Fact 3 - Office of Fair Trading

The Terms of Business Agreement issued to any vendor, should be clear and concise - without false or misleading statements. However, the  legislation by which we and all dedicated Professionals are regulated, can be complex and - as with any Law - may contain ambiguities or be misinterpreted ... which only serves to confuse and hinder, not educate or inform. In an effort to assist Consumers and Estate Agents alike, the Office of Fair Trading have produced the following booklets.

Using an Estate Agent
Guide for Estate Agents     

Fact 4 - Contract Terms

Throughout our web site, we've given lots of guidance and information - via booklets, legislation and trade body recommendations. But, what about the genuine, honest Estate Agent who tries to keep from falling foul of legislation such as the Unfair Contract Terms? Just what does constitute a "fair contract"? Well, the following document may help to unveil what a veritable minefield the Unfair Contract Terms can be for any Estate Agent.

The Unfair Contract Terms (1999)  more

Gibson Estates' Marketing Packages are not only designed to meet the criteria of every client, but our service to clients actually exceeds current Industry and Professional standards - when compared to those as offered by other Estate Agencies throughout the Province. As a matter of principal, we do not promise something which is neither beneficial to our clients or Gibson Estates in the long-term. We actually provide an exceptional one-to-one and online service which is competitive, dedicated and Professional. With Gibson Estates, there are no hidden extras, nasty bills or unforeseen charges. What you see in every Marketing Package, really is what you get. Phone 02891 859 007 TODAY.
 

Contracts - Problem Case 1

We get feedback from many clients - even other Professionals - from all over the country. In one instance, we heard first hand from a prospective buyer who - after placing an offer to purchase a Residential property via an Estate Agent - was horrified to discover that even after the offer was accepted and a SOLD notice placed over the FOR SALE sign, the property was purchased by a cash buyer. So, what can be done in a situation like that? Well, believe it or not, for once the Estate Agent was not to blame. Estate Agents are bound by contract to market a property on behalf of the client, and cannot place a notice or any other sign over a FOR SALE board without the express wishes of the client. If the client then chooses to accept another offer - albeit a cash offer - then there is little that can be done to rectify the situation. This is a very common problem in the Industry, and one which causes severe disappointment, frustration and out-of-pocket expenses as Solicitors and Surveyors fees have to be paid. Yet - as can be appreciated from viewing the documents above - there is not even a redress scheme to compensate buyers for the monetary losses they have incurred as a result of failed negotiations with vendors. Send us your views, or details of any experiences you may have encountered during the purchase or sale of property. Names will not be published. Thank You. more