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There's a world of difference between the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (IEASA) and the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB). Unfortunately, a lot of people confuse the two organisations, which causes frustration all round. We'd like to unravel the mystery.
• The EAAB is the official regulating authority for the estate agency profession, and every estate agent must, by law, be registered with it. The EAAB has only one office, in Johannesburg.
The EAAB oversees the qualification of estate agents.
Since 15 July 2008, qualifications have been compulsory again. A new agent must complete a 12-month internship in an estate agency firm, during which he/she must obtain the FET Certificate: Real Estate. Thereafter, he/she must pass the Professional Designation Examination (PDE) set by the EAAB. During the internship period the intern will be have restricted capacity as an estate agent.
An existing agent must also obtain the new qualification, through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, and is allowed a period of grace until 31 December 2011.
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The IEASA is a professional organisation which supports its members, and membership is voluntary. The IEASA has a national office, and regional offices in the major centres.
The IEASA looks after the interests of its members estate agents and agencies, and is a prominent spokesman for the profession.
The IEASA regions offer property related courses which are specifically designed to provide agents with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct their business in the most professional manner.
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Members of the public who are dissatisfied with the conduct of an estate agent, or who want to claim compensation from the fidelity fund, should lay a complaint with the EAAB. As a private organisation, the IEASA has no power to help them, even if the agent concerned is an IEASA member.
A complaints form can be downloaded from the EAAB website.
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Contact details for the EAAB:
Email: eab@eaab.org.za
Website: www.eaab.org.za
Tel: 011 731 5600
Fax: 011 880 9954
Address: Dunkeld Crescent, cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Albury St, Dunkeld
Postal: Private Bag X10, Benmore 2010
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Contact details for the IEASA:
Website: www.ieasa.org.za
Please view the contacts page for the IEASA Regional office in your area
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