Estate agents

[shanagarry]

Dangerous territory - beware anybody tempted to post anything other than something simple and innocuous.

I have no grounds for taking the view I am about to express but this poster - given that s/he has stated on the Restaurant Reviews they "have lived here for many years" has asked a leading question looking for details of unscrupulous/unethical estate agents - suggesting that one in particular is hated by many - why would somebody who has lived here for many years need to come on here and 'fish' for comments/opinions like that. That is very strong language for somebody simply looking for an estate agent.

My own view, given the limited number of posts from this person - is that they are a person with a grievance against an agent and are looking for support to prepare a legal action.

If I have that wrong (and it's possible) and you are a bone-fide buyer/seller (probably a seller if you have lived here for many years) I would suggest that you hold your own 'beauty parade' and base your choice on the 'feel' you get for the agents and the references you take up when you compile your shortlist. We all have our preferences - but they may not work for you.

Nevertheless - I am suspicious of your motives

[sam]

Shanagarry - that was my thoughts, so thanks for putting them so well.
The post sounded rather like the person who has been fishing for letting/managing agents, but under a new alias. As you said they may be genuine - they have several recommendations here and they should visit a few, then go with the agent they feel most comfortable with.

[shanagarry]

Hi Sam,

Hope's all well in Dorset?

Yes, we're on the same wavelength and like you 'I smell a rat'

[sam]

Hi Shanagarry - may be we are terribly cynical, but my nose is quivering. Is it possible someone is trying to get people on this site to slag off estate agents and others, so that there is the potential for those people to be sued?
I echo your comments - beware what you say on site and also in pms to individuals you do not know. If you have had a bad experience with any services/product/person, then be honest and make sure you can back up the claims.

[O-Bife-bem-passado]

Oh dear, sorry if you all got the wrong impression. I am just thinking of putting our house on the market and also have a family member who is looking to buy here. I myself dealt with Mike Clark of Carlton Properties when we purchased our house and can certainly recommend him, but we have had no dealings with any of the local agents since then. I was just looking for some trustworthy alternatives as I have heard some horror stories.

Thanks for all the feedback anyway.

[shanagarry]

Mike Clarke - good choice

[O-Bife-bem-passado]

Just a note here as a new poster. Why are you lot so touchy? I ask about estate agents and am accused of having an axe to grind, someone smelling a rat etc. Then I give a comment on a restaurant on another branch and someone (I think it was even the same person) accuses me having a vested interest. Are you always so hostile towards newbies?

[Michael Crane]

Just a note here as a new poster. Why are you lot so touchy? I ask about estate agents and am accused of having an axe to grind, someone smelling a rat etc. Then I give a comment on a restaurant on another branch and someone (I think it was even the same person) accuses me having a vested interest. Are you always so hostile towards newbies?

If you have read the Mazza topics on here you will understand the suspicion which some members have for for you. No one is being hostile to a newbie, simply erring on the side of caution. Once upon a time some members were extolling the virtues of Marian Day (Mazza), until she went rogue and began swindling her clients.

[shanagarry]

Michael

Thanks for your intercession here - which perfectly answers the comment made.

O-Bife - my comments are not intended to be offensive towards you specifically - but given the rogue posters who have used this forum to part decent people from their money - any newcomer (posting property related observations) will undoubtedly be treated with a modicum of suspicion. Regretfully, there have been newcomers who have hidden under the 'veil' of a new member with the sole intention of supporting the wrong-doing of their alter-ego. Your post inferred (to me at least) that you know your way around here and the tone of your comment suggested you might have had an 'axe' to grind. If that's not the case - please accept my apology.

Assuming you are a legitimate Newbie and your intentions are honourable - I will look forward to exchanging views with you as and when we post matters of mutual interest.

Incidentally - Mike Clarke is a good and steady agent (been around for over 30 years in this area) - I have done a lot of business with him. I believe I know the one you refer to as the 'hated' one - do give him a wide berth

[widge]

Just a note here as a new poster. Why are you lot so touchy? I ask about estate agents and am accused of having an axe to grind, someone smelling a rat etc. Then I give a comment on a restaurant on another branch and someone (I think it was even the same person) accuses me having a vested interest. Are you always so hostile towards newbies?

I'm not touchy - or hostile ! The "experienced one's" are!.

[Gary/Gaynor]

we bought from Brian at Santos Estate Agents CVO above Smilers, very good and not problem at all. That was 6 years ago and we sill pop and say hi! Zoe is Brian's daughter.Gaynor