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Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Local Estate agents propose voluntary embargo on boards on Green Lanes

Following a long-running campaign on HoL and Bushy's recent petition, two local estate agents are discussing a voluntary embargo on estate agents' boards on Green Lanes.

Crikey, we've come a long way. Admittedly, this is just an early discussion between Steve Hatch at Castles and Charlie Perdios at Anthony Pepe, but it's a great start.

Good on them. Let recognise this great move by these two and offer whatever support they need to move things to the next phase.

Tags for Forum Posts: estate agents signs

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I second that!
Fantastic news, well done Steve and Charlie.
I am willing to draft a very straightforward ‘Good Neighbourly Practice’ agreement, which I can forward to HOL for members to cast their eye over etc. Obviously, I cannot ensure that other agents will be up for this, I can only put it out there.

‘In a nutshell’ – the agreement could (and should) be a solid commitment to the local community, from each agent who signs up.

Since being a member on this site myself, two other estate agents have indicated that they would be willing to pay particular attention to, and possibly overhaul their board monitoring system. There has also been mention that another, (may) be under new management shortly. This may provide a welcome chance for them to make such a commitment.

As far as an ‘all out ban of boards’ along Green Lanes goes, it would be great, but ultimately I suspect that this will be unworkable for many agents (especially Commercial agents), as it may impact on their core business. I think there will be more chance of agents wanting to make a voluntary commitment (and also, adhering to the industry rules and regulations, as they should) if the expectations were kept realistic and workable.

At this point, I want to make clear that an all out ban along green lanes is not a problem for us as we do not erect boards above shops, (even when marketing a flat above). The reality is… I just don’t think that this is enforceable, as the word ‘Ban’ suggests. Responsible business practice is more the way forward perhaps.
"voluntary embargo" any better?
Much more realistic... in the current economic climate I can't help thinking that many shopkeepers are feeling the pinch and possibly trying to be released from their lease, the last thing they need is an agent who cannot let their business out.

If my feeling is correct the issues have been more to do with the way things are done, and the way in which complaints and requests have been handled (or not).

That's why I propose that every agent could, and should allocate a designated person to look into, and deal with local residents requests, say within 48hrs.

If a board is legit then I am sure it is not a problem - If it's a mistake fair enough - If it's a pattern of persistant mistakes... it's bad reputation time.

This is how I can see this working, and I am ready to sign up to it.

Any takers?
Do estate agents use contracter type companies erect the signs ?
Perhaps these fellows can be part of the discussion ?
All estate agents do James, and in my experience these guys can also do a good job of taking signs down, away, or even rectifying them (when correctly briefed). It can be very dangerous if they leave a nail sticking in a gate post etc. This can also look very bad on the instructing agent.

Another good reason why all professional estate agents should work towards a responsible board policy. IMO
It will make a huge difference if we can reduce the number of boards on green lanes. I know banning them would be impossible, and i think a voluntary embargo would be very helpfull. I do think the council need to do their bit though, they should be ringing all the agents up and telling them to get their signs down especially if they are let by boards and have been up for more than 14 days. I know in Enfield they are quite active and every so often get all the old boards down in Palmers Green, by calling the agents direct. Maybe someone can give somone in the council a nudge ?
You are right Charlie. Any reduction in unlawful boards (by all agents) will be a huge help.

So does that mean you will sign a Good Neighbourly Practice Agreement?

Perhaps we can free up some of the councils already overstretched resources, this may allow them to focus on other local issues.
It has just come to my attention that Anthony Pepe have a 'To LET' sign outside an illegally converted HMO on Seymour Rd. There is an enforcement order on this demanding that the house be returned to a single dwelling having been illegally converted into 4 or 5 bedsits.

Surely a respectable agent would not be letting out illegal bedsits like this? I would be interested in having them comment on this.
We've sent them a link to your question David.
Thanks Hugh, I look forward to their response.

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