Unprofessional Conduct and Pressure Tactics

We recently engaged with a Chaz Everitt agent (working for Ceiprop Cape (Pty) Ltd t/a Chas Everitt Cape Town North) regarding a property purchase. Our experience was deeply disappointing and raises serious concerns about professional standards.

We made an offer at full asking price, had bond pre-approval, and had a 40% deposit available to pay immediately. Despite being ideal buyers, we were treated dismissively for conducting proper due diligence.

The agent submitted an Offer to Purchase template for us to sign. After spending several hours carefully reviewing the document, we identified numerous errors and concerning clauses, including an incorrect ERF number, non-standard payment terms that deviated from industry practice, and missing safety certificate requirements.

When we provided detailed feedback on these issues, the agent called to thank us for catching the ERF error - which he admitted was his mistake and that he "had to go fix on ALL the contracts" he'd sent to other potential buyers.

Despite acknowledging his errors and our time spent identifying them, the agent then responded to our comprehensive list of material concerns by claiming our offer had "expired" and stating he had "8 very good candidates" - a transparent pressure tactic designed to force us into signing a flawed contract without proper amendments.

Our concerns included: - Contradictory information about the property's tenancy status - agent confirmed verbally that there was no tenant, but the contract stated the property was subject to existing tenancy with lease obligations transferring to the buyer.

- Deposit required before bond approval, while the seller retained the right to accept competing offers (non-standard and high-risk for buyers)

- Bond payment "within 14 days of acceptance" (banks only disburse funds on registration day, making this clause impossible to fulfil).

- Missing information related to the safety certificates and compliance documentation.

- Overly punitive default clauses that would risk forfeiting our full deposit if we could not meet non-standard contractual requirements.

All of this back-and-forth transpired over just two days, demonstrating the extreme urgency he placed on us to sign a flawed document.

Any competent agent should welcome buyers who conduct proper due diligence. Instead, we were met with dismissiveness and artificial pressure. This approach protects neither buyer nor seller and suggests the agent prioritises a quick commission over professional responsibility.

We strongly advise prospective buyers to: Have all contracts reviewed by an attorney before signing. Insist on written answers to all questions. Not be pressured by claims of competing offers. Ensure all verbal promises are reflected in the written contract.

Professionalism means addressing legitimate concerns, not dismissing careful buyers who refuse to sign flawed contracts.