Category Archives: CEA

Mandatory accreditation for all real estate agents could be introduced soon

Posted on 13 Oct 2009 | Comments Off on Mandatory accreditation for all real estate agents could be introduced soon

Accrediting all real estate agents and setting up a tribunal to handle disputes are some of the proposals which could be introduced soon to help improve the standard of the real estate industry.

The suggestions came after the Ministry of National Development consulted industry players from September 10 to October 1.

From October 13, the public can give their feedback on the proposed regulatory framework for the real estate industry via this website The public consultation exercise will take one month.

The number of complaints against real estate agents has gone up recently. Last year saw over 1,400 complaints while six years ago there were only 400.

To beef up the professionalism of the real estate sector, the government plans to introduce some changes. Continue reading →

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Commissions and property agents

Posted on 13 Oct 2009 | 2 comments

I AM writing in response to last Friday’s letter, ‘1 agent for buyer, seller: OK, but get written consent‘, by Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies (SAEA), in reply to my letter on Thursday, ‘Agents shouldn’t take on dual roles’.

I would like to thank SAEA for the prompt response. I also noted an online debate on my letter in The Straits Times discussion board and I am glad the public is taking note of this issue.

First, I would like to clarify that I am not referring to an isolated incident, but a rampant practice or ‘open secret’. My focus is not solely on the agent who acted for me, but rather all the agents I have contacted so far.

I met at least 15 of them (from different property firms) during viewings and spoke to many more on the phone. They would first establish if I am an agent or a buyer, and the tone usually becomes much friendlier when I say I am a buyer. They all have the same message: that I must pay them 1 per cent commission because they need to represent me. Continue reading →

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