Real estate agents

The SST reports:

 Real estate agents are opposing changes to consumer laws that would require them to tell the truth about properties.

The Real Estate Institute of is taking issue with changes that would make it illegal for agents to make unsubstantiated claims, saying the changes could open “floodgates of complaints”.

Yes, it probably would. But I am not sure that the solution is making it okay to misrepresent properties. The solution is to umm, not misrepresent properties.

The proposed change does not require absolute truth, but it does require that when a representation is made to a consumer, the seller should have “reasonable grounds” for believing it is true.

How outrageous.

In REINZ's submission to Parliament, O'Sullivan said the new requirements should be “balanced by the commercial reality that the agent is in the business of selling property”. “Agents are, by their name, acting on behalf of the vendor.”

Actually I have found they are acting for themselves. They often (not all) want a quick sale and commission, so will encourage you to sell quickly, even if the price is inadequate.

Spare a thought for real estate agent. Under the benign title of “Popular Local Club House” this Waipukurau home, above left, in the central Hawke's Bay has been listed on Trade Me since Thursday. The “well-known property” has been “set up for family and club gatherings” but the agent insists it could be converted “back to its former glory”. If a magic real estate decoder programme could be run over the listing the unvarnished truth would read: “Mongrel Mob gang headquarters for sale.”

The house on Takapau Rd is described as a “modest home” but “in need of a little `TLC' however”.

Real estate agent Max Lyver has done a valiant job of presenting the property in a good light. The camouflaged perimeter in black, red, white and grey is “brightly coloured fences” that provide “privacy and security”. “The large section with mature trees provide shelter where friends and family can gather for social occasions.”

Heh.

My last sale and purchase were both done privately. Thank you Trade Me!

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