Estate agents "contract" with vendor

[Dingerbell4]

Is a 12 week "contract" issued by an estate agent designed to keep a vendor tied to them (sole representation) worth the paper it's written on? also have they got the right to claim commision from you if the property is sold by a rival agent?

[Postdog]

that's what sole contract means. You get their services at a lower rate than if you go for multiple agents. Technically, they have the right for their percentage if you sell it.

[buildersmate]

And they will make sure they hold you to that contract - even if you've also paid the other agent.

[auzzie]

Unless they "default" on the agreement. I cancelled a 12 week "contract" with an estate agent 6 weeks in. I wasn't getting many buyers through the door and when i questioned it they told me no one was interested and that it has been "very quiet". I got a couple of my friends to ring up and pretend to be a potential buyer without specifically mentioning my house, just the locality. My house was not offered once. Needless to say i was on the phone straight away and dispensed with their services.