OMG! BBC Whistleblower - Estate Agents

Doozergirl

jenniferpa wrote:

Seriously though - you're happy with the way the current system is set up, and you don't think it leads to abuse?

Like I said earlier:

Doozergirl wrote:

Of course, I'm playing devil's advocate here, where such vast sums are involved there should be proper regulation together with legislation to make the whole transaction smoother and encourage more of a binding commitment from both vendor and purchaser. It'd certainly make my life a lot less stressful, though void of colourful characters like Barry.

worldtraveller

jenniferpa wrote:

I think part of the problem with estate agents is the unusual contractual relationship with them, the vendor and the buyer. The agent spends little (or no time) with the vendor, may in fact only be a voice on the phone, while they spend a lot of time with the buyer even though they have no contractual relationship. Even if the EA is above board, there's going to be a tendency to want to help the people you know (the buyers) over the people you don't (the vendors) even though your responsibility is to the latter. Although a higher price would result in a higher comission, a lower price means a quicker sale, and more opportunity to make more sales and earn more comission.

Jennifer

Fair comment jennifer, but, as an agent they are supposed to be working solely for the vendor (who pays their commission), and representing the best interests of the vendor. The problem is, with unprofessional people rife in the industry, this major issue is often missed by selfish, greedy, money-grabbing individuals and companies. The only way around this as I can see it, is through much tighter regulation.

icebergx

F_T_Buyer wrote:

It should be posted up on the Net tomorrrow. I'll bump this thread and post a link when it is done!

Any idea if this will be repeated or if it's available through any of the file sharing methods?
Really want to see this!!

F_T_Buyer

icebergx wrote:

Any idea if this will be repeated or if it's available through any of the file sharing methods?
Really want to see this!!

To watch the program again: http://www.psview.plus.com/

There is also a link on the BBC which I previously posted!

CharleneUK

Just finished watching it! Shocking to say the least.

I'm going to read the rest of this thread now.

FZwanab

tomstickland wrote:

Well, I watched this tonight and was mildly entertained. However, I also had to shout at the tv several times. I don't condone what they did, but noone makes you pay over the odds for a house, or forces you to accept no 6 month opt out on a rental, or to sell for under the market value. It was another case of a programme trying too hard to make everything dramatic. Every time I've been to look at 2nd hand cars then the seller always has "someone else looking at it too". It's just the White lies of sales.

I must be so stupid, when I bought my last car "someone else was looking at it too", I made a mad dash for the bank!!can't believe that is commonly used. If anyone else knows of common other lies told to sell something, I'd gratefully appreciate it.

tomstickland

You give someone a coffee in a hot plastic cup... two things happen:
Firstly they feel subliminally indebted to you for receiving the coffee, and are therefore more likely to commit. Secondly, they have a coffee that they can't really drink for at least 10 minutes or more, but feel that they ought to drink, therefore you have a more captive audience.

Another one... dropping pens... if you as a salesperson drop a pen, and the 'buyer' picks it up for you, it means that you're dominant in the relationship and they are willing to serve you and your requirements.

Usual sales bull crap really.
If somone gives me a cup of coffee I think "free cup of coffee, I'll have that, but don't think you're weakening me up".

If I pick up someone's pen I think "I picked up their pen, big deal. Now get on with the useful stuff".

hoyin

Oh wow crazy .. my colleague at work just told me that the Foxton lady was their EA when they were searching for a flat a couple of months ago .. he almost had a heart attack when he saw her on TV!

They looked at about 10 places with her.

mostwantd

hoyin wrote:

Oh wow crazy .. my colleague at work just told me that the Foxton lady was their EA when they were searching for a flat a couple of months ago .. he almost had a heart attack when he saw her on TV!

They looked at about 10 places with her.

i hope his blood pressure is OK...
he must have been mad
:mad:

FZwanab

F_T_Buyer wrote:

To watch the program again: http://www.psview.plus.com/

There is also a link on the BBC which I previously posted!

Thanks a million for posting a link, has anyone been able to skip to a bit they want in it? I can't seem to get the slide thing to work.