Why use a National Association of Estate Agents Member?
Every year unlicensed agents cause Britain’s homebuyers and sellers unnecessary stress and hassle and sometimes loss of money - by giving incorrect or misleading advice or offering poor standards of customer service.
By using Guy Leonard and Company, a licensed NAEA agency you are guaranteed:
1) The agency is covered by Client Money Protection (CMP) Scheme.
The National Association has the ability to make discretionary grants (up to pre-set limits) if you suffer financial loss due to the bankruptcy or dishonesty of a member and/or the firm.
2) The agency has Professional Indemnity Insurance.
This ensures you are financially covered for successful claims relating to members’ negligence, bad advice or mishandling data.
3) To be consulting with a qualified and trained agent who can give you professional up-to-date advice and guidance.
All members are required to carry out at least the minimum level of Continual Professional Development (CPD) each year and many do more.
4) You are dealing with an agent who voluntarily follows the Code of Practice and rules of conduct laid down by their professional body.
If an agent does not follow the code, they can be fined or in the worst cases expelled from membership of the NAEA. Our disciplinary process includes everything from cautions and warnings right through to more severe penalties of up to £5,000 for each rule breached. You can be sure that the highest standards are upheld by our members.
5) You have a route to redress should something go wrong.
It is a mandatory requirement that all members belong to an independent redress scheme, the choice being the Ombudsman Services Property or the Property Ombudsman Service. This gives you the consumer an added level of protection. The Property Ombudsman Service can award payments of up to £25,000.
As a member of the public:
You can be sure you are dealing with an experienced and professional agent by choosing a licensed NAEA member. Membership of the Association is through formal qualification ensuring NAEA member agents have the knowledge and guidance to guide you through your property transactions as smoothly and painlessly as possible. Operating under strict rules of conduct, members must meet certain standards relating to professional and ethical practice. Under the rules, agents are required to protect and promote their clients’ interests while at all times acting in a fair and proper manner. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer at the hands of malpractice by an NAEA estate agent, the Association can take disciplinary action on your behalf.
You are better protected and will get higher standards of service from a licensed NAEA member.
