Real estate advertising withdrawn

Press, 2 July 1985, Page 9

Real estate advertising withdrawn

Strong reaction from Merivale residents has prompted the St Albans Real Estate agency to withdraw an advertising circular seeking business from people forced to consider selling their homes because of large rate increases. A spokesman from St Albans Real Estate, Mr John Bentley, said yesterday that 200 advertising circulars had been distributed before being withdrawn late last week. The firm had learned that a number of elderly residents in the Merivale area were upset by the circulars, he said. The chairman of the Merivale Precinct Society, Mr Kim Pettengell, said that he had had “dozens” of telephone calls during the week-end from peeple upset by the circulars.

Mr Pettengell said it was most unfair on the many elderly people in the area. The large rates increase had already made them upset and confused, and the circular took advantage of this.

The circular said: “Due to the forthcoming rates increase, it is probable that many house owners will seriously consider selling their homes. “In all probability, this will result in many homes being marketed for sale within a short period of time. “In order to sell your home for the best possible price, it is advisable to market your property before this occurs. If you are seriously considering selling, please phone us for a free no-obligation market appraisal of the value of your property.”