Frequently Asked Questions

Given the fact we are relative newcomers to the Industry, we would rather have entitled this section "the answers to questions you haven't asked". As prospective clients and consumers, you have the right to know exactly where we stand with regard to Legal and Professional issues. So, here goes ...

Fact 1 - Estate Agents - Membership of Trade body

The displaying of a trade logo on an advertisement, letterhead, window or web site does not necessarily mean that a company is an associate or certified member of any Professional Body. In some instances, Estate Agency managers and staff claim to be members of Trade bodies such as the NAEA. This is not so. The NAEA - located at www.naea.co.uk - sets criteria for acceptance and membership of their organization. As may be appreciated from viewing their application form, the NAEA will class an Estate Agent with less than three years experience, as an associate* or student not a fully fledged member. The advertising by some local-based "professionals" is therefore not only inaccurate, but deceptive in the extreme - especially those who still claim to be "established" (after only one year in business) or "reputable" (with various OFT and Planning Services' judgements cited against those companies).

*NEWS - NAEA have now dispensed with the 'associate' ANAEA tag. The NAEA will update their web site and 'membership' details accordingly. (Source NAEA on 19.09.2007 @ 16:47pm). Well, that's certainly one way to 'fast track' a new applicant through the system ... and justify the fees!!!

Further research also suggests that any Professional wishing to succeed in the Industry of their choice, should join such an august body as the NAEA to become recognised or accepted by clientele in any given geographical area. Not so. Within a 40 mile radius of our office, there are only 64 NAEA members, and of those only 10 in the North Down area are actually registered. There are hundreds of established and well-respected Professionals throughout the UK & Ireland who are not members of any Trade body, yet they continue to provide a loyal and much-valued service to all their clients. Given the media coverage about past and present trade members - some being reported by the OFT - is membership of a Trade body a mark of distinction and reflection of the quality of service clients can expect, or a ticket for "fly-by-nights" who don't give a damn about ethics or principles? Well, click on the appropriate Consumer & Professional Information links to find out more.

Fact 2 - Trade Bodies

Gibson Estates - as a newcomer to the Industry - is not a member of a trade body but is regulated by the Estate Agents Act (1979) and laws governing the UK and Northern Ireland. We adhere rigidly to all Consumer, Legal, NAEA, OEA and RICS guidelines, and believe that in this initial stage of our development, membership of any body would actually take away the independence on which on our policy is based. It is not possible - in practical and logical terms - to offer our clients 'the freedom to choose' on one hand, if we ourselves are attached to - and indirectly controlled by - a third party on the other. The membership of a trade body may infer that an Estate Agency is honest, open and transparent, however - as case studies prove only too well - the existence of expensive offices, glossy advertisements and well-dressed staff does not ensure that the service will be reflective of the image presented on first view by many "high street" outlets. Please also note, that a Trade body does not have statutory powers, whereas the OFT have ... and that's good enough for us!!!  more