Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents welcome a ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) which upheld complaints regarding a series of comparative advertising claims made by RE/MAX Property Specialists.
The ASA concluded that a number of claims made in marketing materials and social media advertising were misleading, could not be adequately substantiated, and were not presented in a way that consumers could independently verify. The regulator also ruled that the advertisements must not appear again in the form complained of.
Commenting on the ruling, Neilsons’ Operations Director Jenna Spence said:
“It is vital that consumers receive accurate, transparent and verifiable information when choosing an estate agent.
We were concerned that claims made by Billie Dunlop of RE/MAX Property Specialists suggested that long established and respected competitors did not provide services and standards that they in fact do. Before referring the matter to the ASA, we raised our concerns directly and sought to resolve the issue informally. Unfortunately, we received no written response and the advertising continued.
The ASA has now concluded that a number of those claims were misleading and could not be adequately substantiated, including finding that it had not seen evidence to support his claims that he provided same day feedback on all viewings.
The Edinburgh and Lothians property market is built on trust, and consumers deserve to compare agents on a fair and accurate basis. We have a responsibility not only to our own clients, but to the wider profession. Where advertising risks misleading consumers or creating an unfair impression of competitors, we will continue to take appropriate action to uphold professional standards.”
For nearly 50 years, Neilsons has built its reputation on delivering trusted advice, exceptional client service and outstanding results across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Our proven, multi award winning approach combines experienced estate agency professionals, dedicated in-house Solicitors, comprehensive marketing, skilled negotiation and extensive local market knowledge to help clients achieve the best possible outcome when selling their home.
While different business models exist within the profession, selling property successfully requires far more than a single individual. Neilsons’ clients benefit from the collective expertise of a large team of experienced property professionals, valuers, negotiators, viewing agents, Solicitors, paralegals, sectretaries, and support staff working together to deliver a seamless service from valuation through to settlement. This depth of knowledge, resource and professional experience provides reassurance and continuity that simply cannot be replicated by a one person operation with limited estate agency expertise.
As a firm regulated by the Law Society of Scotland and a chartered champion of the ESPC membership organisation, Neilsons operates within a well-established professional and regulatory framework. The firm welcomes the UK Government’s proposals to introduce greater regulation of property agents across the sector and believes that clear professional standards, appropriate qualifications and increased accountability will further strengthen consumer confidence and raise standards for home movers.
Neilsons remains committed to transparency, professionalism and delivering outstanding results for its clients through experience, expertise and proven performance.
