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23/09/2004
House buyers and sellers should shop around says TSS
The Trading Standards Service (TSS) is advising Northern Ireland’s house buyers and sellers to shop around for an estate agent following the publication of the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) new guide to buying and selling a home.
The guide follows a recent OFT study into the estate agency market in England and Wales which found a high degree of dissatisfaction amongst customers about estate agents’ services.
More than nine out of 10 people buying and selling a home use an estate agent. The OFT’s ‘A quick guide to buying or selling your home’, encourages consumers to be aware of their rights and gives advice on what to look out for when using an estate agent.
David Livingstone, Head of Trading Standards, said: “Although the study of the estate agency market was carried out in England and Wales, the advice in the new guide is equally valid for Northern Ireland.
"Given the buoyancy in the Northern Ireland house market and the sharp increase in house prices, it is essential that sellers shop around and be prepared to negotiate with agents on their fees.”
The leaflet, ‘A quick guide to buying or selling your home’, is available by contacting Consumerline on 0845 600 6262, or on the OFT website www.oft.gov.uk.
The OFT interviewed 1000 buyers and 1000 sellers during the course of its market study with approximately 500 estate agents offices responding to a detailed questionnaire.
(MB/GMCG)
The guide follows a recent OFT study into the estate agency market in England and Wales which found a high degree of dissatisfaction amongst customers about estate agents’ services.
More than nine out of 10 people buying and selling a home use an estate agent. The OFT’s ‘A quick guide to buying or selling your home’, encourages consumers to be aware of their rights and gives advice on what to look out for when using an estate agent.
David Livingstone, Head of Trading Standards, said: “Although the study of the estate agency market was carried out in England and Wales, the advice in the new guide is equally valid for Northern Ireland.
"Given the buoyancy in the Northern Ireland house market and the sharp increase in house prices, it is essential that sellers shop around and be prepared to negotiate with agents on their fees.”
The leaflet, ‘A quick guide to buying or selling your home’, is available by contacting Consumerline on 0845 600 6262, or on the OFT website www.oft.gov.uk.
The OFT interviewed 1000 buyers and 1000 sellers during the course of its market study with approximately 500 estate agents offices responding to a detailed questionnaire.
(MB/GMCG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
