The Wharf: Home Front – May 8, 2008

Q. Who are the OEA – The Ombudsman for Estate Agents? And what is their role?

A. The Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) Scheme was established on the 1^st January 1998. The body offers an independent service for the resolution of disputes between member agencies and buyers, sellers, tenants or landlords of residential property in the UK. The scheme is also approved under the Housing Act 2004 as a redress scheme in relation to Home Information Pack disputes. The Ombudsman is entirely independent of member agencies and he reports to an independent Council. He provides a fair and impartial resolution of disputes which fall within his terms of reference. Resolutions are designed to achieve a full and final settlement to the dispute and the Ombudsman can, where appropriate make an award of financial compensation up to £25,000. The Ombudsman will not normally review a case until the internal complaints procedure of the member Agent has been exhausted. The service is free to complainants. To date membership of the scheme now stands at 5,683 firms operating out 12,672 offices.

“I have known Dawn in a professional capacity for a very long time, as we used to work together for a number of years. She has a comprehensive knowledge of the Docklands real estate market, but this is not her strongest point. What makes Dawn stand out as an agent is the effort she puts into every deal, the relationships she builds with everyone and the passion she has for what she does. Dawn and Gabriella have been managing my investment property for more than 3 years. I now live overseas and I feel so comfortable knowing they are really looking after my interest, whilst at the same time always being fair and transparent with the tenants. Nothing is big enough job for those ladies and everytime I say ‘thank you – I am so grateful for what you do’, the reply is ‘It’s my job’. I really cannot recommend this wonderful team enough!”

Daniela WeatherillOverseas Landlord

“We are incredibly happy with the service that Dawn Sandoval Residential provide. They offer a personal but very professional service, and we feel secure and confident with their management which is key when letting out a property.”

Amy Facey

“Dawn Sandoval Residential and associates have managed several transactions on our behalf, and each time they have gone above and beyond our expectations. We trust the team highly, and I honestly couldn’t recommend them enough.”

Neil Chinniah

“The Dawn Sandoval Residential team took the time to properly understand what I was looking for. At every stage of the process, I knew they were doing their best for me and valued me as a customer. I have no hesitation in recommending their services in the highest possible terms.”

Andrew Simmonds – Management Consultant

“Dawn Sandoval Residential offer a real personal service. Their response rates are excellent, and we have a sense that they care about our tenants and properties. We cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Cathy & Paul Betts

“Dawn Sandoval Residential have great insights into the property market in London and especially around Canary Wharf. They work very hard to understand their clients’ requirements, and we would highly recommend them.”

David & Ginette Marks