HDB Property Agents

I may be a DIY Buyer, but that doesn't mean I'm on an agent witch-hunt or boycott.

In truth, I've nothing against them. I know many whose family of friends who are property agents, and if I need their services, I'll definitely engage them. Many offered to hook me up when they found out that I was looking too. It is just that my budget and personality (I can be a very picky and difficult type-A) doesn't suit me in engaging one presently. I don't like being 'attached' too.

It is a decent job and you are paying for their services. It is a competitive market, and even though there may be 300+ flats changing hands within these 3 months (that is if each time slot accommodates 1 purchase, but I think that isn't so.) that isn't much to sustain the about 30,000 Property Agents (or Salepersons as CEA has re-termed them.) The numbers are falling according to a recent report in January this year, and some have taken to driving Uber/Grab taxis I've heard. Talk about diversifying your portfolio.

In February 2012, it was reported that there is no agent for 1 in 10 HDB Resale Deals. This is interesting, and by now, the numbers would have increased as more Singaporeans become IT savvy and informed.

Now to be DIY Buyer, it is easier than DIY Seller. You need to be a licensed agent to advertise on portals such as PropertyGuru. Also Seller has more things to look out for, and if Seller is purchasing another flat, doing contra, etc. it can get more complicated for Seller. So there should at least be a Seller Agent, unless the Seller is very familiar with the procedures involved. Also, the higher the purchase price of the flat, the more commission the Agent gets, and the more profit the Seller gets. So it is a mutually beneficial relationship.

Also, Property Agents do not have base pays and are dependent solely on commission. They've to go for upgrading courses and be easily accessible. Their job is 24/7 almost. They'd need a always on cellphone to field queries and arrange for viewings, a car to attend the many viewings, and have to attend to errands for their clients, check on eligibility and do up the daunting paperwork.

As I'm a DIY buyer, I don't have any exclusivity deal with any Property Agency, and thus am able to work and assess the performance of Salespersons from various companies and yes, view as many flats I would like to, till I spot one I love.

However, I'm fully aware that I won't have access to those exclusive units kept within Sellers' Inner-circle, and often aren't advertised publicly. I also know that Seller Agents may block me from viewings as who wants to entertain the possibility of doing paperwork for Seller and Buyer as some Buyers really make use of Seller's agent. (It is nice to tip them some if they do help out btw.)

I've heard of good agents who really go the distance - bring clients for viewings, show them ample viewings, check with neighbours to inquire on possible loanshark activities, check on owner's bankruptcy or financial situation,

So far I've communicated with Salesperson/s from these companies representing flats in these areas, and based on communications, professionalism and bedside manners, this is my rating. All these ratings are to date. I do note that agents selling flats in Bedok and Fernvale/Punggol/Sengkang are the ones who often don't email though I state clearly to email back only. If they can't read simple messages, I question what else they'll overlook in the future.

• CBA Century 21 - Changi Village - Rating: 3 stars (may be changed) [Short replies, but sufficient. Signs off. Ill-consistent tone.]
• DTZ - Bedok - Rating: 2 [Responded but when asked to rearrange viewing did not get back.]
• DWG - Tampines St 41 - Rating: 1 star [Definitely fishing for Buyers, and after many messages, just was too insistent on his own terms. Kept shifting goalposts, always had excuses why cannot view any of his listings. Refreshed listings of properties he claimed had offer or optioned, the very night he cancelled on viewings. When he asked could he be my agent, I felt like screaming out, "NO WAY!" Have not heard from him since. I just wanted to catch him in his dupe.]
• DWG - Tampines St 81 - Rating: 3 stars [Informed me kindly that unit has been put on hold. Did not exactly offer other units. Was polite. But replied under another name.]
• ECG - Fernvale Lane - Rating: 4 stars [About the only few Fernvale/Punggol/Sengkang agents who emailed back from the countless I sent out, so automatically good. Had photos and floorplan attached. But as it was an emotional choice, I chose not to view unit as I'd be buying it for the wrong reasons and it's a 4-rm.]
• ERA - Tampines St 11 - Rating: 5 stars [Very professional and prompt to enquiries. Rearranged viewings efficiently. Had good rapport with Seller.]
• ERA - Tampines St 11 - Rating: 4 stars [Was professional though I suspected that she was fishing for buyers, advertised one property, even if it was at #2 floor flat, but gave a listing of a property at St 21, and then many other properties when enquiring, claiming not all listed at Property Guru. She alerted me to some tactics agents may try to pull. She cancelled on eve of viewing citing personal reasons. I sensed she realized difficult to net me as Buyer too and contact me. Finally she wished my search the best and closed communications. I won't mind working with her to test if she was only interested in bagging a client. I'm free now, right?]
• ERA - Tampines St 22 - Rating: 4.5 stars [Very prompt and directive. Professionally attired. Arranged for viewings efficiently. The first flat which I viewed. Good Selling Agent. Flat's been bought.]
• ERA - Tampines St 22 - Rating: 2 stars[Asked lots of probing questions, but though I didn't disagree, did not contact back after revealing it is a #2 floor flat. Never did email even, think about it. Tried to tell me things I knew better about. Makes me question his knowledge of latest HDB rules.]
• ERA - Tampines St 22 - Rating: 3 stars (may be changed) [Prompt to email inquiries. Provided more photos when requested.]
• ERA - Tampines St 23 - Rating: 3.5 stars (may be changed) [Has been very informative on Ask Guru. When asked about agent, indicated I'm a DIY buyer. Have not heard back since from him though I did say I'd get back to him instead.]
• ERA - Tampines St 24 - Rating: 2 stars (may be changed) [Has not responded since his asking when it is convenient to view though I've messaged him a few times.]
• HSR International - Tampines St 11 - Rating: 5 stars [Scheduled a viewing very quickly on a Sunday, was prompt, professional, and knowledgeable of the flat she was representing.]
• LHG - Changi Village - Rating: 4 stars (may be changed)
• LHG - Tampines - Rating: 3 stars (may be changed) [Claims advertised property has optioned. Offered another two blocks. Suspect he's going to use Principle of Contrast as they are closely located units. Will see.]
• OrangeTee - Tampines St 43 - Rating: 2 stars [Arrived late with another friend; brought up to the wrong flat as wrong lift lobby. Kept discussing another friend who is selling this flat who is overseas. Casually attired. Friendly. Didn't see license card for neither.]
• Propnex - Fernvale - Rating: NIL [About the only few Fernvale/Punggol/Sengkang agents who emailed back from the countless I sent out, so automatically good. I didn't respond as I got busy and was conflicted about arranging for a viewing. My bad.]
• Propnex - Punggol - Rating: 4 [About the only few Fernvale/Punggol/Sengkang agents who emailed back from the countless I sent out, so automatically good. Prompt replies. Owners not in town so viewings shelved. Professional. But doesn't sign off properly with credentials, again.]
• Propnex - Tampines St 41 - Rating: 4.5 stars [I was delayed and she made the effort to look out for me. Was very professional in dressing, demeanor, and was very convincing as seller agent. However, failed to communicate that it is a #2 unit and near Rubbish Centre, but blessing in disguise as I did like the flat reno a lot. She was able to play up the positives of the flat very well. Gave suggestions for reno and rental if needed too. Had good rapport with Seller.]
• Propnex - Toa Payoh - Rating: 3 stars (may be changed) [Business-like email replies. Very formal signing off but ill-consistent.]
• Remax - One Node Equity - Toa Payoh - Rating: 3 stars (may be changed) [Prompt response. Professional sign off.]
• Singapore Estate Agency - Fernvale Lane - Rating: 4.5 stars [About the only few Fernvale/Punggol/Sengkang agents who emailed back from the countless I sent out, so automatically good. Should have been my first ever viewing. I got stuck in traffic and was quite late. I felt so embarrassed I slinked away. I know. He was understanding and patient. Very prompt to email inquiries. Only thing, does not identify his professional status in emails, not even sign off till last email, so thus no 5 stars.]

So we have been alerted to 'beware' the strong-handed or pressure techniques employed by agents to push through a sale. Read here about 5 things Your Property Agent Never Told You. There are more though.

Agent Commission (1%+GST) - Be careful of seller agent bringing along 'a friend' who pallies with you, and make it clear that you will not pay for seller agent's commission (theirs is 2% + GST) as some are duped to when it comes to signing.)