Top 30 FAQs for New Agents
Thinking of starting your journey as a real estate salesperson in Singapore? Here are the 30 most common questions new agents ask, answered in concise, easy-to-read points to help you build a strong foundation for your career.
10 mins read.
1. What are the basic requirements to become a real estate salesperson in Singapore?
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Must be a Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident for over 10 years.
- Minimum of 4 GCE ‘O’ Level passes or equivalent, or WPLN Level 5 and above.
- Must fulfill the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) “fit and proper” criteria.
2. What is the RES Course and why is it important?
- The Real Estate Salesperson (RES) Course is mandatory for all aspiring agents.
- It covers Singapore’s property laws, regulations, and agency practices.
- Must attend at least 75% of classes to qualify for the exam.
3. How do I register for the RES Exam?
- Register with a CEA-approved course provider after completing the RES Course.
- Exams are held 3 times a year; register early due to high demand of candidates.
4. What happens after passing the RES Exam?
- Apply to join a licensed property agency.
- Your agency will submit your registration to CEA for you.
5. What is the cost of becoming a real estate agent?
- RES Course: around $800–$1,200.
- Exam fees: additional costs.
- Other expenses: marketing, transport, and professional attire.
6. Is there a basic salary for real estate agents?
- No basic salary; income is 100% commission-based.
- Earnings depend on the number and value of transactions closed.
7. How much commission can I earn?
- Typical commission: 1–2% for sales, 0.5–1 month’s rent for leases.
- Commission is negotiable and varies by property type and agency.
8. Do I need to pay my agency any fees?
- Yes, agencies may charge desk fees, marketing costs, and a share of your commission.
- Clarify all fees with your agency before joining.
9. How do I choose the right agency to join?
- Consider agency reputation, training support, commission structure, and culture.
- Meet team leaders and existing agents before deciding.
10. What are my main responsibilities as a real estate salesperson?
- Market properties, conduct viewings, negotiate deals, and handle paperwork.
- Provide accurate advice and uphold ethical standards.
11. How do I find clients as a new agent?
- Network with friends and family.
- Use online property portals and social media.
- Attend property events and join agency marketing activities.
12. What skills do successful agents need?
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Adaptability, resilience, and self-motivation.
- Good knowledge of the property market.
13. How do I stay updated on market trends and regulations?
- Attend agency trainings and CEA courses.
- Read property news and reports regularly.
14. What are the main challenges faced by new agents?
- Irregular income, long hours, and high competition.
- Need for constant self-motivation and lead generation.
15. How do I verify if a property agent or agency is legitimate?
- Check the CEA Public Register for agent registration and agency license.
16. What is dual representation and is it allowed?
- Dual representation (collecting commission from both parties) is not allowed.
- Agents must only represent and collect commission from one party in a transaction.
17. How do I handle property listings and advertisements?
- Use reputable property portals, agency platforms, and social media.
- Ensure all advertisements are accurate and comply with CEA guidelines.
18. What documents are needed for a typical property transaction?
- Option to Purchase (OTP), Sale & Purchase Agreement, tenancy agreements, and CEA forms.
- Ensure all documents are properly completed and signed.
19. How long does a typical property transaction take?
- Sale transactions: 8–12 weeks.
- Rental transactions: 1–4 weeks, depending on negotiations and paperwork.
20. How do I determine the market value of a property?
- Use recent transaction data, property portals, and consult with experienced colleagues.
21. What are the main property types I can market?
- HDB flats, private condominiums, landed properties, commercial and industrial spaces.
22. What are the key government regulations affecting property transactions?
- Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR), and loan eligibility.
23. How do I advise clients on financing and affordability?
- Guide them to check their loan eligibility and CPF usage.
- Recommend consulting with bankers and mortgage brokers.
24. What is the process for foreign clients buying property?
- Foreigners face restrictions on landed properties.
- Must comply with additional regulations and taxes.
25. What are the ethical guidelines I must follow?
- Honesty, transparency, and acting in clients’ best interests.
- No misrepresentation or false advertising.
26. How do I handle difficult clients or disputes?
- Stay professional, listen actively, and try to mediate.
- Seek support from your agency or CEA if needed.
27. What are the penalties for unlicensed estate agency work?
- Heavy fines and possible jail time for unregistered agents.
- Always ensure you are properly registered before transacting.
28. What are the career progression opportunities?
- Senior agent, team leader, agency manager, or trainer.
- Opportunities to specialize in luxury, commercial, or industrial properties.
29. How do I manage my time and workload effectively?
- Plan daily schedules, prioritize tasks, and use digital tools.
- Set realistic goals and review progress regularly.
30. Where can I get additional support and training?
- Your agency’s training programs, CEA courses, and property seminars.
- Join real estate associations and online forums for networking and advice.
Starting your real estate journey in Singapore can be both challenging and rewarding. With the right mindset, continuous learning, and strong support, you can build a successful career in this dynamic industry.
At KLD Real Estate, we have helped many new and experienced RES alike to achieve success via our proven signature KLD Bespoke RES Jumpstarter training. Even veterans who have 3 decades of experience in the industry have achieved break-through of over 200% improvement in their career after attending our training program and coming on-board our team.
Find out from their testimonials in the link below.
Good luck!
