More Grief for Estate Agents?
The OFT (Office of Fair Trading) has today approved a scheme to deal with complaints about estate agents -as if they don’t have enough problems with the housing slump!
Buyers and sellers of residential property will, from October, be able to refer complaints concerning members of the scheme to an ombudsman, which will have the power to make a range of awards, including requiring a member of the scheme to pay compensation. The ombudsman’s decision is binding on the estate agent, although a complainant can choose to reject the decision and pursue their complaint through the courts. The SOS approved redress scheme will be a free service to complainants. From 1 October it will become compulsory for all estate agents dealing with residential property in the UK to join such a scheme.
Interesting point of view. I’ll consider changing my mind about this but for now I still don’t see things the same way you do.
Brian Owens
23 Aug 08 at 5:57 pm
Ahh the oft maligned Estate Agent!
It is about time that Estate Agents had a governing body similar to the financial and travel businesses, to protect both clients and the agents themselves. This will be an interesting first step.
smebus
2 Oct 08 at 1:42 pm