Buying a house

[~ vortex ~]

Im a first time buyer in the property market and have found a house that I like and can afford being advertised in an estate agent. I have had a look around the property and its just what im after. However due to the fact that the person who currently owns the property having a dispute with the estate agent's attitude and selling fees, he has threatened to take the property off the market and sell it privately at a later date.. He called me the other day and asked if I still wanted to buy the property (which I do) but not go through the proccess of buying through the estate agent. My question is.. can he do this? My gut feeling is it all sounds a bit dodgy.. Am I right in thinking this?

[CheekyChops]

He can do it, yes. I bought my house from a friend without any dealings with estate agents far easier for us both and cheaper for her!

[dannydingbat]

Did you inspect it by arrangement with the agent? If they were instrumental in introducing you, they can claim commission

[NORMANTHEDOG]

yes,be careful,if you viewed it through the estate agent and then buy it,he is still liable to pay them,did he sign a agreement with them.

[lady_p_gold]

If you bought that property I think you would find that he would be sent a bill for the commission. However that would be his problem not yours as there are no fees due from you for buying the property.