Mrs. Rupert See would like to get some attention to the property agents regarding their unethical practises.
She had been looking for a house for quite a while now and came across several instances of property agents putting deceptive advertisements in order to attract purchasers.
In an instance, a commercial brochure proposing to sell a property located in Sixth Avenue, presenting beautiful trees near the broad road. However, the pictures of the path in the brochure are not the Sixth Avenue, but a different path in Singapore.
In another case, an agent made an advertisement of a fully renovated property and that interested buyers just need to bring their luggage. Upon presentation, the house was in a ramshackle state. When asked, the agent answered that even though the renovation of the property took place seven years ago, it can still be considered as fully renovated.
Then there are also other agents who do not perform their assignments and do not know anything about the residences they are selling.
An agent was not able to answer several basic questions such as the developer, the monthly maintenance payment, and the property’s age. When he was asked why he lacks knowledge, he stated that he was just acting in behalf of another agent and he was just there to present the place to purchasers.
Purchasing a property is a large commitment and most of the buyers rely on property agents to assist in completing the acquisition. Are there several guidelines to assure the professionalism of these property agents? Will the appropriate authorities like the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) and Institute of Estate Agents care to give comments?