In Malaysia, a property agent refers to a professional who assists clients in buying, selling, renting, or leasing real estate properties.
These agents play a crucial role in facilitating property transactions and ensuring a smooth process for both buyers and sellers.
Table of contents
- What qualifications do I need to be a real estate agent in Malaysia?
- Do you know the difference between a Real Estate Agent (REA) and a Real Estate Negotiator (REN)?
- HOW DOES A PROPERTY AGENT WORK?
- WHAT IS PROPERTY AGENTS ‘ COMPENSATION:
- WHY DO PEOPLE NEED TO HIRE A PROPERTY AGENT?
- TRAITS OF A GOOD PROPERTY AGENT:
- CONCLUSION: A TIP TO ALWAYS CHOOSE A SPECIALIZED PROPERTY AGENT:
- FAQs:
What qualifications do I need to be a real estate agent in Malaysia?
- Must be a Malaysian citizen or a permanent resident.
- Hold an SPM certificate with no less than 5 subject passes, including at least 3 credits. One credit must come from subjects like Commerce, Mathematics, Accounting, or Science.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must be registered with The Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP).
Do you know the difference between a Real Estate Agent (REA) and a Real Estate Negotiator (REN)?
Most Malaysians use the title “property agent” to refer to anyone involved in real estate transactions. However, there is a specific type of real estate professional called a Real Estate Negotiator (REN) or a Real Estate Agent that not everyone may be familiar with.
This can lead to confusion when discussing real estate matters, as not everyone understands the difference between these two types of professionals.
In Malaysia, it’s essential to understand the specific roles and qualifications.
Real Estate Negotiator (REN):
- A REN is employed by a registered estate agent.
- Their primary responsibilities include listing and marketing properties under the supervision of a registered real estate agent.
- RENs specialize in specific areas of the real estate market, such as residential, commercial, or industrial properties.
- While they do not manage the business themselves, they must attain the necessary certifications before practicing
Real Estate Agent (REA):
- REAs have broader responsibilities, including property listings, negotiations, and direct client interactions.
- They can own and operate their own real estate agencies.
- REAs are authorized to employ up to 30 real estate negotiators (RENs) to assist with real estate services.
- Becoming a REA involves meeting academic qualifications, completing the Real Estate Diploma Course, gaining practical experience, and passing an oral test of professional competence.
- REAs carry a formally issued ID tag with their name, agency name, and an E number (E XXXX)
HOW DOES A PROPERTY AGENT WORK?
Commercial properties or residential properties are generally the focus of property agents. Their responsibilities vary depending on whether they represent the buyer or the seller.
Seller’s agents, also known as listing agents, assist clients on how to price their homes and prepare them for sale, including last-minute modifications that might enhance the price or stimulate quick bids. Listing services, networking, and marketing are all used by seller agents to market the property.
Buyer’s agents search for available residences within the buyer’s price range and desire list. These property agents frequently consult previous sales data on comparable homes to assist potential buyers in making a reasonable offer.
Property agents act as intermediaries, relaying offers and inquiries between parties. They assist clients with paperwork, advise on inspections and relocation, and escort the sale to completion.
Property buyers should know if an agent represents the buyer, seller, or both. This can affect the final settlement price.
Some states prohibit dual agency, and agents must declare their representation to avoid conflicts of interest.
WHAT IS PROPERTY AGENTS ‘ COMPENSATION:
Real estate agents are typically compensated through commissions. This means they receive a percentage of the sale price of the property they help sell.
However, with the rise of internet listings, more people are buying properties without the help of an agent. As a result, some agents are changing their payment structure.
Real estate agents may offer reduced commissions or flat fees for expensive homes. Some agents also offer a fee-for-service pricing model, allowing property owners to pay only for the services they need.
When it comes to land and buildings, property agents charge a commission of up to 3% of the property’s value. For chattels, such as plants and machinery, the commission is 10% of the sale price. These rates apply to sales, leases, and purchases made by private treaty, tender, or other means.
Fees for the sale and marketing of projects by licensed property agents must be agreed upon between the agent and the customer. The commission rates listed above do not apply to the sale or rental of foreign properties in Malaysia or the selling of Malaysian properties abroad.
WHY DO PEOPLE NEED TO HIRE A PROPERTY AGENT?
When considering buying or selling a property, don’t rule out hiring a property agent. Despite commission fees, they can provide valuable assistance and save you time and money in the long run.
Improved Access/Convenience:
The full-time function of a real estate agent is to act as a bridge between buyers and sellers. This implies he’ll have quick access to all other homes posted by other real estate agents. Both the buyer’s and seller’s representatives are full-time real estate professionals who understand what it takes to close a deal.
If you want to purchase a house, for example, a real estate agent will seek homes that suit your requirements, contact the sellers’ representatives, and schedule appointments for you to see the houses.
You’ll have to play telephone tag on your own if you’re buying on your own. This might be especially challenging if you’re looking for anything specific.
Likewise, if you want to sell your property on a website of your own, you’ll have to field calls from potential buyers, answer inquiries, and schedule visits.
Keep in mind that if you’re always busy or don’t answer soon enough, potential purchasers will go on. Conversely, you may find yourself racing home after scheduling an appointment only to discover that no one shows up.
Negotiating Can Be Difficult
Many individuals dislike the concept of going through an agent to complete a real estate transaction, believing that direct negotiation between buyers and sellers is more open and allows the parties to better protect their own objectives.
This is most likely true if both the buyer and seller in a given transaction are decent persons who can get along.
This isn’t always an easy connection, unfortunately, to negotiate on matters hence hiring a property agent is no doubt the best option to rely on.
Contracts Can Be Difficult To Manage
The offer to purchase contract is meant to safeguard you and guarantee that you may back out of the arrangement if certain requirements aren’t satisfied if you decide to buy or sell a house.
For example, if you want to buy a property with a mortgage but neglect to make financing one of the selling conditions and you aren’t accepted for the mortgage, you might lose your deposit and be challenged by the seller for failure to fulfil your part of the bargain.
An expert property agent is knowledgeable about which conditions should be utilized, when they may safely be withdrawn, and how to use the contract to safeguard you, whether you buy or sell your house.
Money-Saving Isn’t For Everyone
Many individuals avoid employing a property agent to save money, but remember that not having to pay commissions to a real estate agency is unlikely to benefit both the buyer and the seller.
If you’re selling your property on your own, for example, you’ll price based on the sale prices of similar homes in your neighbourhood.
Many of these homes will be sold with the assistance of a property agent. This implies the seller keeps the proportion of the home’s sale price that would have gone to the property agent otherwise.
Buyers who are looking to buy a property that is being sold by the owner, on the other hand, may assume that not using an agent will save them money.
They could even anticipate it and make an appropriate offer. However, they can’t both save the fee unless the buyer and seller agree to divide the savings.
Property agents avoid lying
They can, in fact, do so But, since they are qualified professionals, they face greater consequences than a private buyer or vendor.
If you deal with a licensed property agent under an agency agreement (i.e., a traditional, full-service commission arrangement in which the agent agrees to represent you), your agent will be obliged to a fiduciary relationship under common law (in most states).
In other words, the agent is required by law to work in the best interests of their customers (not his or her own).
Furthermore, most agents rely on recommendations and repeat business to establish the sort of quality of clientele required to stay in business.
This implies that doing what is best for their customers should be as essential to them as making a certain transaction.
TRAITS OF A GOOD PROPERTY AGENT:
Finding a reputable property agent in Malaysia is difficult as Malaysians invest a lot in property, and agents serve various roles in the process of buying or leasing a property.
Below are a few signs that will help you distinguish between good estate agents and terrible property agents:
Staying Proactive
Whether you’re a seller or a buyer, dealing with a property agent that isn’t adept at communicating may be irritating. Due to the fact that the real estate industry is time-sensitive.
A property agent who knows this will keep you informed about your present purchase or selling situation on a regular basis. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting time on risks with a poor probability of success.
Even if he or she misses your call no matter how busy they are, a skilled property agent will call you again or, at the absolute least, text you.
Furthermore, they will tell you if they come across a fantastic chance or offer. They will keep you informed about the issue even if you don’t ask.
Prioritizing the client’s interests
A property agent that is looking out for your best interests will provide you with the greatest advice that will benefit you the most. Consider who you would want to do business with.
A property agent that urges you to sell as soon as he or she finds a buyer. Or would you go with someone who advises you to hold off a bit longer since the market price of realty estate is rising? Even if you are acquiring a house in Malaysia, you may use this example.
Many Malaysian property agents believe it is not worth their effort to haggle for a few thousand ringgit more. This is due to the fact that their commitment does not grow much.
They’d rather seal the deal quickly so they can move on to the next client. If property agents desire long-term loyalty from customers and recommendations, they must put the client’s best interests first.
Although real estate remains a commodity, the level of service provided by property agents is a significant differentiation for property owners.
To attract and keep potential buyers, a pro must deliver more than just a basic level of service.
Listen to Client’s Needs
A competent property agent recognizes the importance of getting to know their customers and tailoring their services to their specific requirements.
Purchasing an investment property vs selling a family home, for example, demands a different service strategy. In addition, he or she will show you the timeframe and work around your deadline.
If the market is rebounding, a skilled property agent may suggest you wait for a better deal. Unless you need to sell your home immediately, he or she will only encourage you.
Good Understanding of the Market
A well-informed property agent keeps up with market trends and is aware of current government laws.
After that, he or she can perform the job thoroughly. He or she will be able to spot and profit from the unique characteristics that identify a community’s property bubble and pricing strategy.
In addition, the property agent will be able to carve out a niche in the local real estate market.
Pays Close Attention to Details
When it comes to buying, selling, or leasing a home in Malaysia, it’s critical to select a property agent that pays close attention to the finer points.
They’re also well-organized, follow up on leads, communicate well, and pay attention to the needs of their clients.
Not only will they be able to close more property sales in this way, but they will also be able to build a solid connection with their clients, which may lead to future recommendations.
CONCLUSION: A TIP TO ALWAYS CHOOSE A SPECIALIZED PROPERTY AGENT:
If you’re a company owner, seek someone who specializes in commercial listings and has expertise on both the landlord and tenant sides of the transaction.
Homebuyers and sellers should consider the property agent’s usual listing style as well as the geographic district in which they primarily operate.
Property agents who try to be all things to all people wind up being average. You also do not want ‘part-time’ property agents that have a second job. Always look for a recognized, competent property agent.
We believe that by doing research and considering these qualities, you will be able to choose a qualified real estate agent. Good Luck For Your Next Property Agent encounter!
FAQs:
When do we need property valuation?
Property valuation is a critical process for determining the current market value of real estate. It plays a crucial role in various scenarios, including buying or selling property, refinancing, insurance purposes, taxation, legal matters, and renovations.
By understanding a property’s true worth, buyers can make informed decisions, sellers can set fair prices, and lenders can assess loan eligibility. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or real estate professional, property valuation ensures transparency and accuracy in the ever-changing real estate market!
How to check whether your agent is a registered property agent?
Visit the LPPEH Search website and select the type of search you want to perform, such as Firm Registration Number, Estate Agent, or Negotiator REN. Enter the required details and click Search to find information about registered property agents.
You can also scan the QR code on the agent’s ID tag to verify their authenticity and view their official profile. Remember to check an agent’s registration to ensure you’re dealing with a qualified professional!
If you’re interested to become a successful agent, don’t hesitate to be a part of our amazing team!