Estate agents on ‘too easy’ exam

Source : Straits Times - 7 Oct 2008

WE REFER to the letter, ‘Self-regulation in estate agency industry’ (Sept 2) by Mr Jeff Foo, president of the Institute of Estate Agents (IEA).

It is indeed disappointing for Mr Foo to run down the Common Examination for Salespersons (CES) by saying it is a watered-down standard for agent accreditation. We are a few of those who have taken the CES. We can testify that this examination, though the format is based on multiple-choice questions, is no less easier than the Common Examination for House Agents (CEHA).

To pass the CES, we need to be familiar with all aspects of HDB resale transactions, the basic law relating to real estate, property tax, stamp duty and property law. We also need to have appreciation of the property market, factors affecting market value, basic calculation and fundamentals of property investment and so on, which are necessary to properly advise our property clients.

We therefore applaud the efforts of the Singapore Association of Estate Agents (SAEA) to introduce the CES for people like us. We feel extremely proud to have qualified and be accredited as SAEA salesmen. We believe we are better trained compared to many others we know who do not even have any basic qualification and knowledge about real estate but act as agents. We urge the authorities, such as the Housing Board, to make it mandatory for all agents dealing with HDB resale transactions to have CES as a minimum qualification.

We should all support the work of the SAEA, which came up with the accreditation scheme. Instead of criticising, the IEA should support the scheme, if it is sincere in wanting to help improve the level of professionalism in the industry.

Serene Teo (Ms)
(This letter carries 22 other names)