On Thu, 02 Sep 2004 09:09:07 +0100, Mike Mitchell
wrote:





Well, I fundamentrally disagree with all of that, but don't just take
my word for it, look at what The Scotsman reported only a couple of
weeks ago:

"SCOTLAND’S system of buying houses - once greatly envied - is in
serious crisis as a result of the property boom of the last few years.
With demand high and supply relatively tight in the main urban
markets, the gentlemanly sealed-bid system, policed by scrupulous
solicitors’ agents, has gone by the board. Widespread accusations that
solicitors and estate agents are deliberately marketing properties far
below their true market value - to entice potential customers and thus
artificially generate competition - has prompted an investigation by
the independent watchdog, the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA). Such
false advertising wastes buyers’ time and money. Nor do sellers always
gain: the incidence of "gazundering" (where a successful buyer reneges
on the original offer price) is on the increase."

"One solution is certainly for the ASA and the Law Society of Scotland
to police rogue solicitors and estate agents who deliberately quote
misleading low prices. While the ASA lacks the power to fine, the Law
Society could certainly discipline its wayward members and should
certainly take steps to indicate the present public disquiet to the
legal profession. A little self-regulation might go a long way in this
instance. Ultimately, of course, the Office of Fair Trading could step
in and take legal action against miscreants."

http://www.property.scotsman.com/news.cfm?id=954482004


I don't pay too much attention to what the press (even the
semi-quality press) says about things like this.
They are simply looking for a story and an angle. The article is
phrased in terms of "could" and "might" - no figures are given.



Legal action? I'd like to see a large draught blown up their kilts by
rabid, ravenous dogs! That way they'd realise perhaps how they are
ripping off the buying public to assuage their greed.


There is nothing fundamentally wrong with greed - it's human nature.
Everybody has that attribute to some degree, or they are lying to
themselves and others.


To quote two well known examples:

Ivan Boesky at the University of California's commencement ceremony in
1986.

In his speech, Boesky said "Greed is all right, by the way. I want you
to know that. I think greed is healthy. You can be greedy and still
feel good about yourself."

Gordon Gecko (Wall St):

"The point is, ladies and gentlemen, greed is good. Greed works, greed
is right. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of
the evolutionary spirit. Greed in all its forms, greed for life,
money, love, knowledge, has marked the upward surge of mankind -- and
greed, mark my words -- will save not only Teldar Paper but that other
malfunctioning corporation called the USA"
..andy

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