Any views on the programme which was on tonight, BBC1? It showed some of the malpractice in estate agency in and around the London area. Do you think such occurences are widespread?

Discuss

I still feel agrieved at the way we were 'handled' by the Halifax 8 yrs ago as first time buyers - this program merely confirmed my suspicious thoughts. :mad:

well it certainly happens in SHeffield. I was "encouraged" by a leading estate agents in sheffield to get my mortgage through their recommended agent. In turn when it came to best and final sealed bids I was "advised" as to what I should put in! Corrupt I know but having left a bad domestic situation and being a single parent I colluded!

Problem is what can you do if you don't trust Estate Agents? There is no alternative is there?

I'm sure the dodgy-ness shown on that programme is symptomatic of the entire industry.

Why has no-one set up an EstateE-bay yet?

Problem is what can you do if you don't trust Estate Agents? There is no alternative is there?

I'm sure the dodgy-ness shown on that programme is symptomatic of the entire industry.

Why has no-one set up an EstateE-bay yet?

You're gonna make CaronP of '2Roost' cry!

In addition to DIY house-selling advocates such as 2Roost, people can always buy new-build if they want to avoid the estate agents (and get a fixed price for their home!)

Lib1

A program which shows estate agents to be shifty, scheming woshipers of the almighty quick buck who are devoid of morals????

I'll wait for next weeks program which exposes water as being wet.

A program which shows estate agents to be shifty, scheming woshipers of the almighty quick buck who are devoid of morals????

I'll wait for next weeks program which exposes water as being wet.

You're quite right, of course, Swan_Vesta.

But the way I look at it is, the more that gets exposed of the 'activities' of the bunch of amoral parasites that are estate agents, the better. Perhaps the government will eventually be shamed into dealing with this 'industry' properly - but I'm not holding my breath.

StarSparkle

I think the main problem is that people just do not understand that the agent works for the seller and they are running a business.

If you know all the ins and outs of any industry you know there are parts that are open to corruption, I certainly know parts of my business where I or many other people could abuse the trust of others and probably not be found out for years.

Just because people think it is their right to own a house they think that the Estate Agents of the seller should bend over backwards to be helpful towards them.

I think the main problem is that people just do not understand that the agent works for the seller and they are running a business.

If you know all the ins and outs of any industry you know there are parts that are open to corruption, I certainly know parts of my business where I or many other people could abuse the trust of others and probably not be found out for years.

Just because people think it is their right to own a house they think that the Estate Agents of the seller should bend over backwards to be helpful towards them.

No, I'd just expect them to run an honest and above-board business - not too much to ask, really?

I've had more than enough dealings with estate agents to last me a lifetime - it leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

StarSparkle