Daily Archives: 13 Oct 2009

A sterner deal for property agents now

Freelancing may end; agents will have to pass exam

The government has proposed ways to regulate property agents here.

To start with, their activities will be monitored more closely and rules enforced more keenly. A new government agency will be created to take on the enhanced regulatory powers.

A recognised accreditation body for agents will be formed. It will create and maintain a public central registry listing all accredited agents so that consumers are able to ascertain that the agent they engage is qualified.

The Ministry of National Development (MND) is also looking at whether industry players can work with government to set up an independent tribunal specialising in real estate disputes. ‘Such a set-up would send a strong signal on the industry’s commitment to enhance fair dealing and raise professional standards,’ said the ministry.

MND is also proposing that real estate agents should no longer be allowed to be freelancers (agents who are not contracted with any accredited agencies). It also wants to prevent them from representing more than one agency. Continue reading

Move to ban ‘one agent for buyer and seller’ under study

THE Government is contemplating a move to ban property agents from engaging in the widespread practice of representing both the seller and buyer of an HDB flat in the same transaction.

The idea is set to get the thumbs up from home buyers and sellers, but could leave some agents unhappy at a potential loss of commission income.

The proposal was released yesterday by the Ministry of National Development (MND) to raise industry standards. The move would ensure that agents are ‘not in a conflict-of-interest position’, it said.

Currently, many disputes arise because an agent represents both buyer and seller in the same HDB resale transaction.

The practice means the seller’s agent often gets a commission from the buyer as well and may refuse to sell to a certain buyer if no commission can be made.

In other words, the agent may not be trying his best to achieve the best price. Continue reading