Death-knock incident sparks strong rebuke

2829 people have read this article

Thursday, 15 March 2012

Simon Parker

An alleged 'death-knock' type incident in Queensland, where an agent was caught taking photos of a lady's house the day after the death of her husband, has drawn a strong rebuke from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).

The alleged incident, which was reported on ABC Radio Brisbane, involved the claim that the information about the death came from within the hospital where the man passed away.

ABC Radio Brisbane breakfast host Spencer Howson said the lady in question – Gail Thomsom – sent him a letter about the incident.

“My husband passed away in hospital on 24th January, 2012,” the letter read.

“The afternoon of 25th January I caught a real estate agent taking photos of my house. I live on a corner so she checked out back and front of the property. When I went to approach her to find out why she was taking photos, she ran to her car, jumped in and took off at speed.

“On telling this tale to friends because I was so upset by the whole incident, other stories emerged - apparently the agents have someone on the inside at the hospital who feeds them information about the properties of newly deceased.

“My problem is with the estate agents who act on this information immediately, especially preying on the vulnerable older widows. Since when did this become acceptable behaviour in Australia! Surely they can wait a month at least before trying to get their business. I hadn't even contacted a funeral director to make any arrangements, so no notices were in the paper.”

ABC did not divulge the name of the agent, or the agency they worked for. The lady reported that she knew it was an agent because her neighbour witnessed the person get into a car that had the agency’s brand painted on it.

Real Estate Institute of Queensland CEO Anton Kardash told ABC Radio Brisbane that he was “bemused and distressed” by the incident.

“Such behavior by an agent is clearly in breach of the ethical standards that we operate on,” he said.

But he added that he couldn’t understand why an agent would be taking photos of a property that they hadn’t been given the listing for. Agents had to follow a clearly defined process before they were given a listing, which included the need for an agreement in writing.

He encouraged Ms Thomson to contact the REIQ’s complaints line, which last year received around 13,000 calls.

< Prev		Next >

Comments

-2 #8 Patrick Grogan 2012-03-15 16:37

Seems like a lot of agents are taking advantage of this comments page to promote how ethical and honest they are...

Quote | Report to administrator

0 #7 Paul Mulligan 2012-03-15 12:30

Disgusting! One of the so called best independent agents in Australia in a training session spoke on prospecting and basically standing on the family law court steps and 'chassing ambulances".

All disgusting and shameful tactics.

Quote | Report to administrator

+1 #6 Eric Allgood 2012-03-15 12:21

As a Principal of a Real Estate Agency, I find this the most contemptible behaviour and agree with Doug - report it to the Principal of the office.
I am interested as to why they were taking photos, because without the appropriate paperwork they cannot even discuss the property with potential buyers. There seems to be a lot more to this vile behaviour!

Quote | Report to administrator

0 #5 Dulcie Benn 2012-03-15 12:04

This is one of the most insensive, tasteless activities in which an agent can be involved. In most agencies it is part of the 'culture' to allow grieving families space and time before approaching them and their property in the hope of doing business with them. If they had done their job in the community the family should already know of their service for when they are ready to seek assistance.

Quote | Report to administrator

0 #4 Christian 2012-03-15 11:46

The lady is assuming it was an agent, I know people who
are just investors who going around scoping sites, also when there are surveys dome for a near by development, they tale photos of other properties in the vicinity. I don't think it's right to just blame an agent like that.

Quote | Report to administrator

0 #3 Pam Herron 2012-03-15 11:39

Yep I'm an agent too and that is contemptible behaviour, no wonder agents get a bad name, it distresses me to hear about stuff like this.

Quote | Report to administrator

0 #2 Doug Disher, Toowong 2012-03-15 11:15

If your neighbour identified the agency by the signs on the vehicle, certainly let the business owner know and report it to the REIQ. It does seem very strange though because agents can view photos of properties on Google Earth without even leaving the office. Most agents are very mindful of people's feeling as they also have family and friends who die and also go through grief. Sometimes, however, errors of judgement do occur and the best way to address this is directly with the owner of the agency. As an agent and business owner myself, I would be concerned and there would be consequences if any of our agents contacted the recently bereaved or indeed anyone who didn't want our services.

Quote | Report to administrator