The Managing Director of Cranfords Estate Agents has shared his frustration on social media after two other firms – who were allegedly setting up fake viewings – were brought to his attention by clients.
“[I am] very disappointed to hear, and rather annoyed, that two agents… are setting up fake viewings, even going so far as giving fake feedback,” Dominic Bacon said on Facebook.
He has since told Express that he is “sick and tired of this kind of behaviour” which “came to light this year”.
“It’s happening because the market is very quiet due to rising interest rates and there’s an uncertainty among buyers,” he said.
“Prices are fairly buoyant, but there’s a lot of fear in the market.”
Despite this, Mr Bacon said setting up fake viewings reflects badly on the industry as a whole and he wants to see it quashed.
“We can’t comprehend why a business would do this.”
His post on Facebook received comment from several other firms who damned the behaviour, including VB Property and Jon Shepperd from Shepperds Estate Agents. Maison Estate Agents shared the post and said it was “more than happy to share this post from Dominic Bacon of Cranfords”.
“We do not condone this behaviour in any way and we are very frustrated to hear it is happening. We wish to reassure our vendors and future clients that Maison considers this sort of behaviour wholly inappropriate and there is absolutely no place for it in our industry.”
Mr Bacon said he did not want to name the two firms at this time.