Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

Well, thats why I posted it

As said, you would think between the lot of them that someone would have picked up what happened. I doesn't affect me so much, because as J2 pointed out, I haven't paid the estate agent. But presently the buyer is out by about €2000 on stuff from the villa (which I'm going to make damned sure is returned) plus whatever they screwed him on the car and €10k on the sale price which he needn't have paid :(

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

Unbelievably so, as Fred says from top to bottom it is the norm and generally accepted by almost everyone with little more than a shrug of the shoulders at the most, every time a new revelation comes to light.
It's simply become a natural part of the culture and has been so for a great many previous generations so it's unlikely to change or certainly not in the short term anyway, though it must be said that most of the other Med countries are little if any better in that respect.

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

If it wasn't Mitz posting, I'd doubt this post.

Wow, corruption, allegedly, in this triumverate - Agent, lawyer and Notaire! Crazy! They knew you were leaving the country....

I think you need legal advice here, who sends a legal letter to the agent and lawyer witholding payment until this is resolved, suggesting you make the payment directly to the buyer to make recompense........ And....... Shut down the POA. ASAP!... i'd even close the bank account as I've heard horror stories about how people can access your account in Spain.

But I personally wouldn't pay the buyer, until it is resolved, its his problem also and didnt know anything was up till later. You are already being the good Samaritan, taking this further.

Jon

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

I would guess your EA was a British expat??????????

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

Have heard of them taking items from the house, some see it as a perk of the job! But not taking more money and fiddling the car, one thing that has been said is surely the purchasers legal team should have spotted all this?

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

I have a contract from the EA stating the purchase price. It wasnt the purchase price, they are in breach of contract. I am assuming the €10k has gone into the EA account.

My solicitor is solid. She is apalled at what happened. The €10k swapped hands on the day at the notary, but apparently out of sight or even before they got there, as the buyer, solicitor and agent all arrived together to meet my solicitor.

And ...... a warning to you all out there who are thinking of buying a property. The buyers solicitor was recommended to him by the estate agent. The solicitor has a long association with the estate agent, dealing with most of their clients.

ALWAYS ....... try and speak to your buyer before the purchase goes through. If I had been in Spain, this probably wouldn't have happened.

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

Just out of interest, was the EA Spanish or British (or from somewhere else)?

We have had dealings with agents who quote one price to the potential buyer and another to the owner.

In one instance, the owner took us aside and told us what the correct price for the property was (plus expenses). When we told the agent, they went very red before blowing up at the vendor!

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

Mitzy...great advice.
Thanks for the conformation about your solicitor. I am sorry I jumped to an unfair conclusion.:o

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

Try here.. https://www.facebook.com/groups/citizensinspain/

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

Its a mixture. A British guy, and a Spaniard, and I think there is one other that is maybe British

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

You're right. If I was in that position (as the seller) I'd take it personally and if the buyer was willing to co-operate, I'd be prepared to go to considerable lengths, and maybe some cost, to see the individual responsible went to jail if at all possible.

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

It seems, it is the Brits in Spain who are the most dishonest.:thumbdown:

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

Mitzy sorry to hear about such events happening, especially in the circumstances.

But I have recently made comment about illegal houses (which I am not saying yours is) where the triumvirate have been negligent. This sort of incident only makes the situation appear worse - not better.

Each "professional" is there to ensure the best for their client, to ensure that Spanish law is adhered to.
As I understand it no individual is allowed to sign a document where they do not speak/understand the Spanish language.
There are so many breaches of law involved here it would probably come a close second to the Malaya case.
I wonder what the individual professional bodies would say about it all. :frown:
The same as they must say about illegal property sales - caveat emptor :confused:

As to the vehicle, it is a pity you are so honest and there weren't a string of speeding and parking fines associated with it.

I am sure that all members of BE hope you sort this out and that you have our support in what you do in this matter and for the future

KR

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

If, as it sounds, the 10k was paid as "black money", could you dob them in to Hacienda? Although that might drop your buyer in it as well, I suppose.

Re: Estate Agent Blues
 

I done a thread, about here in GC, were the estate agent asked how much you wanted for your house..You told him €100000 ..he sold it for €200000 ..he kept the money he made out of the sale..the old people said thats how it was done in the old days..Looks like they are still at it..