An estate agent has lost its legal battle to be paid by one of its former clients.

North-east agents Keith Pattinson took Sharon Parker to court after she refused to pay the firm’s £1,500 fee.

Ms Parker had instructed another agent in 2008. The home had not sold, and in 2010 she instructed Keith Pattinson.

She finally received an offer from a buyer who came through the first agents.

It was a bank holiday and the buyer was unable to contact the first agents, and contacted Keith Pattinson instead, who apparently carried out the negotiation over price.

The offer was eventually accepted, and both agents asked for payment.

Ms Parker, however, paid the first agent only, receiving a bill from Keith Pattinson six months later.

According to her account, the judge said the firm may have played a part but failed to follow up.

It had left the matter “dead” for six months, sent four letters, left it again for 18 months and then taken her to county court three years after the sale.

The company’s claim was dismissed and it was refused permission to appeal.

Keith Pattinson claims to be the largest agent in the north-east, with 29 offices and around 200 staff. It is also one of the largest auctioneers in the country.

The story is here:

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/mr-justice-tyneside-home-owners-7621042