Let’s stop these dodgy tricks, says leading estate agent

The most common “dodgy practices” undertaken by estate agents within the sales market have been revealed in a bid to usher in greater regulation of the sector. Lee Pendleton (pictured, below), who runs ten-branch estate agent James Pendleton, also believes that not enough is being done to raise standards within the industry. He says putting for sale boards up outside properties is the most common dodgy practice followed by passing on offers from fictional clients, not telling clients when real offers do fall through – to give themselves time to find a fresh offer – and gazumping their own clients when a late offer comes in. “This is the truth about the underbelly of this industry. It is unregulated and, as a result, attracts some pretty unscrupulous characters,” he says. “You’ve got to remember that someone a day out of prison with no qualifications or ethical compass can set up an estate agency and sell your home. “All estate agents have to be a member of an ombudsman scheme and, like regulation, there is a cost attached. There’s scant evidence in my view that enough is being done to raise standards sufficiently where it’s most needed.” Other practices Lee highlights include:…