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Propertyindex.com angry at BBC's 'Axe the Agent'

Monday, 30 March 2009 4:35 PM

Propertyindex.com have expressed their 'anger' at BBC1's programme 'Axe the Agent', which follows homeowners selling property without using an estate agent.

Lee Bramzell, CEO of PropertyIndex.com has written to Mark Thompson, director general of the BBC, to express his anger at the BBC1 programme 'Axe the Agent', saying he represents thousands of estate agents in the UK.

A spokesperson for the BBC has responded to the letter, saying: "We have received Mr Bramzell's letter and will be responding.

"We can assure Mr Bramzell that the programme has no intention to deprive estate agents of their livelihood. The question mark in the title Axe the Agent? is deliberate, making this a question rather than a statement.

"The programme is not telling people they should not use an estate agent. Rather, it is considering the options people have in the current property market. At the beginning and end of each episode, we stress how estate agents have the time and expertise that most people lack, and that if people decide not to use an estate agent and to sell their home themselves, then they need to be sure they are up for the task ahead."

The letter sent by Lee Bramzell is as follows:

For the attention of: Mark Thompson, director general of the BBC.

I am writing in regards to the BBC1 programme 'Axe the Agent'.

As the CEO of PropertyIndex.com I am writing on behalf of the 125,000 estate agents in the UK whose livelihoods could be directly affected by a television programme on BBC1 that directly advocates British people to eradicate estate agents when looking for property.

Estate agents are expected to pay their TV License fee yet the BBC use this money to create a show which could result in the loss of their jobs and ability to pay the license fee.

I unequivocally believe that estate agents are absolutely essential for both the buyer and seller. From establishing accurate property valuations to working to secure the best possible price during the negotiation phase, estate agents really are the only experts. The safety net that estate agents provide extends beyond accompanying all the viewings for the peace of mind of the seller, but they also drive the different members of the chain to ensure completion.

I doubt the BBC will be encouraging their viewers to axe their GPs, fire department or police.

This is the kind of irresponsible programming one might expect to see on the likes of Channel 5, but not the state broadcaster, which should be inclusive of all professions. Even if the programme is only shown during the daytime and may aim to be reasonably balanced, the premise and the title 'Axe the Agent' is deliberately antagonistic.

On behalf of estate agents in this country, I urge the BBC to reconsider de-commissioning this programme.

I will be calling on Peter Bolton King, the head of the National Association of Estate Agents, established in 1962, to take a stronger stance on this issue.

Yours sincerely,

Lee Bramzell

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