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Frequently Asked Questions

Terminology: Under the new Estate Agents Act

  • "Estate agents" means estate agency businesses(sole proprietors, partnerships, and companies)
  • "Salespersons" means individuals who perform estate agency work

A. Regulatory Framework
B. Industry
C. Transitional Arrangement, Licensing and Registration Issues
D. Courses, Exams and Qualifications
E. Consumers
F. Dispute Resolution
G. Dual Representation
H. Advertisements
I. Transaction Monies
J. Procedures

 
A. Regulatory Framework
Q1. What is the role of estate agents under the new framework?
A1. Under the new regulatory framework, estate agents are expected to play an active role in the supervision of their salespersons and assume greater control and responsibility for their actions. For this reason, registration of salespersons is to be done through and with the support of their respective agents.
 
Q2. Will the new framework apply to foreign estate agents and salespersons that wish to market or sell overseas properties in Singapore?
A2. Foreign estate agents and salespersons that wish to market or sell overseas properties in Singapore will need to comply with new regulatory requirements including getting a licence before they can engage in estate agency work here. Alternatively, foreign estate agents can consider tying up with a local licensed estate agent if they want to hold property exhibitions or fairs in Singapore.
 
Q3. Some private housing developers employ their own sales staff to sell or lease their properties. Will the new framework cover such staff?
A3. Developers are not required to obtain a licence and their sales staff will not need to be registered with the CEA to sell or lease the developers' properties.
 
Q4. Why are licensed moneylenders not allowed to run an estate agent or practise as salespersons?
A4. Salespersons are required to act in the best interest of their clients. There is clear conflict of interest for estate agents/salespersons to be involved in money-lending as they may not be able to fulfill their obligation to their clients when they also profit from money-lending activity.
 
B. Industry
Q5. What will be the roles of the industry bodies such as Singapore Accredited Estate Agencies (SAEA) and Institute of Estate Agents (IEA) after the setup of CEA?
A5. The industry bodies will continue to play an important role, such as providing training and conducting courses and representing the interests of the industry. CEA plans to collaborate with the industry bodies to formulate and implement industry development initiatives to raise the professional standards of the industry. These initiatives could take the form of forums, seminars, workshop, publications and practice circulars.
 
Q6. Will the new regulatory regime increase compliance cost for the industry and would such costs be passed on to consumer in terms of commission? How were the licensing and registration fees determined?
A6. The regulatory cost for industry will go up with the additional resources required to carry out the increased regulatory work and the stepped-up enforcement actions. However, the fees charged are tiered based on the size of agencies to reflect the expected additional regulatory work for the larger agencies.
Commissions charged by the salespersons are influenced more by the demand and supply of estate agency services than by the compliance costs. Consumers are encouraged to find out the different commission rates and they can negotiate the commission rate before engaging the estate agent.
 
Q7. Why is it mandatory for a licensed agent to have Professional Indemnity Insurance, especially when it will increase the cost to the industry?
A7. Under the new regime, all licensed estate agents must be covered under professional indemnity insurance. This will provide some measure of recourse when there are consumer claims.
 
Q8. Can an appeal be lodged against the decisions of the Disciplinary Committee?
A8. An estate agent or salesperson aggrieved by the decisions or actions of the Disciplinary Committee may lodge an appeal to the Appeals Board whose decision will be final.
 
Q9. Will CEA take action against estate agents or salespersons who publish misleading advertisements?
A9. CEA will investigate on false or misleading advertisement placed by estate agents and salespersons.
Publishing false or misleading advertisement is a breach of the Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care, whereby disciplinary action can be taken against the estate agents or salespersons concerned. The penalties meted out by the Disciplinary Committee will include reprimand, fines and suspension.
 
Q10. Can CEA consider further raising the standard of salespersons by making it compulsory for all salespersons to be full timers instead of doing it on freelance basis?
A10. The new regulatory regime requires all persons doing estate agency work, whether on a full-time or a part-time basis, to be registered. They must fulfill all registration requirements which include meeting fit and proper criteria must pass the CEA (Council for Estate Agencies) examination and undergo mandatory continuing professional development of 6 hours a year. They are also required to adhere to a regulatory Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care, failing which they will be subject to disciplinary actions.
 
C. Transitional Arrangement, Licensing and Registration Issues
Q11. I am a licensee of my own estate agent but I am currently working as a salesperson for another estate agent. My company is dormant. Can I continue to hold on to the licence and work for another estate agent?
A11. Under the new framework, estate agents will be expected to exercise effective supervision of their salespersons and take responsibility for their actions. To enable estate agents to do so, all salespersons are allowed to join only one estate agent. They cannot be a salesperson of another estate agent. If the existing licence holder gives up his licence and registers as a salesperson under another estate agent when the new regulatory framework is implemented, he will be exempted from:
 
(i) Minimum 4 GCE "O" Level passes or equivalent;
(ii) CEHA and equivalent qualifications, if he was previously exempted by IRAS.
 
If he decides to re-apply for an estate agent licence subsequently, he will be exempted from the following requirements, provided he remains in the industry either as a salesperson or a Key Executive Officer:
 
(i) Minimum 4 GCE "O" Level passes or equivalent ;
(ii) CEHA and equivalent qualifications, if he was previously been exempted by IRAS;
(iii) 3 years minimum working experience as an agent;
(iv) Minimum 30 property transactions in the past 3 years.
 
 
Q12. What is the difference between principal licensee and KEO? Must estate agents employ a KEO?
A12. KEO should be the principal licensee. The KEO is the person who is responsible for the proper administration and overall management of the business and the supervision of estate agent's salespersons eg. CEO, COO or MD.
 
Q13. Would the registration fee per salesperson be paid on a yearly or one-time basis? If I change agent, do I need to pay the registration fee again?
A13. The registration fee would be paid annually. If the salesperson switches agents, the new agent is required to submit the application to CEA and pay the registration fee again.
 
Q14. If I were to join the real estate industry in June, do I have to pay the registration/licence fee for the entire year?
A14. Yes. The license/registration fees will not be pro-rated.
 
Q15. How long will CEA take to approve our applications?
A15. We will take approximately 4-6 weeks to process your application from the date the signed hardcopy application is received by CEA. For Estate Agent Licence application, we will notify the applicants of the outcome via email. For new salespersons or salespersons who apply to switch estate agent, we will inform the estate agents of the outcome through the e-service. Estate agents shall notify their salespersons of the outcome.
 
Q16. What are the documents required to submit the application for licence?
A16. Please refer to the section "For new Estate Agents" for the list of documents to submit.
 
D. Courses, Exams and Qualifications
Q17. Are the courses/examinations conducted by industry bodies recognised by CEA? What other courses/examinations are considered as equivalent to the new mandatory examination?
A17. As a general rule, holders of any diploma or higher academic qualification which has real estate as a major are advised to check with CEA whether they are required to take the REA/ RES examination. CEHA will be recognised by CEA till end 2012.
 
Q18. What are the qualifications that are recognised as equivalent by the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA)?
A18. The lists of recognised and equivalent qualifications are as follows:

Recognised Industry Examinations
 
a. Real Estate Salesperson examination (RES)
b. Real Estate Agency examination (REA)
c. Common Examination for House Agents (CEHA)*
* CEHA examination which will be recognised by CEA till end of 2012
Qualifications Equivalent to REA Examination
Name of Qualifications Issuing Body
Bachelor of Science (Real Estate) National University of Singapore
Bachelor of Science (Estate Management)
Bachelor of Real Estate (Property Management)
Bachelor of Real Estate (Valuation)
Diploma In Building Management Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Diploma In Building & Real Estate Management
Diploma in Real Estate Business
Diploma In Property Development & Facilities Management Singapore Polytechnic
Diploma In Building & Property Management
Note:
1. Holders of any diploma or higher academic qualification which has real estate as a major are advised to check with CEA whether they are required to take the REA/RES examination.
2. Individuals who have passed all 3 examinations in General Practice by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) will be considered as having obtained equivalent qualification to the REA examination.
3. Holders of qualifications in non-real estate related fields such as business administration, economics, marketing, law etc will be required to take the RES/REA examination.
 
Q19. What are the courses that the estate agents/salespersons are required to take and how much are the fees?
A19. All new applicants for licensing and registration will need to take the preparatory courses before sitting for the mandatory examinations administered by CEA. These two examinations are the Real Estate Agency (REA) Examination and the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Examination.

CEA will also identify core Continual Professional Development (CPD) courses (related to government regulations, policies & procedures) as part of its mandatory renewal requirement for licensed estate agents and registered salespersons. CEA will also work with industry representatives to identify non-core courses aimed at upgrading skills, knowledge and productivity. CEA will work with these examination and CPD course providers to ensure that course fees will be kept reasonably priced.
 
Q20. I have sat for the CEHA exams on 4-6 Oct 2010 and have failed one of the papers; Can I retake it next year?
A20. We will exercise flexibility to allow candidates sitting for CEHA examination to pass the remaining paper(s) within a 2-year period. As CEHA examination will be replaced by the Real Estate Agency (REA) examination, these candidates shall take the relevant paper(s) of the REA examination.
 
Q21. Suppose a non-salesperson has passed with the industry exam now before 22 Oct 2010 and seeks registration after 22 Oct, would he be required to take the new course and exam since he is currently not an existing salesperson?
A21. He or she must satisfy the 'new salesperson' registration criteria as well as have taken the RES course and pass the RES exam at the time the estate agent (referring to the agency) submits the registration application to CEA.
 
Q22. How did CEA arrive at the 4 GCE 'O' level passes criteria? Are there any alternatives available for applicants who are unable to fulfill this criterion?
A22. The minimum educational requirement of 4 GCE "O" level passes is set to ensure that the applicant has the basic competency level. Individuals who are unable to meet these criteria will be required to take the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) assessment administered by WDA. A WPLN(Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing and Numeracy) Level 5 will be recognised in lieu of 4 GCE "O" level passes. Details of the assessments can be found here . All applicants also have to pass the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) examination and fulfill all other registration criteria for registration with CEA.
 
Q23. If a salesperson's highest educational qualification is NITEC or Higher NITEC, is it equivalent to 4 GCE O level passes?
A23. NITEC or higher NITEC certificates are not considered as equivalent to 4 GCE "O" Level passes. For salespersons who have NITEC or higher NITEC certificates, they can take the WPLN assessments from WDA. The WPLN (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing and Numeracy) Level 5 is accepted in lieu of the 4 GCE "O" level passes. Details of the assessments can be found here .
 
Q24. I am a member of RICS. Do I need to take the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) course?
A24. Applicants who have passed all 3 examinations in General Practice conducted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) will be considered as having obtained equivalent qualification to the REA examination.
 
Q25. I have not passed the industry exam and do not have minimum 4 GCE 'O' level passes but I've been in the industry for many years. Do I still need to pass the the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) exam?
A25. You are required to take the CEA course and the CEA exams. As the criteria to take the CEA exams is at least 4 GCE 'O' Levels Passes, you may take the WPLN assessments from WDA.
The WPLN (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing and Numeracy) Level 5 is accepted in lieu of the 4 GCE "O" level passes.
 
Q26. I had previously taken and failed the RES exam in June 2011. Can I request to take only the failed Paper from August 2011 RES exam onwards?
A26. Modular passing will be allowed with effect from the July 2011 RES examination. Candidates will be allowed to retake only their failed Paper from the August 2011 RES examination onwards. Prior to July 2011 RES examination, candidates had to pass both Papers in a single sitting. There shall be no retrospective consideration of results before July 2011 RES examination.
 
E. Consumers
Q27. How will the formation of the CEA benefit consumers?
A27. CEA will introduce various measures towards safeguarding consumer interests, which will include:
 
(i) A public register listing all estate agents and salespersons will be set up to allow consumers to check on any particular estate agent or salesperson, including disciplinary action taken;
(ii) A dispute resolution scheme which taps on existing expertise and channels such as CASE and Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC).
(iii) Prescribed estate agency agreements for residential property transactions with minimum standard clauses , and
(iv) Various public education programmes to equip consumers with the necessary knowledge to conduct their property transactions prudently and with due diligence.
 
Q28. Will CEA regulate the commission rates under the new regulatory framework?
A28. CEA will not fix the commission rates charged by salespersons as the absence of commission guidelines would lead to a more competitive pricing among the estate agents. Consumers are advised to find out the different commission rates and they can negotiate the commission rate before engaging an estate agent.
 
Q29. How do I lodge a complaint to CEA?
A29. You may lodge your complaint to CEA in the following ways:
 
 
a) In Writing
 
To lodge a complaint in writing, please download a copy of the Complaint Form and send the completed form together with the relevant supporting documents to us via mail/email.
 
Mail:

Council for Estate Agencies
Licensing Department
468 Lorong 6, Toa Payoh
#05-10, HDB Hub Biz 3 (Lift Lobby 1)
Singapore 310468
 
Email:

feedback@cea.gov.sg
 
b) In Person
 
To lodge a complaint in person, please visit us during our office hours.
Office Hours
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays Closed
 
For enquries on how to lodge a complaint and other matters, please call our toll-free hotline at 1800 643 2555 during our office hours. You may also email your feedback or enquiry to us at feedback@cea.gov.sg
 
Q30. How will CEA deal with complaints from consumers?
A30. CEA will look into the nature of each complaint received. For allegations of professional misconduct, CEA will investigate to establish if there is any wrongdoing through infringing the Act or relevant rules such as Code of Conduct and Professional Client Care. A Disciplinary Committee will be convened if disciplinary action is needed. The Disciplinary Committee can mete out penalties, such as warnings, fines, suspension or revocation, if it finds the estate agents and/or salespersons responsible.

For complaints involving disputes on commissions and contractual matters, consumers are encouraged to approach the estate agent to resolve the dispute. They can also contact CEA in helping them approach the estate agent for a resolution.

For allegations of criminal wrongdoing such as fraud and cheating, CEA will refer such complaints to the Police.
 
Q31. There have been reports of flat owners claiming that they were misled by salespersons into selling their flats and ended up staying on beaches. How will CEA deal with this issue?
A31. HDB has put in place a Resale Checklist for House Agents to highlight to their clients before they commit to selling their flats. In addition, sellers are advised to exercise prudence by taking into account their financial position and the amount of second HDB loan for their next flat.

The Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care will define the standard of performance required of licensed estate agents and registered salespersons when carrying out their estate agency work and dealings with clients. Any salesperson who fails to advise his client properly or did not go through the Resale Checklist will breach the Code and could amount to professional misconduct and be subject to disciplinary actions.
 
Q32. How will CEA educate the industry and consumers on the changes that will be rolled out?
A32. CEA has been actively engaging the industry on the changes through various industry sessions. CEA will also educate the public through the mass media, its website and other public education efforts which it plans to roll out.
 
F. Dispute Resolution
Q33. I have signed an estate agency agreement with the estate agent before 1 Jan 2011. Can I still make use of the CEA Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS)?
A33. No. CEA's DRS is only available to those who signed their agreement on or after 1 Jan 2011. This is because, the DRS is specified in the prescribed Estate Agency Agreement in the Estate Agents (Estate Agency Work) Regulations which only came into effect from 1 Jan 2011.
 
Q34. My estate agent has initiated action against me in the Small Claims Tribunal. Can I still initiate action in CEA's DRS?
A34. If there had been a signed prescribed Estate Agency Agreement which came into effect from 1 Jan 2011 , your estate agent must first propose to you to initiate the DRS before he can go to the Small Claims Tribunal . If this matter that was initiated in Small Claims Tribunal was for an agreement signed prior to 1st Jan 2011, then the DRS is not applicable.
 
Q35. I am an estate agent. Can I initiate either mediation or arbitration action under CEA's DRS against my client?
A35. Yes you can. However, the client can decline and choose not to participate in the Scheme. If the client has initiated action, then you together with the salesperson must participate in the mediation or arbitration together with the salesperson.
 
Q36. Do I have to pay a fee to CEA for the DRS?
A36. No, but you have to pay the Approved Centre for the mediation or arbitration according to the scale of fees stipulated.
 
Q37. What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
A37. In general mediation is a process where the mediator facilitates the consumer and estate agent in trying to resolve a dispute and come to a mutually acceptable agreement. The decision is left to the parties & is not dictated by the mediator. As for arbitration, it is a process where the arbitrator will consider the issues of both parties and arrive at a decision which is binding on both parties.
 
Q38. Can I go straight to arbitration without going to mediation?
A38. Yes, you can if you are a consumer (or client). If you are an estate agent, you can go for arbitration after the consumer decides not to go for mediation.
 
Q39. Why can't CEA do the dispute resolution itself instead of referring the consumers to the Centres?
A39. CEA is neither empowered by law nor have the expertise to resolve disputes between client and agent over commission, fees, etc. On the other hand, the Centres above have the expertise with mediators or arbitrators familiar in resolving disputes.
 
G. Dual Representation
Q40. If one of our salespersons act and collect a fee from the tenant/buyer, can another one of our salespersons act and collect a fee from the landlord/seller?
A40. If the salesperson who collects a fee from the tenant/buyer and also collect part of the fee from the landlord/seller, it will be a case of dual representation and cannot be allowed.

However, if the landlord is represented by another salesperson, it will not be considered dual representation, even if the two salespersons are from the same estate agent.
 
Q41. If a salesperson introduces his buyer / tenant to a developer, can he collect a fee from the developer?
A41. If a salesperson acts for the buyer / tenant but collects the commission from the developer, it will be considered as a case of dual representation.
 
Q42. Will an agent acting for an absentee landlord be dual representing if both the tenant and landlord use him to renew the lease?
A42. Yes. It will be a case of dual representation. The salespersons will have to choose whether to act for either landlord or tenant in the renewal of the lease. He cannot act for both.
 
Q43. If the buyer and seller knows each other and appoint me as the salesperson to handle the paperwork for them, is that considered as dual representation?
A43. The salesperson cannot be appointed by both buyer and seller. He can only act for one party. However, he may still help the other party do the paper work as long as it is clear that he is not acting for the other party and obtain the consent of his client.
 
Q44. Will it contravene dual representation policy if an agent collects a management fee whilst also looking after the interests of the tenants?
A44. Banning of dual representation is in respect of estate agency work only. Management of a property is not considered as doing estate agency work. The salesperson may act for the tenant but continue to manage the property for the landlord as long as he declares the conflict of interest to both the tenant and the landlord.
 
Q45. If I am marketing the property of a seller and a direct buyer comes along to make an offer. Will I be allowed to do the paper work for the direct buyer if I am not collecting any commission from him?
A45. You may do the paper work for the buyer as long as you do not collect a fee from him and obtain the prior consent of your client. If you are assisting a buyer with the paper work in a HDB transaction, you must ensure that the correct forms are used (e.g. the correct Resale Checklist for buyers who do not engage salespersons).
 
Q46. If the client insist on giving a salesperson an 'Ang Bao' out of goodwill, will it be considered as dual representation?
A46. A salesperson is allowed to act for only one party in a property transaction and collect commission from the party he /she acts for only. If the salesperson intends to collect any other payment, such as "ang bao", depending on the actual circumstances, he may violate the ban on dual representation.
 
Q47. Can a salesperson collects commission from his client as well as collects a co-broke fee from the other salesperson representing the other party?
A47. The salesperson may collect the commission from his client or the co-broking salesperson but not from both.
 
H. Transaction Monies
Q48. The salesperson assists the landlord in paying the bills for the apartment and repairs to the apartment. The tenant will pay the salesperson cash or bank into the account of the salesperson to pay for the rent. The salesperson will then deduct the fees payable and remit the remaining to the landlord. The landlord is overseas and requested for such an arrangement. Is this still allowed?
A48. The ban on handling cash is for carrying out estate agency works for buying / selling of properties situated in Singapore and leasing of HDB properties only. The salesperson may receive such reimbursement as the salesperson is entitled to under a written authorization from, or management contract with, the landlord.
 
Q49. Can the estate agent or salesperson could use their own monies to place deposits for tenants of HDB leases or to pay for the option as their clients could be overseas/foreigners without chequing accounts as yet?
A49. CEA does not prohibit the salespersons and estate agents from drawing a crossed account payee cheque (and in so doing using their own monies), and handing such cheque to the seller/landlord or their salesperson, to pay for their clients first subject to the salespersons obtaining the consent from the clients and the payment does not subject their clients to liability which their clients are not aware of.
 
I. Advertisements
Q50. Salespersons are required to ascertain the rightful owners and obtain the consent of all owners where there is more than 1 owner. Is it the responsibility of the salesperson to do a title search to confirm ownership?
A50. Under the Practice Guidelines on Ethical Advertising, estate agents and salespersons are required to obtain the prior consent of the owner(s) before advertising any property. If there is more than one owner, estate agents and salespersons shall ascertain the rightful owners and obtain the consent of all owners. There are various avenues to establish the property ownership such as the Land Titles Registry. CEA does not prescribe a specific mode.
 
Q51. If consent is given to 2 or more salespersons to advertise, what can the salespersons do or cannot do?
A51. If consent of owner is given to 2 or more salespersons to advertise, the salespersons must act ethically. That means if they advertise, on behalf of the seller/landlord they are expected to act only for the seller/landlord. The salesperson has the responsibility to ensure that any offer received or expression of interest is conveyed to the seller/landlord.

If a direct buyer calls the salesperson/s, the latter cannot compel the direct buyer to engage them as the buyer's salesperson. The latter should make it clear that the direct buyer has a choice to either act himself or engage another salesperson from another estate agent or the same estate agent acting for the seller.

If a salesperson calls on behalf of a buyer, in response to the advertisement, they cannot be turned away or denied the opportunity to make their offers to the seller without the seller's consent.

If 2 or more salespersons advertise for 1 owner, any offer or expression of interest provided by direct buyer or via buyer's salespersons should be conveyed by the seller's salesperson to the seller/landlord. At no time, should 2 or more salespersons team up to selectively convey or block any offer to the seller/landlord.
 
Q52. Whose consent needs to be sought if a salesperson were to advertise another salesperson's listing?
A52. A salesperson is required to obtain the approval of the owner before he / she can advertise the property. They cannot advertise other salesperson's listing without the consent of the owner. In addition, he should not copy or extract and use the contents of the advertisement without approval of the salesperson who had placed the original advertisement. He should also observe all other requirements of the Practice Guidelines and Regulations.
 
Q53. If they advertise the floor area, must they check with the relevant authority to ensure the floor area is correct?
A53. Estate agents and salespersons shall take reasonable care to ascertain and disclose the correct floor area of the unit in the advertisement. Such information can be obtained from the copy of title deed from the owner. Alternatively, the information on floor area can also be obtained from the relevant authorities like BCA (Building Plan) or the strata plan from SLA.
 
Q54. Aside from "Estate Agent Licence Number" and "Salesperson Registration Number", are there other acceptable alternatives for flyers, pamphlets or banners?
A54. Other acceptable alternatives for displaying the details of estate agents and salespersons are "CEA Licence Number" and "CEA Registration Number". If in doubt, estate agents and salespersons should seek CEA?s consent on any other alternative for display their details.
 
Q55. Can CPD providers lift or copy from the PG for their courses as teaching materials?
A55. CPD providers are encouraged to conduct practice-related activities under the CPD framework. Such programmes shall cover the Practice Circulars and Guidelines issued by CEA. Hence, CPD providers can use the Practice Guidelines for reference and develop their additional CPD course materials accordingly.
 
Q56. If I find that a salesperson has contravened any of the Practice Guidelines can I complain to CEA? What will CEA do?
A56. Yes, a complaint can be lodged against a salesperson for contravening any provision in the Practice Guidelines. CEA will investigate into the complaint and the salesperson may be brought before a Disciplinary Committee.
 
Q57. Does this set of guidelines apply to salesperson advertising on behalf of a buyer as well?
A57. The Practice Guidelines apply to both advertisements on behalf of the seller and the buyer.
 
Q58. Is it mandatory to follow the Ethical Advertising practice guideline? What action can be taken against an estate agent/salesperson for non-compliance?
A58. Yes. All estate agents/salespersons are required to comply with the Estate Agents (Estate Agency Works) Regulations and the Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care viz. duties in respect of advertisements. The Practice Guidelines on Ethical Advertising is issued pursuant to the Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care and sets out details on various scenarios. Non-compliance of these Guidelines may result in disciplinary action.
 
Q59. If I find any estate agent/salesperson contravening the Practice Guidelines, what steps can I take?
A59. You may e-mail to CEA at feedback@cea.gov.sg or call our toll-free Enquiry hotline at 1800 6432555 to provide the details.
 
Q60. Can a salesperson sends SMS or makes cold calls as long as it is not done between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m.?
A60. If a consumer does not wish to receive SMS, he can use the unsubscribe option to respond. If a consumer has indicated that he does not wish to receive future cold calls or SMS messages, the estate agent or salesperson shall cease the cold calls or SMS messages to him. All estate agents and salespersons shall respect the privacy of and not to cause nuisance to recipients. The details of the estate agents or salespersons, who have made repeated calls can be furnished to CEA to assist to look into the matter. CEA can inform the estate agent concerned to take appropriate steps, for example, to inform all their salespersons not to contact certain telephone numbers.
 
Q61. Can an estate agent/salesperson advertise "no co-broking"?
A61. All estate agents and salespersons are required to act in the best interest of their clients. They must explain the options of no co-broking and its effects such as limited exposure of the property to potential buyers. The client can then make an informed decision, after having been duly advised by the estate agent/salesperson. The estate agent and salesperson will have to advertise in accordance with the client's instructions.
 
Q62. Is the salesperson required to list his/her full name on the advertisements even when it would use 3-4 lines?
A62. For all advertisements including classified ad, a salesperson's name that appears in the ad must be easily identifiable with his name registered with CEA. The name appears in the ad could either be his NRIC name, his English name with surname (eg. if a salesperson name is Mavis Tan Hwee Hwee, she can use Mavis Tan in the ad) or a short and identifiable form of his NRIC name (eg. If a salesperson name is Goh Keng Seng, he can indicate his name as "Goh KS" in the ad)
 
Q63. Would valuation fees, stamp duty fee and commission be considered as transaction money?
A63. Only stamp fees in the above example will be considered as transaction money.
 
 
Q64. Can those who have passed the CEA exam instantly advertise themselves as 'Certified Estate Agent'?
A64. No.
 
Q65. When must the estate agents and salespersons use the new name cards with the registration and licence numbers indicated?
A65. They should use the new name cards and estate agent cards from 1 March 11.
 
J. Procedures
Q66. What is the procedure for salespersons to switch company after 30 November 2010?
A66. Salespersons should approach the estate agent they wish to join to apply for registration with CEA. In December 2010, the estate agent they wish to join can apply to CEA using the hardcopy application form. From January 2011 onwards, estate agents will be given access to login to CEA system using Singpass and they could apply to include new salesperson through the system.
 
Q67. Do salesperson on long term medical leave previously need to retake the RES even if they were very active few years ago?
A67. Salespersons who leave the industry for more than 2 years will need to retake the RES exam. Salespersons who leave the industry for more than 1 year but less than 2 years will not need to take the RES exam but will need to complete 12 CPD hours.
 
Q68. Can estate agents use their own forms instead of the prescribed forms? When are we supposed to start using the form? Can the estate agent print its company name and logo on the prescribed form by CEA?
A68. The estate agents are encouraged to use the prescribed forms. If an estate agent does not use an applicable prescribed estate agency agreement form, his right to claim against his client will be affected under section 42 of the Estate Agents Act. The forms may be used from 1 January 2011. Estate agents may print their company's name and logo on the prescribed forms.

Last Updated on 15-Sep-2011

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