Hi Gary,
Some buyers and sellers believe they can save a few thousand dollars on agent fees and attempt to tackle the sale on their own. Especially for HDB, there are so many rules and procedures that needs to be carefully followed. Of course, it is not impossible for well-educated buyers and sellers to complete the sale on their own. HDB's website even has a detailed account on how to buy and sell without enagaging agents. The point is, if buyers and sellers decide to go at it without agents, they must be prepared to take responsibility if they misunderstand certain rules, or miss certain procedures. Such mistakes can burst the deal, and may in certain circumstances cause the deposit to be forfeited, or in serious cases, be sued by the other party.
There is nothing you can do in your friend's case. He is also not right to complain that you are unable to help him. Obviously, he did not see the need to engage your help at the start, and pay you for your services, but expects to be saved (for free) when he screws up. Gary, you are kind enough to still attempt to help even though he did not engage you at the start. However, at this point, when the OTP is already signed, there is little an agent can do. It is not your fault. He has to take responsibility himself for getting things wrong, and not getting good advice.
I hope you persevere on in this line. We still need to fight the misguided preconception that agents are out to lie and cheat and make obscene amounts of money. And I believe that as agents for the long term, we all try to make an honest living by sincerely and genuinely helping and guiding our clients. I see that you have the heart to genuinely help others, and you should be rewarded for it. Hang in there!
Regards,
Richard Wan
Black Diamond Real Estate Group
richardwan@live.com
94363793
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