Dodgy Real Estate Agents – What Can You Do?
You’ve just realised that you’re dealing with a dodgy real estate agent. As the reality of that sinks in, you begin to wonder how much of your own precious time and money that you’ve invested into a shady person who doesn’t have your best interests at heart.
There are a number of different ways that you can be completely done over by a real estate agent. From shady under the table deals to outright blatant lies – a situation that you definitely DON’T want to find yourself in.
So, what can you do? Who do you turn to?
Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ)
REIQ is the governing body who have developed a standard of practice and they expect all members to abide by it. Making a report to the REIQ means that they will prompt you to come to terms with a mediated decision – it does not necessarily mean that they will personally investigate your complaint.
The Office of Fair Trading
Seek impartial and fair advice from the Office of Fair Trading. This is where you can find out about your rights and responsibilities, as well as what other parties should be doing! This can be a great starting point that will help you determine further action.
QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal)
If things are getting serious and you need to see actionable results, working with QCAT might be exactly what you need to do. This is where you can lodge online forms, seek advice and perhaps advance legal proceedings if the situation warrants it.
Legal Advice from Lawyers
If you’re going down the legal route, do your due diligence by investigating the best potential law firm for you. We would advise (as a rule) against ‘ambulance chasers’ and recommend that you seek help from a reputable source. QCAT and The Office of Fair Trading will be able to help you with recommendations.