Should a seller deal directly with a buyer? Is there any harm?

Is it wise to speak to a buyer directly or give them your contact details?

When you employ an estate agent to look after the sale of your property for you we recommend all communications with a buyer or potential buyer to be via the estate agent.

1. The agent is being paid to represent you.
2. The agent will document all communications legally.
3. The agent’s job is to secure a sale for the best price to the best buyers. They need to vet a buyer thoroughly to protect you.
4. The agent legally has to thoroughly qualify a buyer's financial position including checking of all funds and a complete chain if any.
5. Some buyers will try to manipulate your thought process to put them in a better light.
6. Some buyers could harass you and put undue pressure on you.
7. Some buyers will tell you unproven information without fact checking.
8. A good agent will always check any information by speaking to the solicitors and other agents in the chain.
9. Sometimes buyers get confused on information they pick up.
10. A good agent’s job is to keep you fully informed, do the absolute best for you and screen stress from you.
11. There are many property laws that the agent is trained on including Anti Money Laundering that could leave the seller open to law suits at a later stage.

Always refer the buyer to the agent on all matters to be guaranteed a low stress secure sale, never exchange numbers or email addresses - Don't risk it!