It’s definitely concerning when an agent continues to advertise a sold unit on platforms like PropertyGuru, especially at an enticingly low price, without the owner’s permission. There could be a few reasons behind this:
### 1. **Lead Generation Tactics**
- **To Attract Buyers:** Agents may use the listing as a bait-and-switch tactic to attract potential buyers, intending to then direct them to other properties that might not have been listed yet or aren’t ideal for the buyer. The low price on the listing is designed to grab attention, and once a buyer expresses interest, the agent may present other options.
- **Creating Urgency:** Advertising a sold unit at a low price can create a sense of urgency or scarcity, making buyers think that the market is highly competitive, which could lead to quicker decisions on other properties the agent is trying to push.
### 2. **Marketing Strategy to Build Reputation**
- **Traffic Generation:** By listing a property at a low price (even though it's no longer available), the agent may increase the visibility of their profile and listings on the platform. When buyers contact them, even for the unavailable unit, they might be encouraged to explore other properties or get added to a mailing list for future listings.
- **Fake Listings for Search Results:** Some agents may list sold properties to make their profile appear more active in search results, which could boost their visibility to potential sellers and buyers, giving them an impression of success or activity.
### 3. **Technical or Administrative Oversight**
- **Delayed Updates:** In some cases, agents might have forgotten or failed to update the listing status. It could simply be an oversight, and the agent is still paying for the listing but hasn’t taken it down after the property has been sold.
- **Property Management Miscommunication:** There could be a miscommunication or delay between the agent and their team, causing outdated listings to stay live on the platform.
### 4. **Unethical Practices**
- **Deceptive Advertising:** While not common, some less scrupulous agents may intentionally engage in deceptive practices by keeping sold units listed at lower prices in order to hook clients who are unaware that the property is no longer available. This could be a violation of ethical standards or platform policies.
### What Can You Do?
If you're a buyer or the owner of the property in question, here are some steps you can take:
- **Contact the Agent Directly:** Inquire why the listing is still up, especially if it's been sold. If you're the owner, express that you do not authorize the advertisement.
- **Report the Listing:** You can report the listing to PropertyGuru if it violates their terms of service, which typically prohibit misleading or outdated listings.
- **Check for Red Flags:** If this is part of a pattern, it could be a sign that the agent might not be trustworthy, and you should consider working with someone more transparent.
Understanding the motives behind these practices can help you navigate situations like this and avoid potentially deceptive agents.
WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh
(65) 9856-9255
or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255
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