Advice to consumers while engaging with realtor
Prior to engaging with a realtor, ensure to check if they are licensed by REALB. When dealing with sole agents that are employed with real estate companies, consumers should carry out cross checks to see if the property is part of the real estate company’s property listing.
This is to avoid scams whereby agents purport to sell property outside the realtor’s company listing to profiteer at the expense of vulnerable consumers.
It is also important to request for agency agreements that clearly encapsulate fees and charges prior to engaging with realtors.
Also;
■Dema■d for receipts for any payments made;
■Seek independent legal advice for any sales and purchase agreements issued by realtors; and
■If you feel you have been a victim of such scams, ensure to lodge a complaint with the Consumer Council of Fiji at the earliest by simply calling our toll-free number 155 or by messaging the Council via our social media platforms.
What to do?
■As highlighted above, always do a cross reference of the realtor you intend to engage with. You can do this by contacting REALB to ensure that the agent is licensed with the Board (All real estate agents must be licensed and are given a licence number by the REALB).
The REALB is authorised under the Real Estate Agents Act 2006 to handle complaints about real estate agents ‘ in operation.
Once a complaint is received their team will investigate all reported matters and if required refer a matter to the police.
To lodge a complaint please visit the REALB website – www.realb. org.fj and follow their instructions in lodging an online or written complaints form.
■Co■sumers are urged to do comparative shopping prior to engaging with agents;
■Do some background research and try and seek reviews on websites and social media platforms prior to engaging with realtors;
■A●ways demand for written agreements to ensure terms and conditions are stipulated in writing;
■If you come across any complaints, the best thing to do is formalise your potential complaint and lodge it to the Real Estate Licensing Board (REALB) and/or the Consumer Council of Fiji for their advice or investigation.