To verify if a property agent is licensed to operate in South Africa, you can follow these steps:
Check the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) website: The EAAB is the regulatory body for estate agents in South Africa. They maintain a register of all registered estate agents in the country. You can visit their website (http://www.eaab.org.za/) and search for the agent’s name or their company name to see if they are licensed.
Ask for their Fidelity Fund Certificate: All registered estate agents in South Africa are required to have a Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC). This certificate is issued by the EAAB and is valid for one year. The FFC indicates that the agent has met certain requirements, including passing a professional designation examination and undergoing regular training. You can ask the agent to provide you with a copy of their FFC to confirm their licensing status.
Contact the EAAB directly: If you are still unsure about the agent’s licensing status, you can contact the EAAB directly to verify their credentials. You can either call them on their toll-free number (0800 112 721) or email them at info@eaab.org.za.
By following these steps, you can verify if a property agent is licensed to operate in South Africa and ensure that you are dealing with a reputable professional.