Issue Date:  -  Friday, 7 July 2000

Sure Sale comes unstuck

Former real estate sales representative and promoter of Sure Sale Systems, Charles O'Leary, was prosecuted by the Ministry of Fair Trading and found guilty of 12 breaches of the Real Estate and Business Agents Act at the Court of Petty Sessions on the 26th June.

In 1996 Sure Sale promoted a scheme which offered to sell a customer's property within a fixed time frame and for a guaranteed price.

A licensed land valuer conducted a property valuation to set the guaranteed price.

Sure Sale promised to sell properties at auction and make up the difference if it sold for less than the valuation. If the property was not sold at auction the house was listed with the local real estate agents for sale.

If the property was not sold within 45 days, Sure Sale promised to purchase the property from the vendor.

Sure Sale was unsuccessful in fulfilling its contract obligations and collapsed in late 1996.

The offences against Mr O'Leary related to failing to have proper authority to advertise and having a conflict of interest.

In 1998 Mr O'Leary withdrew his application to renew his registration as a sales representative.

Mr O'Leary has been sentenced to a 12 months conditional release order and fined $750.

Consumers wanting further advice on this or any related matter can ring the Fair Trading Call Centre on 1300 30 40 54 or send an email to consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.

Media inquiries:

Hayley Mayne
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