Tag Archives: Estate Agents Act

Third unregistered salesperson sentenced this year

Posted on 22 Jun 2012 | Comments Off on Third unregistered salesperson sentenced this year

Lim Beng Kwang (48 years old, Singaporean male) was sentenced to a fine of $6,000 for holding himself out as a salesperson without being registered with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA), an offence under the Estate Agents Act. Another count of his doing estate agency business without a licence was taken into consideration.

About the Case
CEA uncovered Lim’s offences when it investigated a complaint made against him for rude and unprofessional service. In January to April 2011, Lim had advertised several HDB flats for rental on an online property portal under his name, using a mobile number which was loaned to him by an Australian friend.

Lim had wanted to help a flat owner rent out a room in the owner’s flat in return for commission payment but was found out by CEA and prosecuted before he could successfully do so. Lim was found conducting a HDB flat viewing on behalf of the owner and he sought to interest some potential tenants to rent the room. He marketed the room to the potential tenants and discussed with them the rental and commission to be paid.

Lim is the third unregistered salesperson to be sentenced under the Act this year. CEA will be prosecuting several more persons for doing estate agency work without being registered over the next few months.

Advice for Consumers
Property owners who intend to rent out their properties are advised to check CEA’s Public Register of Estate Agents and Salespersons at http://www.cea.gov.sg for the identity and registration number of the salesperson whom they are engaging. As Lim was not registered, his record would not be found if a search was done on the Public Register using his mobile number.

Consumers should only engage salespersons who are registered with CEA. They are advised to request for the salesperson’s registration number, and verify that the salesperson is listed on CEA’s Public Register before engaging his or her services. The Public Register has been enhanced to allow consumers to search the particulars of a salesperson, using the salesperson’s mobile number. This is in addition to search options using the salesperson’s name or registration number.

Consumers are also advised not to respond to any real estate agency flyer, leaflet or advertisement that does not provide a salesperson’s details or registration number.

Consumers should report to CEA when they encounter any person not listed on the Public Register but carrying out estate agency work illegally. They can report the person to the CEA at 1800-6432555 or feedback@cea.gov.sg.

Source : CEA 2012 Jun 22

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Real estate sellers must meet criteria

Posted on 12 Jun 2012 | Comments Off on Real estate sellers must meet criteria

From Yeap Soon Teck Deputy Director (Licensing), Council for Estate Agencies

We refer to the letter “No principle in CEA fee policy” (May 31).

Under the Estate Agents Act, all real estate salespersons are required to register with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) through an estate agent, which is responsible for paying a registration fee when it makes the application. The fee is charged as resources are involved to process each application and ensure that the salesperson’s credentials comply with the standards required in the Act.

For a salesperson who switches agents, the receiving agent has to apply to the CEA and pay the fee. This application is subject to another round of assessment to ascertain that the salesperson continues to meet the necessary criteria for registration.

The CEA has briefed agents on the process during industry dialogue sessions and through circulars.

When a salesperson is registered, the agent that supports and submits the application is responsible for ensuring that the salesperson is fit to practise and will comply with the Estate Agents Act and Regulations.

The CEA works closely with agents on this, too.

Apart from licensing, the CEA does regular enforcement work and compliance checks, investigates consumer complaints about estate agency services and implements industry development initiatives.

These will help enhance the level of services rendered and better protect consumers. The CEA also engages in public education to help consumers make informed decisions in their property transactions.

The resources and costs involved are supported by the registration and licensing fees, supplemented by government funding. The CEA is mindful of the costs. Through regular dialogue sessions with industry stakeholders, we will continue to ensure that registration fees remain reasonable.

Consumers are already paying commissions for the services of agents and salespersons. They should not be expected to pay the CEA for initiatives to raise the level of professional service of the real estate industry.

No principle in CEA fee policy

From Henry Tay
May 31, 2012
Property agents can perform estate agency work only if they have a valid registration. But why are registration fees subjected to repayment when an agent, registered for a valid period, switches agencies?

When a property agent recently asked the Council for Estate Agencies about this, it said that estate agencies and not the agent are responsible for paying the fee, be it whether the individual is new to the industry or an existing agent making a switch.

The CEA appears nonchalant to the principle behind its policy. And estate agencies continue to pay without knowing why.

With 30,600 registered property agents here, annual registration fees of S$230 and application fees of S$53.50, the CEA would be collecting a hearty S$8.68 million and more each year.

Ironically, the CEA was formed for the benefit of consumers in their property transactions, but does not collect any money from them.

Source : Today – 2012 Jun 12

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