FBM are categorically the worst estate agent I have had the displeasure of working with. From initial engagement, they overcomplicated what should have been a straightforward buying process and despite having undertaken proof of fund checks with our solicitor (who coincidently are regulated by the SRA) we were forced to utilise lifetime legal - at our cost!. When this was queried it was advised that this would provide protection in the event the property would fall through. After originally having our offer accepted, weeks elapsed with abysmal communication. Despite assurances everything was progressing as it should be, we then had the unfortunate news that the other side had pulled out of the deal (bad but an unfortunate consequence of current regulations). We initially tried to resurrect the deal but it was proving difficult so we pulled out. FBM then contacted us to advise the other side would again accept our offer. At this stage weeks and weeks had elapsed and we were given assurances that the sale would go ahead. FBM managed the communications with the other side but it soon became apparent we were being misled and the deal we had presented was not acceptable to the other side. The communication was abysmal and at times we were given conflicting updates by FBM and the other sides solicitor on the same day!! Our solicitor commented that it was one of the the worst experiences she has had with an estate agent and we certainly share that view. Even worse, when we then tried to recover the costs of the sale falling through (the reason we went through the initial unnecessary hardship of using their third party lifetime legal (which they no doubt get a kick back from!) we were told our membership had expired and we were unable to recover. In all my years of experience buying and negotiating 100s of property deals, FBM are categorically the worst estate agent I have worked with. My disappointment at losing the sale is miniscule in comparison at my displeasure of having to deal with FBM, their abysmal communication and incompetence in progressing what should have been a straightforward case. If the offer was not acceptable, they should have advised this from the start which would have saved us months of cost and time - instead we were strung along and felt like they served as a barrier to doing the deal rather than actually assisting to progress the sale. Definitely an estate agent to avoid.