by Tim O’Dwyer M.A., LL.BSolicitorConsumer Advocate watchdog@argonautlegal.com.au Brisbane conveyancing solicitor Chris Bridge became concerned when he noticed that his buyer client’s contract included a special condition authorising the pre-settlement release of the selling agent’s commission. Such a “pre-draw” practice may be legal elsewhere if the contracting parties agree, but not in Queensland where Section 385 of the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act (PAMDA) permits agents to take commissions from their trust accounts only...
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by Nicola WilsonBusiness Development ManagerVictoria and South AustraliaFirst Title – Title Insurance Most land in Victoria is registered under what is known as the “Torrens System” of land registration. While the system was adequate when introduced in the 1800’s, Sir Robert Torrens did not anticipate the way in which 3 levels of government would affect land ownership a hundred years later. Nicola Wilson, Business Development Manager – VIC & SA for First Title explains...
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by Peter Mericka B.A., LL.BReal Estate LawyerQualified Practising Conveyancer VictoriaDirector Lawyers Real Estate Pty Ltd Enzo Raimondo, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, recently accused me of making comments that were “deliberately mischievous and untrue”. But when called upon to nominate any such statements or to provide the evidence, Enzo disappeared from the radar. Has he been gagged by the REIV? Allegations From Enzo Raimondo In my previous posting I took...
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by Peter Mericka B.A., LL.BReal Estate LawyerQualified Practising Conveyancer VictoriaDirector Lawyers Real Estate Pty Ltd There are few things more dangerous for real estate consumers than estate agents who fancy themselves as “wheelers and dealers”. They are usually the ones who cause the wheels to fall off real estate transactions, usually because one party or the other feels that they have been let down. Enzo Raimondo not only acknowledges that estate agents like to...
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