On Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 10:17:07 AM UTC+1, Adrian wrote:
On Wed, 15 Jul 2015 02:15:31 -0700, sm_jamieson wrote:

In one case, I found the estate agent recommended a conveyancing firm
under their own branding, and it actually was good value (kickbacks
withstanding!), and less hassle since the EA and conveyancing firm had a
hotline to each other and access to the same computer system.

It's still poacher-acting-as-gamekeeper, though.

Yes that's true. That company were thorough in trying to keep you on side for future business, etc. Since they were under the same branding, bad conveyancing could affect the reputation of the estate agent business as a whole..

I suppose in that business you have to decide whether you favor buyer, seller, or try to be balanced, depending on the source of income and various other business related factors, including where you wish to sit in the marketplace. If you try to rip off buyers for the benefit of sellers that may get you more commission income but you will soon come unstuck.

The person who sold the house to me had also bought the house with the same company, so on a sample size of one, perhaps their idea was working.

Simon.