Misconduct by a Chas Everitt estate agent

<p>Towards the end of May 2016 I started to market my property in a Pretoria East suburb by advertising it myself as well as by using several estate agents from various agencies. My strategy was to have a wide exposure to the market which would increase my chances of selling the property. I approached several estate agents to whom I granted a simple mandate to market my property. I also emphasised to all of them that I will not grant a sole mandate. Soon, on 4th June, I received from AIDA a signed offer to purchase part of the property which at the time I was considering.</p> <p> Mr Sarel Botha from Chas Everitt Pretoria East Agency probably obtained my contact details from various websites advertising my property, called me offering to assist in marketing my property and came to view the vacant property. I explained to him that there are other estate agents also marketing my property and that I have already received a signed offer to purchase, dated 4th June, which I am still considering. In addition, I explained that I have not and will not grant to any agent a sole mandate. He agreed and requested that I complete a simple mandate form that will grant him permission to market my property. Unfortunately, at the vacant property I did not have my reading glasses which I left at my primary residence. I am over 70 years of age and cannot read without glasses. The agent said that he will assist me to complete the form by showing me where to insert the required information.</p> <p>A few days later, on the 15th of June, I received an offer to purchase from a third party which I decided to accept. Immediately afterwards, on the same date, I sent messages to all estate agents who marketed my property, including to the said Chas Everitt agent, thanking them for their efforts and requesting that they withdraw my property from the market because I received and accepted an offer. A while later, on 7th July, I received a letter from Chas Everitt attorney and was flabbergasted by the claim that I granted a sole mandate to their agent and that they are entitled to agents fees.</p> <p>I wish to emphasise that the Chas Everitt agent was well aware of the facts that I have never intended to grant exclusive mandate to any agents, that several agents were involved in marketing my property and that I already possessed a signed offer to purchase. He obtained my signature under false pretences and conned me by taking advantage that I did not have my glasses and that I trusted him that I sign a simple mandate.</p> <p> I am appalled by this improper, ********* and ************ conduct of the said estate agent.</p> <p> </p>