All too often property investors are lead by the nose by the friendly real estate agent who recommends them to an inspector who, in the expectation of receiving further referrals from that agent, will look for a soft option or solution to any problem that arises. That inspector will not stand up on your behalf without fear or favour because of the risk of loosing future business from the agent. The last example I came across was...
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What if sellers don’t ‘fess up if there’s no record of council inspections? They can sell regardless! What if a seller’s carport, garage or deck was built illegally? No selling worries! What if a home is termite-riddled? Don’t tell! And if sellers obtain a pre-sale building report showing heaps of problems? Don’t mention the report! This is why “buyer beware” is the first unwritten rule of real estate in Queensland. Will it stay that way?...
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OPINIONby Tim O’Dwyer M.A., LL.BSolicitorConsumer Advocate watchdog@argonautlegal.com.au This story does not end, as many do, in a court case. But it begins, as many do, with a property advertised for sale: “Charmingly preserved Art Deco features abound in this ground floor cavity brick apartment. Ornate plaster ceilings and cornices, wide skirting boards and architraves, polished timber floors all lovingly presented.Two bedrooms – one with access to the study, a large, light, eat-in kitchen and,...
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OPINIONby Tim O’Dwyer M.A., LL.BSolicitorConsumer Advocate watchdog@argonautlegal.com.au When will governments put in place stronger legislative measures to protect real estate consumers not only from self-serving real estate agents, but also from their own trusting natures? The story below from a school teacher client of mine, whilst ending happily, gives ample reason for a long-overdue legal prohibition on agents’ referring buyers to building inspectors, mortgage brokers, solicitors and the like. “A recent experience with building inspectors...
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