Not all real estate practitioners are ACCREDITED. The term ACCREDITED is a trademark of SAEA that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the SAEA (Agent or Salesperson) and subscribes to its strict Code of Conducts and Ethics.
Nine (9) reasons why it is important to work with an ACCREDITED Agent and/or Salesperson.
1) Expert guiding YOU through the process.
Buying or selling a home usually requires a huge volume of documentation and paperwork to be executed and for HDB flat transactions - requirement for compliance of checklist that will ensure smooth processes and experience. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare the best deal, and avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2) Get OBJECTIVE information and opinions.
ACCREDITED Agent and/or Salesperson can provide information on utilities, zoning, schools, and more. They will also be able to provide objective information about each property. A professional will be able to help you answer these 2 important questions: Will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Next, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell it?
3) Getting the BEST property in the market.
Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not being actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your ACCREDITED Agent and/or Salesperson to find all available properties that suit your needs.
4) Capitalising on their negotiating experience.
There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. Your agent/salesperson can advise you as to which investigations and inspections on the property are recommended or required.
5) Property marketing power.
Real estate are not sold by means of advertising alone. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes through as the result of a practitioner tapping on his previous contacts of previous clients, referrals, friends, and family. When a property is marketed with the help of an ACCREDITED Agent and/or Salesperson, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your ACCREDITED Agent and/or Salesperson will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects to view your property.
6) Real estate has its own language.
If you don’t know a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from an ACCREDITED Agent and/or Salesperson, you can understand why it is important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
7) ACCREDITED Agent and/or Salesperson have done it before.
Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change.
ACCREDITED Agent and/or Salesperson, on the other hand, handle hundreds of real estate transactions over the course of their career.
Having an expert on your side is critical.
8) Buying and selling is EMOTIONAL.
A home often symbolises family, rest, and security — it doesn't just consist of four walls and a roof. Because of this, home buying and selling can be an emotional undertaking.
For most people, a home is the biggest purchase they will ever make.
Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues that are of utmost importance to you.
9) ETHICAL treatment.
Every member of the SINGAPORE ACCREDITED ESTATE AGENCIES (SAEA) - ACCREDITED Agent and Salesperson - makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Conducts and Ethics, which is based on professionalism and aimed at protection of the public.
As a customer of an ACCREDITED Agent and/or Salesperson, you can expect honest and ethical treatments in all transaction-related matters.
It is mandatory for ACCREDITED Agent and/or Salesperson to take the Code of Ethics orientation and they are also required to complete a refresher course every 4 years or such intervals as deemed fit.
