‘Bullying’ real estate agent Christos Raptis deemed ‘incompetent’ barred from trading in the NT

An SA real estate agent caught “operating illegally” in Darwin after writing to a tenant in a way that could be read as a “bullying threat” has been deemed unfit to practice.

Adelaide real estate agent Christos Raptis has been deemed 'so incompetent … that he should not have had a licence' by the NT Agents Licencing Board.

An Adelaide real estate agent caught “operating illegally” in Darwin who wrote to a tenant in a way that could be read as a “bullying threat” has been deemed “so incompetent” as to be unfit to practice.

The Agents Licencing Board of the NT knocked back Christos Raptis’ licence application following two complaints from tenants “which raised significant conduct issues” last year.

Mr Raptis is the director of Adelaide-based agency Raptis Real Estate and the stepson of former South Australian Liberal Opposition Leader Martin Hamilton-Smith.

A summary of the “facts and main specific issues” of the second complaint in the board’s published decision details his multiple failings, including that he “purposely and actively participated in conduct unbecoming and unacceptable for a real estate agent”.

“Mr Raptis had created a hostile and stressful environment for (the complainant) as a tenant specifically citing experiencing harassment, victimisation, gas lighting, threats of legal action, bullying and discrimination,” it reads.

In handing down its findings, the board concluded while it accepted there was “no great evil intent” in Mr Raptis’ actions, “basically it seems that he could not fill out forms”.

“Overall, the board has concluded that Mr Raptis has been conducting a real estate agency business (mainly property management) in the NT when he did not know enough about NT law and practice to do the job competently and he was so incompetent in respect of fundamental issues concerning property management that he should not have had a licence at that time,” the decision reads.

Christos Raptis’ personal motto is ‘to be me & only me in grace & in perfect ways’.

“The board accepts that Mr Raptis is probably much more aware of certain aspects of NT law arising from the processing of the complaints made against him.

“However, there are many other areas of NT law and practice that differ from those in place elsewhere in Australia.

“The board does not see it as practical that it grant a licence subject to conditions about Mr Raptis somehow acquiring the relevant knowledge or employing persons capable of dealing with NT issues.

“Aside from the conduct issues, the board is particularly concerned that Mr Raptis conducted a business knowing that it was not complying with the fundamental provision of the Act – that of the need for a licence.”

On his Raptis Real Estate website, Mr Raptis nominates “To be me & only me in grace & in perfect ways” as his “personal mission statement”.

“Christos Raptis is striving to become your preferred broker for the next 20 years and beyond by providing service which exceeds your expectations,” the website reads.

“Feel free to get in contact with him and his team to find and experience ‘Raptis Difference’.”

The website lists 75 properties in the agency’s portfolio in the greater Adelaide area with several others throughout the NT, Victoria and NSW.

Originally published as ‘Bullying’ real estate agent Christos Raptis deemed ‘incompetent’ barred from trading in the NT