Maria B. Evans Estate Agents

Do not let a property from this agent. Where do I begin, untrustworthy, dishonest, rude and I could go on. Firstly, a property was displayed for let in the billinge area. It commanded our attention straight away so prompted me to firstly email Maria B Evans estate agents based in Parbold, when I had received no response to this it was followed up with a phone call a couple of hours later. I spoke with a lady from the agent who agreed she had received the email & took a whole host of details from me and said they would see if it met with the approval of the landlord first. I received a call a short time later stating it did and was advised I could view the property on Thursday that week. I asked several questions about the property to be told there is someone of the other line she'd have to go. I should have realised at this point this agent were certainly not going to be reasonable. I viewed the property at 17.15 that Thursday. I arrived at 1700 and waited outside, The only other viewer arrived late at 17.10 for their appointment and ran inside. I left it a few minutes and followed suit. On getting inside I was greeted by the current tenants who answered most of the questions as the agent could not answer them such as council tax band etc. I was shown around asked several questions, during this time the other viewer left the property. I was told by the agent if I was interested in letting the property (which I had firmly explained I was) to call their office in the morning and pay the fees. If the other viewer wanted the property then it would be the landlords decision. The following morning I rang the office to be greeted by the same lady I had throughout. She stated, sorry the property is let. When asked how this was possible she stated the other viewer had rang the office at 18.20 that evening and she was in the office after returning from the property and 'had' to take the call. She then took payment and agreed over the phone. I voiced my concern as I was categorically told to ring the following morning to be told 'it's just the way it is unfortunately'. I then asked, as discussed with her previously, could my interest not be relayed to the landlord to which she stated no, we have already agreed with the other viewer. It is my opinion I never stood a chance in letting that property and had simply been called to view the house as a visible presence to secure to other viewer. I took time off work, arranged child care and was dismissed when I followed the simple instruction of the agent. The agent continuing to practice and take calls past the 17.30 close time is one excuse, but the following explanation that she then contacted the landlord who agreed as I may not be interested is just bad form. My interest was in little doubt. The property was always going to the other viewer, I have little doubt the call received around 1 hour after practising hours was pre orchestrated, I never stood a chance . This agent thus far is the least transparent, highly disloyal and incredibly underhanded agent I have dealt with. They wouldn't stand a chance in the hypothetical customer service and general fair decency awards but they would walk the snobbery and trustworthy award hands down. Potential customer be aware, I would suggest my story is common practice unfortunately.