Tag Archives: salesperson

We refer to Mr John Ow’s letter “Agencies, salespersons unaware of CEA policy” (June 25).

During the development of the new regulatory framework, the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) drew up its regulations in close consultation with key industry stakeholders. They included industry associations, real estate agents and members of the public.

After the formation of the CEA, we continued to work closely with the industry. When we formulate policies, we seek input by having regular industry dialogues and invite industry members to sit on our working committees. Briefing sessions are also held with estate agents before any new policies are implemented.

Under the new framework, the Key Executive Officer (KEO) of an estate agent is responsible for the proper management and supervision of his salespersons. One key duty of a KEO is to communicate and keep salespersons informed on government policies, regulations and procedures that govern their work. At the same time, KEOs can also provide feedback and raise any policy or operational issue directly with the CEA.

Mr Ow claimed that salespersons are unaware of CEA policies. We have spoken to the KEO of Mr Ow’s property firm and understand that briefings have been regularly conducted to explain CEA policies to his salespersons. In view of the latest feedback from Mr Ow, the company will brief its salespersons again. We seek the cooperation of all KEOs to update their salespersons regularly.

The active involvement of the leadership in the industry will improve estate agency services and enhance consumer satisfaction. The CEA will continue to work closely with the industry and avail all relevant information on our website and through briefings and circulars to the industry.

From Purnima Shantilal Director (Licensing & Investigation) Council for Estate Agencies

Source : Today – 2012 Jun 30

The writer of the letter “No principle in CEA fee policy” (May 31) has clearly expressed the concern of the real estate industry.

According to the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) website, the initial licence and registration period of two and three years (from January last year) has been staggered for different estate agents and salespersons.

This is to better facilitate the industry and the CEA administratively in the subsequent renewal for all estate agents and salespersons on a two-year basis.

It is obvious that salespersons and even the majority of estate agencies are unaware of this and that the CEA fee policy is contradictory.

The writer’s question is about why registration fees are subject to repayment, not what they are paid for. The CEA, which replied that “Real estate sellers must meet criteria” (June 12), should not deviate from this.

Most of the estate agencies are also unaware that they, and not the salesperson, are responsible for paying the fee.

They still offer to waive the fee to entice salespersons to join them.

From John Ow

Source : Today – 2012 Jun 25