All of the information below is available on the internet, either for free or for a small charge, it's just collated here for reference.
Ernest Wilson were members of the National Association Estate Agents and the Institution of Commercial and Business Agents but despite what a number of websites state (including the website of one of their directors) they're not currently members of either body.
They are registered with the Property Ombudsman.
But...
On the front page of the TPOS website the Property Ombudsman, Christopher Hamer, says
I'm not a regulator or consumer guardian
... which doesn't do anything to dispel the ombudsman's a reputation for toothlessness!
Ernest Wilson faced a number of disciplinary hearings with the National Federation of Property Professionals (the umbrella organisation covering NAEA and other related bodies) in 2011 and 2012. Disciplinary hearings are listed at http://www.nfopp-regulation.co.uk/complaints/disciplinary-hearings-and-outcomes.aspx. The tribunal noted that
This firm’s terms of business, procedures at the point of valuation/instruction and
throughout the sale process are outdated and unprofessional. The forms and
paperwork used caused mistrust. Contracts were unclear and unjustified written
excuses given. Client care is insufficient, leading to client dissatisfaction. There was a
repeated theme of poor and inadequate response and communication from the staff
and directors of Ernest Wilson.
No doubt Ernest Wilson will say that they've mended their ways. Their customers may disagree though, of which more later.
Next time, a trip to Companies House...
No comments:
Post a Comment