PropertyGuru Malaysia and the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote the need for Real Estate Agents and Negotiators (REN) to register themselves as certified agents.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by YB Datuk Haji Abd Hamid bin Abu Bakar, director general of Valuation and Property Services Department and the president of the Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents, Malaysia (BOVAEA).
With the partnership, licensed REN members can enjoy special listing packages, including the opportunity to tap into the property site’s vast network of online visitors and reservoir of market insights as well as industry updates.
Agents registered with BOVAEA can enjoy 10 listings on PropertyGuru in 12 months for only RM80, which is the lowest rate in the market.
The collaboration also marks PropertyGuru Malaysia’s backing for the ongoing initiatives of MIEA to educate both RENs and consumers on the importance of REN licensing and certification as a way forward to protect the local property market and the integrity of the REN profession.
Notably, an average of 70 complaints are filed against RENs per month, with the issue seen to be taking an upward trend.
“Consumers and potential homebuyers today are bogged down with various concerns and qualms over the local property market and the possibility of owning their dream home,” said Gerard Kho, Country Manager, PropertyGuru (Malaysia).
“The last thing they need is to be anxious over their RENs, and we believe the licensing and certification programme initiated by MIEA is instrumental to aptly equip RENs with both the attitude and aptitude to serve potential homebuyers.”
Meanwhile, Siva Shanker, President of Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) said, “In our strive to push for licensing and certification amongst the RENs, it is crucial for MIEA to partner with like-minded industry players like PropertyGuru Malaysia that complement our aim to protect the interests of homebuyers, as well as real estate agents.”
“In addition to ensuring integrity, credibility and professionalism amongst RENs, partnerships like this will add great value and benefits to our members, creating more business opportunities to enrich their career in the property market.”
Farah Wahida, Editor of PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email farahwahida@propertyguru.com.my
