In today’s modern world, buying or selling a property can be a daunting experience. With so many steps involved and the large sums of money being transacted, it’s essential to have someone you can rely on to guide you through the process. That’s where estate agents come in, and Burchell Edwards is among the most prominent names in the industry. However, what happens when something goes wrong, and you’re not satisfied with the service you received?
Here’s where the Burchell Edwards Estate Agents ombudsman can step in to help. As a neutral body, the ombudsman acts as an independent arbitrator who can investigate any disputes or complaints between you and the estate agent, provided all internal complaints processes have been exhausted first. In this article, we will look at the role of the Burchell Edwards Estate Agents ombudsman in more detail.
Who can use the Burchell Edwards Estate Agents ombudsman?
If you have had a poor experience with a Burchell Edwards estate agent, the ombudsman is there to help resolve your dispute. According to the Property Ombudsman website, the ombudsman is there to help with any complaints against Burchell Edwards if the estate agent fails to address them satisfactorily. This includes issues relating to:
· The marketing and advertising of a property.
· The valuation of a property.
· The condition and maintenance of a property.
· The act of buying, selling or letting a property.
· The professional and ethical conduct of agents.
What are the advantages of using the Burchell Edwards Estate Agents Ombudsman?
There are several advantages of using the ombudsman. Firstly, it’s free to use. You don’t have to pay a fee to have your complaint investigated. Secondly, the ombudsman is entirely independent and impartial, meaning that the decision is made based purely on the facts presented. Thirdly, the ombudsman can assist with resolving disputes quickly. If you have exhausted all internal complaints procedures with Burchell Edwards, the ombudsman can step in to help resolve your dispute as soon as possible.
What is the ombudsman process like?
The Burchell Edwards Estate Agents Ombudsman follows a six-step process when investigating complaints:
1. Contact Burchell Edwards: Before lodging a complaint with the ombudsman, you need to have tried to resolve the issue with the estate agent directly. If you still have not been able to resolve the issue, you must raise your problem in writing as a formal complaint.
2. The ombudsman is notified: Once the agent has received the formal complaint, they must inform the ombudsman of your concerns.
3. Evidence is gathered: The ombudsman will collect all documentation and evidence relating to your complaint so that they can investigate the issue further.
4. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): The ombudsman will attempt to resolve the issue between both parties, initially through a process of ADR.
5. Formal Investigation: If ADR does not lead to a satisfactory resolution, the ombudsman will conduct a more formal investigation into your complaint.
6. Decision: Once the ombudsman has completed the investigation, they will make a final decision based on the evidence presented by both parties. The decision made is binding on the estate agent, but not on you as the complainant.
What can you expect from the ombudsman process?
It’s important to recognise that the ombudsman process can take some time to complete. This is because of the thorough investigation required to fully resolve disputes. However, the ombudsman will keep you updated throughout the process and provide you with a final written decision once the investigation is complete.
Conclusion
The Burchell Edwards Estate Agents Ombudsman is there to help resolve disputes between the estate agent and those using their services. The ombudsman is not only impartial, but free to use and can help resolve disputes quickly, making it a fantastic option for anyone who has experienced poor service from Burchell Edwards. If you have a complaint, make sure you follow the correct procedure, including exhausting internal complaints processes, before involving the ombudsman. By using the ombudsman, you can ensure that your complaint receives the attention it deserves, and you can move forward with confidence in your property transaction.
The Verdict on Burchell Edwards Estate Agents Ombudsman