Tag Archives: MND

Poor service is top grouse against real estate agents

Posted on 19 Oct 2009 | Comments Off on Poor service is top grouse against real estate agents

UNSATISFACTORY service from property agents is the top complaint consumers have about them, says the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case).
Unsatisfactory service from property agents is the top complaint among consumers. — ST PHOTO: JOYCE LIM

New figures released to The Straits Times show about four out of 10 complaints in the past three years were due to agents failing to give proper advice or to carry out duties for consumers, such as submitting relevant documents.

The next most common type of complaint was failure to honour agreements. This made up 15per cent of complaints from January to September – up from just 3per cent of complaints in 2007. Continue reading →

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A sterner deal for property agents now

Posted on 13 Oct 2009 | Comments Off on 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 →

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