More rogue agents are expected to surface as public awareness of unregistered property sales people in the market grows.
The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA), which regulates the country’s real estate agency industry, is expected to be busy in the coming months prosecuting unregistered agents.
Recently, Raymond Sim Soon Leong, an unregistered agent, was sentenced to a fine of S$40,000, or in default an imprisonment of eight weeks for breaking the rules under the Estate Agents Act and Regulations.
Aside from posting online advertisements for the rental of two HDB units, Sim – who marketed himself as a sales director of a licensed agent – also represented clients in making offers for properties.
However, he was not registered with the CEA and has no written agreement with the agency allowing him to practice. Subsequently, his actions were uncovered when his clients filed a complaint against him for impersonating a registered salesperson.
“This case illustrates the importance of checking the identity of a salesperson on the Public Register before consumers engage any salesperson for his or her services,” said the CEA.
Prior to engaging estate agents, the CEA encourages consumers to check the authenticity of salespersons’ registration numbers to make sure they are indeed listed on the public register.
So far, the CEA has prosecuted two people for violating the rules, while another one is due for a court hearing on 21 June.
Related Stories:
Bishan residents say no to nursing home
More builders and developers going green
Residents protest over planned condo in Upper Bukit Timah