This can't be true, can it? A Dishonest Estate Agent!!!

PD1

googler wrote: »

"The cases we read about are the tip of a very large iceberg."

...and the proof of this is... what, exactly?

"Most people don't bother complaining about estate agents ... figures for complaints should be a lot higher."

Merely your opinion, with no facts quoted in support of either statement. Have you spoken to 'most' of the people who deal with EAs?

"Personally if someone wrongs me I always get even, and I'm not the only one, as proven by the almost daily complaints about estate agents just on this site alone."

What proportion of the total transactions countrywide form the complaints on this site, and can this be proven to be a significant proportion?

IMHO, most of the complaints I read on this site are, in the same manner as above, unsupported by any evidence other than the opinion of the writer.

2c.

I hope this helps answer your question.....


Quote taken from Interactive Investor:

'The Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA), Christopher Hamer, says that despite property sales dropping by up to 60% during 2008, disputes only fell by a nominal amount.

Hamer reports a 3% fall in sale disputes involving estate agents last year. "I am surprised that my workload in sales disputes has not reduced more significantly," he says.

Meanwhile, as the rental market saw a boost from the credit crunch and frozen housing market, complaints regarding lettings agents jumped by a shocking 200% - and are set to rise further in 2009.

A whopping 1,043 new dispute cases arose last year, of which 743 were regarding property sales and 300 involved letting agents. In total, complaints are up 20% from 2007 and 78% from 2006.

Hamer suggests that people still have high expectations of estate agents, perhaps even more so considering the slow market. However, during 2008, he found in favour of the complainant in 65% more cases than the previous year, with compensation totalling more than £385,000.

The largest compensation in the 20-year history of the Ombudsman scheme was also awarded during the 12-month period, with an unnamed estate agent ordered to pay out £23,880. Staff were found to have given conflicting advice, and failed to act in the best interests of the client or negotiate effectively.

The maximum award the OEA can make under scheme rules is £25,000.

Despite the record pay-out, the majority of compensation last year was between £100 and £499 with just 18 case awarded amounts over £3,000.'

[EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com?subject=Reporting%20post%20http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=20139901"][/EMAIL]

PD1

'I have known those who were really p****ed off with their EA but again never known anyone make a complaint'


"Most people don't bother complaining about estate agents ... figures for complaints should be a lot higher."

Merely your opinion, with no facts quoted in support of either statement. Have you spoken to 'most' of the people who deal with EAs?

need I say more? - by the way, the above quote was from an 'estate agent' in case you hadn't realised

PD1

'IMHO, most of the complaints I read on this site are, in the same manner as above, unsupported by any evidence other than the opinion of the writer'.

No, they are supported by statistics......EA's hope they are unsupported by evidence. In my case, I have the evidence.

chickmug

PD1 wrote: »

'IMHO, most of the complaints I read on this site are, in the same manner as above, unsupported by any evidence other than the opinion of the writer'.

No, they are supported by statistics......EA's hope they are unsupported by evidence. In my case, I have the evidence.

You may have known a few sales but I have dealt with thousands over many years so there are points of view that may differ with yours but are you prepared to listen? Are you?

PD1

Let me get this right - I'm supposed to listen to stories about sales that go smoothly? I could be wrong but isn't that what EA's should be doing?

When something goes wrong it needs fixing.

chickmug

PD1 wrote: »

Let me get this right - I'm supposed to listen to stories about sales that go smoothly? I could be wrong but isn't that what EA's should be doing?

When something goes wrong it needs fixing.

I fully agree and you may be surprised that it is possible we agree on most things more than you would think even though I have had a lifetime in property.

I have been using this forum for about a year and many of my posts, like other agents on here, have been when trying to help those been shafted by the bad uns.

I think the forum needs a cross ection of views and does benefit from having lay people but supported by the professionals (perhaps I should say unprofessionals:D ) in the business. But all that do come on the forum seems to offer geniune help and are professional with their advice.

chickmug

PD1 wrote: »

Let me get this right - I'm supposed to listen to stories about sales that go smoothly? I could be wrong but isn't that what EA's should be doing?

Most sales do NOT go smoothly as their tends to be a hiccup at some point with every one - at the outset - in the middle - or just before an exchange. This is where the professional involved can come together show their true worth by doing their utmost to get the problems resolved.

PD1

I see your point. I want to highlight the issue as its a major problem that needs addressing.

PD1

chickmug wrote: »

Most sales do NOT go smoothly as their tends to be a hiccup at some point with every one - at the outset - in the middle - or just before an exchange. This is where the professional involved can come together show their true worth by doing their utmost to get the problems resolved.

But that's not my problem, and its not that which people complain about when they have an issue with an estate agent - its the lies and deceit which result in financial gain for the estate agent that I have an issue with.

chickmug

PD1 wrote: »

But that's not my problem, and its not that which people complain about when they have an issue with an estate agent - its the lies and deceit which result in financial gain for the estate agent that I have an issue with.

I guess that most people who have been badly treated just can't be asred to go through with complaints. Hopefully manadatory membership of professional bodies when it come will help. Even the NAEA is campaigning for this but my cynical side says they are doing it as part of their 'empire building'.

The penalties for agents breaking parts of various legislation is very punitive - big fines - even prison sentences. But clearly not enough to deter those who make big financial gains.

Hopefully the government - not sure which party - will one days tackle the issue with some gusto and some accuracy. Something better thought out than the HIPs stuff as it really needs doing.