Estate agents agents fired over open home stunt

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Real Estate agents fired over `open house' letter

Two Palmerston North real estate agents who asked neighbours to attend a house open day to push up prices for "real buyers" have been sacked.

LJ Hooker agents Ivan Johnstone and Mark Arnott sent a note to neighbours of a Buick St house, asking them to come to Sunday's open home, the Manawatu Standard reported.

"Please call in - this actually drives up prices and competition between buyers as the `real buyers' don't actually know you are just a neighbour - they see you as other buyers," the note said.

LJ Hooker principal Steve Allen, who labelled the practice unethical, yesterday confirmed the two agents had been fired.

Mr Arnott's mother, Margaret had also left the company.

Mr Johnstone said they had been unfairly treated by LJ Hooker.

Mr Johnstone and Mr Arnott's actions were condemned by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.

- NZPA