Link Up Properties- Ombudsman for Estate Agents OFT code approval

The Ombudsman for Estate Agents Company Limited (OEA) has secured OFT approval for its consumer code of practice. The code is designed to ensure consumers get a fairer deal when using OEA estate agents' services.

The OEA represents around forty per cent of estate agency offices in the UK. Members of the OEA can now use the OFT approved code logo to display their commitment to high quality customer service standards.

The OFT only approves codes that are effective in safeguarding and promoting consumer interests beyond the basic requirements of the law. The main benefits for consumers dealing with OEA members include:

• access to free dispute resolution via the Ombudsman for Estate Agents scheme
• consumer satisfaction surveys to ensure members are complying with the code
• members to use fair and clear contract terms
• A disciplinary council to deal with members who do not deliver the standards required by the code.

Welcoming OEA's successful efforts to secure OFT approval for its code, Sir John Vickers, OFT Chairman, said:

'The OFT approved code logo helps consumers identify businesses committed to fair trading. OEA's consumer code of practice raises the bar for customer service in the estate agency sector'.

The OFT Consumer Codes Approval Scheme comprises two stages:

• Stage one - the code sponsor must ensure the code meets the OFT's published core criteria and contains measures designed to remove or ease consumer concerns about undesirable trading practices in its sector
• Stage two - the code sponsor must prove that its code lives up to the promise made at Stage One, demonstrating that the code is being effectively implemented; by its members and that consumer disputes are properly resolved.

“We are pleased that the OFT in conjunction with the OEA is setting the standards in Estate Agency throughout the country. We cannot emphasise the importance of using an OEA member as buyers and sellers ultimately benefit from a professional service throughout the house moving process. Most Estate Agents appear to offer the same service and hence home-sellers should ask them the following questions:

· What is the quality of the estate agents service?

· Will the Agent market my property to the widest possible audience?

· Has the agent focused on the quality of the details he prepares on my property?

· How big is the agent's own website?

· Will the agent go the extra mile for me?

· Has the agent invested in technology to speed up the house selling process?

· How pro active is the agent?

· Is the agent a member of any governing body?