Lesson 9 Flashcards
What is one primary role of the CEA?
To regulate and control the practice of estate agents and salespersons.
How does the CEA promote the integrity and competence of estate agents?
By enforcing the Code of Practice and the Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care.
What measures does the CEA develop for consumers?
Measures to equip consumers with the necessary knowledge to conduct their real estate transactions prudently and with due diligence.
What does the CEA do regarding misconduct in estate agency work?
They conduct investigations and disciplinary proceedings related to offenses and unsatisfactory conduct.
What is the role of the CEA in relation to exams and professional development?
The CEA administers the examination and continuing professional development framework for estate agents and salespersons.
What does an Estate Agent represent in Singapore?
An Estate Agent refers to a company license that is involved in real estate transactions.
Who is a Key Executive Officer in the context of an estate agency?
The Key Executive Officer is a registered individual responsible for overseeing the estate agent’s operations.
How is a Salesperson classified in the real estate context?
Salespersons are considered individuals licensed to conduct estate agency work.
What is one requirement for businesses involved in estate agency work?
The business must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
What naming restriction applies to estate agency businesses?
Businesses must not register a name that is similar to existing estate agents.
What type of insurance must estate agencies have?
They must be covered under a valid Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Are estate agencies allowed to operate as licensed moneylenders?
No, they must not operate as a Licensed Moneylender Business.
What is the minimum age requirement for salespersons in Singapore?
Salespersons must be at least 21 years old.
What citizenship status is required for salespersons?
They must be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents (for at least 10 years).
What are the educational qualifications required for salespersons?
- Minimum of 4 GCE ‘O’ Level passes or
- Workplace Literacy & Numeracy (WPLN) Level 5 or equivalent.
- Must have passed the RES examination (within 2 years) or possess equivalent qualifications.
What other criteria must salespersons fulfill?
They must fulfill the fit and proper criteria and must not be:
i. A licensed moneylender
ii. An employee, director, or partner of a licensed moneylender
What is the minimum age requirement for a Key Executive Officer (KEO)?
A KEO must also be at least 21 years old.
What educational qualifications are required for KEOs?
Minimum of 4 GCE ‘O’ Level passes or
WPLN Level 5 or equivalent.
Must have passed the REA examination or possess equivalent qualifications.
What experience is required for KEOs?
KEOs must have 3 years of working experience as:
i. A salesperson (with at least 30 property transactions in the last 3 years) or
ii. An executive director, CEO, KEO, partner, or sole proprietor of an estate agent for 3 years.
What responsibilities does a KEO have according to Section 38 of the Estate Agent Act?
The KEO is responsible for:
a) Proper administration and overall management of the estate agent business.
b) Supervision of salespersons.
What does proper administration include for an estate agent?
- Training & supervision of salespersons
- Complaints-handling & dispute resolution
- Advertising & printing of publicity materials
- Protection of confidentiality of clients’ information
- Service standards for its operations
What must an estate agent do if there is a vacancy of KEO due to death, resignation, or revocation?
They must notify the CEA within one week and appoint another KEO within one month.
Who must fulfill the “Fit & Proper” criteria?
- Estate Agent
- Key Executive Officer
- Directors or partners of the company
- Persons responsible for the management of the company
- Salespersons
What are examples of individuals who are not considered “Fit & Proper”?
- Have been convicted of breaking laws related to estate agents.
- Have been involved in dishonesty or fraud.
- Have been found guilty of fraud or dishonesty in court.
- Are bankrupt or have made an agreement with creditors to pay off debts.
- Have been involved in the closure or winding-up of a company, or have had a receiver take control of their assets.
What does “Estate Agency Work” encompass?
It means any work done for a client in expectation of a fee, including:
a) Introduction of a third person wishing to acquire or dispose of a property
b) Negotiation for the acquisition or disposition of a property by the client
What are examples of Estate Agency Work?
- Introducing a third person to the client who wishes to acquire or dispose of a property
- Negotiating for the acquisition or disposition of a property
- Putting up advertisements for selling or renting out property
- Conducting property viewing sessions for buyers or tenants
What are exemptions to Estate Agency Work?
- Property owners or buyers selling or buying property themselves.
- Executors, administrators, trustees, liquidators, or receivers managing someone’s property or estate.
- Appraisers who value properties but don’t sell them.
- People involved with property mortgages or loans, like lenders or banks.
- Solicitors (lawyers) who introduce clients to people buying or selling property, but don’t do the actual estate agency work.
- Employees doing property work for their employer under specific instructions.
- Government or government bodies involved in property matters.
Who is required to participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?
- Key Executive Officers (KEO)
- Practicing directors or partners
- Salespersons
How many minimum CPD credits are required per cycle?
A minimum of 6 CPD credits per cycle.
4 Professional Credits + 2 Generic Credits = Quality for Annual Renewal
What is the KEO’s responsibility regarding CPD?
The KEO is responsible for monitoring the CPD requirements of salespersons.
Are new salespersons required to fulfill CPD requirements?
No, new salespersons are exempt from CPD requirements for their first CPD cycle.
What happens if a salesperson leaves a real estate agency?
If they leave for less than 2 years, they must fulfill their CPD credits. If they leave for more than 2 years, they must retake the RES or REA exams.
How many CPD credits are awarded for formal classroom learning?
1 CPD credit is awarded for each contact hour of formal classroom learning.
Is there a cap on CPD credits for daily activities?
Yes, there is a cap of 2 credits per day for each activity.
What is the registration fee for a salesperson if granted for a full calendar year or part of a year starting on or before June 30?
$230
What is the registration fee for a salesperson if granted for part of a calendar year starting after June 30?
$115
What is the application fee to register or renew a salesperson’s license?
$53.50
What is the application fee for a new estate agent license or for renewing an estate agent license?
$107 per estate agent license.
Who collects and transfers the registration or renewal fees for salespersons to the CEA?
The Key Executive Officer (KEO) collects all registration or renewal fees on behalf of salespersons.
What is the penalty under S28(2) of the EAA for operating as an estate agent without a license?
Penalties include a fine up to $75,000, a jail term not exceeding 3 years, or both. Continuing offenses after conviction may incur a further fine not exceeding $7,500 per day.
What is the penalty under S29(3) of the EAA for a salesperson operating without registration?
Penalties include a fine up to $25,000, a jail term not exceeding 12 months, or both.
What happens under S39(2) of the EAA if an estate agent employs or appoints a non-registered salesperson?
Penalties include a fine up to $25,000, a jail term not exceeding 12 months, or both. Continuing offenses after conviction may incur a further fine not exceeding $2,500 per day.
What is the consequence of a salesperson operating without a written agreement with the estate agent as per S41(3) of the EAA?
Penalties include a fine up to $25,000, a jail term not exceeding 12 months, or both. Continuing offenses may incur a further fine not exceeding $2,500 per day.