Category Archive: Alternative Investments

Dec
13
2011

Consumer Tips for Engaging a Real Estate Salesperson

The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) has launched an educational brochure to educate consumers on estate agency work. The consumer guide, titled “Consumer Tips for Engaging a Real Estate Salesperson”, provides a reference for consumers who wish to engage the services of real estate salespersons in property transactions. The guide is part of CEA’s public outreach efforts to equip consumers with essential knowledge that would help them experience a smooth property transaction.

Designed as an introductory guide, the brochure gives practical tips on consumer dealings with salespersons. It also highlights the key responsibilities of estate agents and salespersons, as well as prohibited practices such as dual representation, referrals to moneylenders and holding of transaction monies by estate agents and salespersons.

In addition, the guide gives suggestions on how consumers could play their part in a property transaction, such as performing due diligence checks on the identity of a salesperson using CEA’s Public Register. It also informs consumers on what they could do if they encounter disputes or wish to report a complaint to CEA.

The consumer guide is available free of charge in CEA’s office and for public download here:

Consumer Tips for Engaging a Real Estate Salesperson

It is also distributed to HDB reception counters and Sales & Resale Enquiry Counters, major estate agencies, industry associations, and partner agencies such as the Consumers Association of Singapore.

About Council for Estate Agencies

The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) is a statutory board established under the Estate Agents Act to regulate and promote the development of a professional and trusted real estate agency industry. The key responsibilities of CEA are to license estate agents and register salespersons, promote the integrity and competence of estate agents and salespersons, and equip consumers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions in property transactions.

Permanent link to this article: http://www.martinlee.sg/consumer-tips-for-engaging-a-real-estate-salesperson/

Dec
08
2011

Additional Property Cooling Measures

The government yesterday announced more measures to cool the property market.

With immediate effect, an Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) will be imposed on certain categories of residential property purchases:

  • Foreigners and non-individuals (corporate entities) buying any residential property will pay an ABSD of 10%;
  • Permanent Residents (PRs) owning one and buying the second and subsequent residential property will pay an ABSD of 3%; and
  • Singapore Citizens (Singaporeans) owning two and buying the third and subsequent residential property will pay an ABSD of 3%

The decision to impose a high stamp duty on foreign buyers is in view of the large pool of external liquidity and strong buying interest from abroad, and the relatively small size of the Singapore market. Foreign purchases account for 19% of all private residential property purchases in 2H2011.

I think this is something way overdue.

The 10% ABSD could have a psychological as well as financial impact on foreign and corporate buyers, especially those short term speculators. People might not feel a 1, 2, 3, or 5% stamp duty but when it crosses the double digit mark, the feeling is somehow different.

The full press release of the announcement can be found here:

Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty for a Stable and Sustainable Property Market

Permanent link to this article: http://www.martinlee.sg/additional-property-cooling-measures/

Nov
09
2011

Twist in Profitable Plots Saga

And so the Profitable Plots saga drags on.

CAD has asked for more time to conclude it’s investigations into Profitable Plots. I have actually lost count of the number of times CAD has asked for more time to work on the case.

This time round, CAD has found an independent expert witness in the US, and would be able to compete its investigations within the next few months.

And so, the next hearing will be held on March 8 next year.

In a separate twist of events, Profitable Plots is now considering legal action against Securities Investors Association Singapore (SIAS) and its CEO, Mr David Gerald.

It had sent out legal letters alleging defamation based on a webcast that Mr Gerald made in May 2011 on the SIAS website.

Permanent link to this article: http://www.martinlee.sg/twist-in-profitable-plots-saga/

Oct
05
2011

Selecting the Right HDB at the Right Price

The two videos below are just for laughs but they do convey some messages to bear in mind. :)

Choosing a HDB Flat That Suits You

Paying the Right Price

Permanent link to this article: http://www.martinlee.sg/selecting-the-right-hdb-at-the-right-price/

Sep
06
2011

Phantom Property Agents

Always ask to see the relevant documents to make sure that you are working with a accredited property agent.

Apparently, some firms are resorted to employing so-called rental coordinators to do the job of property agents.

These rental coordinators do essentially the same work as a real property agent, but as they are unaccredited, they do not need to pass the required examinations and meet the minimum sales quota.

The “phantom” property agents will split then their commissions with the real property agent they are operating under, who might not be present.

This blatant flouting of rules make a mockery of the Estate Agents Act, which aims to increase the level of professional of real estate agents.

And has anyone else besides me also felt that becoming a real estate agent is increasingly becoming a second career option for many people? I know of so many friends and acquaintances who have quit their job to become full time housing agents.

Permanent link to this article: http://www.martinlee.sg/phantom-property-agents/

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