Support for Safe Agent Kitemark from NFoPP

March 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Hesitant support is better than none.

Estate Agent Today reports:

NFoPP chief executive Peter Bolton King has broken his silence about the new kitemark scheme proposed by agents. SAFEagent, which will show the public which agents have client money protection, will launch before the end of April.

It has been unequivocally welcomed only by NALS so far. NFoPP ha until now said nothing and the RICS, which has also kept quiet, is understood to be unhappy with it. Bolton King said: “We have not got a problem in principle with something like this. However, we knew about it only 24 hours before a meeting with CLG where it was discussed.

“The problem we have with it is that it doesn’t inform the consumer about the differences in the three schemes available – NFoPP, RICS and NALS. And surely this is all part of belonging to one of those organisations, and surely the way forward is for each of those organisations to promote their own scheme? We also have concerns that consumers will be confused by yet another logo. However, I quite agree that consumers should be told about client money protection.”
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Bushells welcomes this approach. "We welcome Peter's recognition of the need to better inform the consumer and understand his concerns. It is indeed true that the proposal doesn't differentiate between schemes, but each of the organisations who offer CMP have minimum standards which must be met. We believe that recognition of CMP in a simple, single logo which clearly states 'SAFE Agent' is far better than expecting customers to have to try and find out who offers what. At present it is confusing. A customer could reasonably assume that an agent displaying the Property Ombudsman and OFT approved code endorsement implies certain assurances. Some are shocked to discover it does not - rather its simply a redress scheme. Other than ARLA, its hard to find any reference to this issue on respective websites. Simply, this matter has not been addressed and sometimes it appears that the various regulatory bodies compete with each other in the credibility stakes. SAFE agent is a straight forward, non partisan method to better inform the public.

We are staunch supporters of both NAEA and ARLA and sincerely believe that their principles and motives are sincere. We know Peter Bolton King is passionate about raising standards, however we do not believe that this initiative detracts or competes with his quest. Nevertheless, we believe that action is needed now as too many people have lost money as a result of a lack of transparency and confusion. "

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Bushells is one of London's leading Estate Agents. Founded in 1937, we are one of the most successful estate agents in London. We are members of all recognised industry bodies including ARLA, TPO and NAEA.