“Beware Haart's Fixed Fees. This is not a unique complaint ......”
2 Star Review
Oct 11,2010
By:
'Mark'
Oct 11,2010
Services: Sales (as a Vendor)
Would you recommend?: No
Postcode:
Sales (as a Vendor)
Postcode:
1
people found
this helpful
Beware Haart's Fixed Fees. This is not a unique complaint and occurs in many reviews of Haart. Like others I agreed to Haart's fees based on 1.5% of the valuation, but when the property actually sold for a lower value I didn't realise that this fee was fixed and as a result I am paying the equivalent of 1.65%. The actual form that Haart ask you to sign state that this is a fixed fee, so it is hard to challenge when you look at the paperwork afterwards in isolation. What the paperwork doesn't reflect is any conversation that has taken place and how teh fee was derived.
I am taking my complaint to the Property Ombudsman as it centers around whether Haart clearly communicated their fees and how they were calculated. My wife actuall signed the form without myself being present, but note that the agreement is binding if any of the parties have signed the agreement. I have stated to Haart that I believe that their valuation methods are as a minimum unethical for 3 reasons:
1. There is nothing to stop the Estate Agent from puposely overvaluing the property to secure a higher fee.
2. There is no incentive to the Estate Agent to secure the best possible price.
3. There is nothing to stop the Estate Agent to get you to accept a lower price just to secure the sale.
I will also be stating that there should be a clear disclaimer on the agency agreement that states ** The Fixed Fee is based on the valuation of the property and if the actual sale price is higher or lower than the valuation price the Fixed Fee will remain as per this agreement **
I am not sure whether I will be sucessful with my claim with the Property Ombudsman, but hopefully this will help others avoid this pitfall.
1
people found
this helpful
Was this helpful?
Yes