s deposit of (£118.80). But I questioned it because i felt i should be dealing directly with the solicitor, but he claimed that was their procedure and that as soon as I pay the fee, he will then instruct the solicitor. IT FELT VERY WIERD AS I THOUGHT THIS MUST BE A SCAM! So I rang the office to check if there's any staff member by that name, and they said yes. So I went on to pay the £118.80 I also queried why the solicitor’s quote he has sent, was missing some information like stamp duty etc. Fast forward to couple of weeks later, the solicitor has sent a complete quote and after completing their forms and identity verification, they are now asking me to pay their deposit- which was shocking to me! So, I asked them what about the deposit I paid to Express Estate Agency, and they said they know nothing about that! I WAS STUNNED. So, I copied him and his colleague (who is supposed to have taken over from him) into the solicitor’s email. AND SURPRISINGLY HE SUDDENLY CHANGED THE NARRATIVE OF THE £118.80 to Estate Agency fees deposit! I was shocked! Because that is a BIG LIE, besides, buyers never pay estate agent fees! So I forwarded the email requesting me to pay the solicitors fees to the solicitor and his colleague, stating that I no longer feel comfortable to continue with the transaction. The solicitor then said they will close my file. He now sent another email this afternoon directly to me (taking out the solicitor and his colleague), and the email reads: "That is to instruct the solicitors who is working for you, what has changed I don’t understand. You pay a deposit at the start like I said and it is refunded when the property has completed, nothing has changed that I am aware of." I AM ABSOLUTELY GUTTED. I have replied that email asking his colleague to advise on their complaint procedure, but I didn't get any response. I will follow up tomorrow and finally report it to the Finance Ombudsman!