Concerns have been raised following the distribution of a letter to houses in Fermanagh claiming to be from an “ethical, local property investor” who is looking to buy houses.
The Impartial Reporter is aware of the letter (pictured) being posted in Enniskillen in which the person claims to “specialise in buying properties that are difficult to sell”.
However, the letter does not detail what exactly is meant by a property that is difficult to sell.
The letter is from Sharon Stephens, who is from Omagh according to the letter, and she is described on the letter as an “ethical, local property investor” who wants to buy properties within a month.
She states in the letter the difference between selling a house to her and using an estate agent as “no viewings with lots of timewasters coming to poke around your home”.
Mrs. Stephens says she buys with cash to avoid mortgage lenders slowing down the sale and her normal purchase period is between seven and 28 days.
All estate agent and solicitor fees are paid by Mrs. Stephens and she has offered to pay either a £250 cash advance or to pay a person’s mortgage until the purchase is complete.
She claims: “This could get the mortgage company off your back immediately.”
One of the last paragraphs in the letter states that Mrs. Stephens will give homeowners a price that she will guarantee to buy their property at.
But again there is no detail as to how Mrs. Stephens arrives at this price.
SDLP Councillor Adam Gannon was one resident who got the letter through his letterbox and he was taken aback by it.
“I have massive concerns about the way this was marketed and so do many in the local community,” he said.
“I feel these leaflets are not appropriate at this time and instead there needs to be governmental intervention to support people at this difficult time with the cost of living and raising mortgage prices.
“And if anyone is in need they do not resort to this unless they feel that a quick sale is something they actually want to do for whatever reason they may have.
“No one should feel pressured into this just because of the current situation They should be aware of their options speak to the local citizens advice bureau reach out to their local representatives for advice and I have contacted the company as a whole to try and discuss my concerns.”
The Impartial Reporter also contacted Mrs. Stephens’ office to discuss the letter but there has been no response at the time of going to print.
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