by Tim O’Dwyer M.A., LL.BSolicitorConsumer Advocate watchdog@argonautlegal.com.au Carly Gillard was staggered, after settling the sale of her Northern New South Wales property, to find herself facing commission claims from two real estate agencies. Her property had been listed with both agencies, but only one secured the sale. She soon filed a claim with the NSW Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal to determine whether she was liable for two commissions and, if only one, which...
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by Tim O’Dwyer M.A., LL.BSolicitorConsumer Advocate watchdog@argonautlegal.com.au This latest “Clayton’s” finance approval letter is hot off my fax machine. Last year I reported on an upbeat broker’s keenness to show me that my clients’ finance had been “approved” – by way of a copy of a letter from the lending bank confirming that the loan application had been “Unconditionally Approved.” (see: Clayton’s Finance Approval (The Approval You Have When You Don’t Have Approval)). Responsible...
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by Tim O’Dwyer M.A., LL.BSolicitorConsumer Advocate watchdog@argonautlegal.com.au Although agents use slogans like “Nobody does it better”, “The right advice”, “More personal attention” and “We’ll look after you”, they are really offering buyers something for nothing. At all times the agency s legal duty is to their clients, the sellers. The agent s prime job is to find a buyer at “the best possible price and contractual terms for the seller”. The least expensive part...
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