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The short answer is... it depends.

It depends on whether you are willing to engage an agent to act for you in your purchase of HDB property.

If Buyers do not engage an agent and calls the seller's agent directly, Buyers need not pay the seller's agent 1% because agent can no longer represent both parties. However, the buyer has to be responsible for all the paperwork relating to the buying process themselves; including but limited to searching and viewing properties, doing their financial plans, knowing the latest HDB rules, negotiating on their own, finding their own witness,getting their loans, lawyers etc...

On the other hand, if the buyer wishes to engage an agent to advise and assist them throught the buying process, the fee has to be agreed before any work started. The norm for HDB has been 1%, i would advise buyers to always check with agents their fee before any work even started.

You selection of agent is important, a good agent that you trust and working for your interest can save you more than 1% and reduce your potential 'headaches'in the buying process.

Good luck! Read More

I got a reply from CEA regarding this.

CEA’s position on Dual Representation:

"The prohibition on dual representation means that no salesperson can represent both parties in the same transaction. The commission payment is a separate matter, meaning that even if a salesperson only collects commission from one party, he cannot represent both parties."

So it appears that while payment of commission from both parties is clear evidence of dual representation, the bottom line is that the salesperson should not be found representing both parties (seller and buyer, landlord and tenant) regardless. In the HDB resale transaction, this could mean if he's representing seller, he should not be completing and submitting documentation on the buyer's behalf even if the buyer does not pay him as that assistance rendered could be construed as representing buyer. In a lease, the salesperson representing landlord should not prepare LOI and handle errands for tenant even if the tenant doesn't pay him a cent.

The key question of what goes through in the salesperson's mind would be: "Can I serve a direct buyer when I represent the seller?" Or "Can I serve a direct tenant when I represent the landlord?" What is meant by "direct" means someone who approaches the seller's or landlord's salesperson but is not represented by another salesperson.

SAEA felt that: the seller's or landlord's salesperson can serve the direct buyer or tenant. However, he/she should draw the line so that he/she is not seen as representing the latter. For example, It is like a Singtel employee who attends to a customer coming to make a complaint. The employee represents Singtel and can serve the customer for Singtel. But if the customer asks the employee to write the complaint letter for him and speak on his behalf, the employee will not be able to do so as he represents Singtel solely.

As the lines can be quite blur at times, SAEA (representing the different agencies) are suggesting that CEA, through consumer education, would have the consumer complete the relevant non-exclusive or exclusive prescribed form whichever the case may be so that it will be clear who the salesperson represents. Read More

Agent should welcome agent so direct buyer have to engage a licience property agent to serve them & not to take advantages not to pay commission.agents should help agent in order to survive long in this industry,don't fellow pasar malam,cut prices no standard in the end can't survive,cos no profit . Read More

The above agents are right - no service comes for free ...

If u choose not to engage an agent to represent u, pse be prepared for the consequences - the other side which is paying for the agent is stronger than u in terms of negotiation, professional knowledge etc. You may be dealt the poorer card in the deal without even knowing it, because no professional is representing your interests.

If you are a wise buyer, you will not be penny-wise pound foolish when it comes to probably the largest investment you can make. Read More

The above agents are right - no service comes for free ...

If u choose not to engage an agent to represent u, pse be prepared for the consequences - the other side which is paying for the agent is stronger than u in terms of negotiation, professional knowledge etc. You may be dealt the poorer card in the deal without even knowing it, because no professional is representing your interests.

If you are a wise buyer, you will not be penny-wise pound foolish when it comes to probably the largest investment you can make. Read More

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"If you need more assistance with property matters:
like renting / selling, buying / or investing, I'm here to help!
WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856*9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255
(Unfortunately, this platform doesn't allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me )

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From: ABLE Toh- Your Property ASSISTANT : ）
“ i am ABLE to Help As Much As You are ABLE To PM (Private Message) me ” Read More

WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856-9255  or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255
----------------------------888--------------------------------888--------------------------->>>
"If you need more assistance with property matters:
like renting / selling, buying / or investing, I'm here to help!
WhatsApp me at: ABLE Toh (65) 9856*9255 or through this link.:https://wa.me/6598569255
(Unfortunately, this platform doesn't allow direct contact, but you can easily reach me )

(***) You can check out my reviews here: https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/agent/able-s-k-toh-61591.

For buyers, I offer solutions for sourcing resale and new private homes at no charge.

I can connect you with reputable bankers for private housing loans free of charge and with no obligation.

I also have partners to assist with mortgage home insurance matters.

Let's seal this affinity by technology; please PM me your contact for assistance with your real estate needs. So, I believe in Affinity (Chinese word: 缘份） :), let's SEAL this AFFINITY Not by blood but by Technology > Please PM, Private Message your contact so that I CAN BE (EXTRA) PAIR OF HANDS / BRAIN and LEGS to Assist you NOW or FUTURE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!

*** You can reach me at my Singapore mobile: (65) 9856 9255  or email me at Able.selling@gmail.com.

From: ABLE Toh- Your Property ASSISTANT : ）
“ i am ABLE to Help As Much As You are ABLE To PM (Private Message) me ” Read More