OEA dismisses Birmingham estate agent

Estate agent Atul Patel, with a two branch business in the Birmingham area, has had his membership of the Ombudsman for Estate Agents scheme cancelled.

Mr. Patel, whose home address is recorded as 4, Whichford Close, Sutton Coldfield, had already been dismissed from membership of the National Association of Estate Agents following allegations last year over the handling of clients’ money and failing to keep proper records, both with regard to his property lettings activities.

Mr. Patel had informed the OEA that he intended to end his lettings business but continue to offer residential properties for sale through his business, trading as Andrews Residential, but the independent council of the OEA, chaired by consumer champion Lord Borrie, was not satisfied with his business standards and decided he should be struck out of the scheme.

His business had branches in Acocks Green and Spark Hill but is not connected with an estate agency trading as Andrews in Great Bar or the chain Andrews Estate Agents operating in the South West and South East of England.

“Both of these other agencies have scored highly in the independent assessment of them carried out through the OEA contacting people who have used them,” said Bill McClintock, chairman of OEA Ltd., the scheme’s operating company.

“For instance, each scored more than 90 per cent for customer satisfaction in surveys that help OEA ensure the standards and professionalism of member firms.

“Agents who are members sign up to a Code of Practice approved by the OFT which implies to the public they adhere to best practice. The OEA council will be monitoring activity to ensure they do.”