Shipways Avis 106

Probably the worst estate agents I have ever come across. Totally unprofessional, dishonest. We pulled out of the property transaction solely because of the behaviour and business practises of this company. Stay well away.

Very dodgy folk.
Would not pass on an offer to the vendor, even though it was the asking price. Asked my sister to up her offer without passing on the initial offer. When my sister asked why they said " that's they way we do it now, were just trying to get the highest price for our client"
Her and her husband are cash buyers but were told there was another buyer interested, who had not yet made an offer as they had no mortgage arranged. Shipways then said it would go to sealed bids, so my sister reluctantly upped her offer.
She heard the next day that she had lost out on the bid made because the other buyer had offered more.
Then she was told that the successful bid was from an employee at the branch!
It seems quite obvious to me that the agents involved manipulated the situation to favour their colleague by telling them what my sister's offer was so that they could easily outbid her.
As far as I can tell from reaing the code of practice, as set out by the property ombudsman service, there has been clear discrimination against my sister and her husband.
The agent is, by law, required to submit all offers to the vendor and not to discriminate against a buyer for any reason.
I'm not sure that the vendor was ever made aware of my sister's excellent position and capability to proceed.
I have the sellers address and may well write to inform them of this malpractice.
The agent dealing with the sale suddenly changed to someone who doesn't even work at the branch. I think they felt Somone with more 'clout' would be able to deal with my sister's suspicions and questions. In actual fact, he was just even ruder than the girl they had been dealing with previously, so nice one shi*ways.
Miserable, dishonest and totally self serving.
Buyer beware 🤬

A very poor experience for the last 6 months. I engaged the Great Barr branch to find me a new tenant, which they eventually did.

However, having signed up for a management service, I now find myself with a tenant who's payment schedule is erratic and a branch who's letting team are off sick, so I'm dealt with by the Dudley branch.

I've asked for the tenant to be visited and for remedial work to have quotes produced, but two weeks on no progress or calls/emails from the people who are meant to be providing the service to me.

Very poor communication and unclear strategy of dealing with tenants on behalf of landlord.

OK they are not the cheapest in the area but you do get a good service, after my poor poor experience of Paul Carr, these guys set the standard an estate agent should be. Dave who is the office manager is good manager and doesnt try and hood wink you like Paul Carr, his ability to run the office reflects in the staff. The staff are professional and driven by sales targets and that means they are working for your best interest. I had a few offers but they told would tell me they wanted better offers not the other way around of me chasing and wonder what was going on. They agreed to multi agents unlike Paul Carr who then lied to me and Chris, the lad who does the viewings is a rising star where ever he goes he knows the deal, explains the terms of the contract in detail and take true passion in his role. Overall, yes not the cheapest but if you want someone working for your interests and they will pick up the phone when you call and get you the best deal, I would go with them again.