Be cautious of unregistered estate agents – Seeff

SASOLBURG. – In the past couple of months there have been a couple of unfortunate instances of fraudulent estate agent activity in the Vaal Triangle. In the most recent case an unregistered “agent” cheated tenants out of their rental deposits, which naturally creates a harmful perception of the entire profession.
Susan Smook, managing director of Seeff Sasolburg, says in the Vaal Triangle the biggest offenders and schemers are often unregistered rental agents. “There are various unregistered and unqualified ‘agencies’ that are being operated from home offices. This is illegal and very negative for the reputation of agencies that do things by the book.”
Smook says that all professional agents are subject to strict requirements including a NQF level 4 qualification, followed by a professional designated exam, contributing to the level of professionalism and adding to the agent’s credibility. These agents also have to be registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board who regulate and control certain activities of estate agents in the public interest:
“When you are uncertain about an agent’s credentials you can always check if the agent and its principal agency is registered at the Estate Agency Affairs Board. Registered agents are bound by a strict code of conduct and will be held accountable by the EAAB. In case of misconduct, further disciplinary hearings will follow.”
“An agent who is not registered is not entitled to commission. It is important that the agent and his/her agency are in possession of fidelity fund certificates. If the agent is not in possession of an FFC the aggrieved party cannot complain or lodge any claim against the Fidelity Fund.”
Smook continues that in addition to the qualifications an experienced estate agent is someone with excellent communication skills who has the ability to ask the right questions and who listens carefully. “An experienced agent will only take buyers to view properties within their price range and according to their specifications. The agent is the link between the buyer and the seller and will negotiate an agreement until both parties are satisfied. Estate agents are also experts on neighborhoods and are able to advise where to aim your search. “Agents can also often offer insight in to why the owner is selling and what is included in the sale (garden shed, greenhouse, fixtures and fittings, etc.), how long the owners have lived there, for how much other properties in the neighbourhood are selling, justification for the selling price and whether or not the owner is willing to negotiate the price,” is Smook’s opinion.