subject: Making Professional Negligence Claims Against Estate Agents [print this page] Making Professional Negligence Claims Against Estate Agents
Estate agents can make mistakes. They can fail to advertise a property on time, or they can put it on the market for a higher value than it is actually worth which, then increases the amount of time it takes to sell. If this has happened to you, you may have found that your properties prices has now dipped and because of their errors you will lose out financially.You forgot to check at the outset whether the negligent estate agent had valid indemnity insurance. You didn't think about checking his reputation or if he had any qualifications. This is a common mistake; millions of sensible buyers and sellers don't think about these checks.Well, it is common for estate agents to be pigeon holed; they are branded as untruthful, unscrupulous and cunning - and often unfairly. Many do an excellent job and will offer good advice. However as with many different professions, estate agents acting negligently does happen. It is likely that your estate agent holds their own indemnity insurance, which protects them financially against any litigation. Nevertheless, numerous people are able to call themselves an estate agent without holding any relevant qualifications or wihout having formal training.So what exactly is professional negligence made up from and do I need to take advice from a specialist lawyer?The most common issue involving professional negligence claims lawyers is because your property has been offered at either too low or too high a price against its true value. A subsequent loss if priced too low may cause you to suffer financially. Or, if the agent offered it at a price that was too high, has this resulted in a huge bill in advertising and delays, causing you financial loss?Or maybe the housing market has shifted which then means your property needs re-pricing? It part of the estate agent's role to keep you up to date with changes in the market and let you know when things change that effect you. If this is not done, then you may have a case for professional negligence and you should see a lawyer.Before commencing a legal claim you could try referring your complaint to the Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA).At any time you feel you need more detailed advice about possible litigation against negligent estate agents, consult a professional negligence claims solicitor who is a member of the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association and will have the necessary experience to support you with any compensation due.
