NSW Fair Trading has cancelled the licence of a Gosford real estate agency and the licences and certificates of two individuals involved in unlawful practices at the agency.

Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin today said Fair Trading had taken disciplinary action under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 against:

• Misteri Pty Ltd
• Mr Kevin Barnes (the director and licensee in charge of Misteri Pty Ltd) and
• Ms Nicole Mars (now known as Ms Nicole Barnes and employed by Misteri Pty Ltd).

“The corporation, Misteri Pty Ltd, has also been permanently disqualified from being involved in the direction, management or conduct of any business for which a licence under the Act is required,” he said.

“Mr Barnes and Ms Mars have been disqualified for ten years and six years, respectively.”

The actions of Misteri Pty Ltd, Mr Barnes and Ms Mars as agents resulted in them obtaining a $500,000 profit in a property sale to the detriment of their client.

The action taken by Fair Trading took place following a complaint from Housing NSW concerning the sale of a property at 1-3 Walmsley Road, Ourimbah.

Administrative Decisions Tribunal proceedings relating to this matter have concluded.

Mr Griffin said Fair Trading would continue to take decisive action when real estate agents and businesses acted inappropriately in putting their own interests before that of their clients.

Consumers and traders who were clients of Misteri Pty Ltd, trading as Raine and Horne Gosford, should contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 if they have any outstanding concerns.

The administrator for Misteri Pty Ltd has advised Fair Trading that the business has ceased trading and closed its doors.

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