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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