Goulburn agent warning from Fair Trading NSW

"Fair Trading established Mr Atherton does not hold a licence to act as a real estate agent and the company Franklin Real Estate Pty Ltd trading as ‘The Country Specialist’ is not registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

"Mr Atherton has not produced any of his accounts to Fair Trading for examination and, as he conducts business solely on the internet, Fair Trading has been unable to carry out normal auditing of his business affairs.

"In November 2014 Fair Trading issued Mr Atherton with a $2200 penalty infringement notice for an offence under section 9 the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002, which requires a corporation to be licensed.

"Despite being told it is illegal to trade as a real estate agent while not being the holder of the appropriate licence, Mr Atherton continues to display properties for sale on his website ‘Franklin Real Estate – The Country Specialist’."

Fair Trading commenced action to permanently close down Mr Atherton’s website (www.franklinrealestate.com.au).

"Any person who currently has a property listed with Mr Atherton or Franklin Real Estate – The Country Specialist is urged to relist the property with a properly licensed real estate agent.

"Any person who has had dealings with Mr Franklin should lodge an online complaint with Fair Trading at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call 13 32 20., has been operating without a licence," Mr Stowe said.

His website suggested Peter is the Principal and Sales Agent of Franklin Real Estate, 'The Country Specialists' based in Goulburn, NSW. 

"If you are looking for land, whether it is a farm, acres large or small, a weekender, a rural retreat, a beautiful homestead or simply a cottage in the country Peter is the man to talk to. 

"His passion is assisting people realise their dream in owning a home or land in country NSW. 

"Having lived on the land and worked in the property market for more than 25 years Peter has expert knowledge of all types of farms and acreage. 

"He has assisted many property owners in their sub divisions and provides a consultancy service in this field."