RoPA is back on the agenda after Lord Best encouraged Government to get on with it.
Some people welcome it - after all, if you're already acting compliantly, what is there to be scared of? Others are horrified that there could be a need to regulate people who deal with the most expensive purchase anyone is likely to make in their lifetime or who manage the relationship between landlords and tenants so that it's fair for both parties. Apparently they think that it should be ok for absolutely anyone to be able to do that regardless of having any experience or knowledge of the laws surrounding the industry.
Unsurprisingly enough, I fall into the former camp. Why? Because I've been an agent who had to wing it. Who rocked up for my first day on the job for a prestigious brand having never worked in property before and was instantly left in sole charge of the office ("but don't tell them you're new and don't know what you're doing."). Who went six months selling some of the most expensive properties in the area without having been given a contract, let alone any training. The first time I had an offer received on a property I didn't have a clue what to do and was again completely on my own. I wasn't fair on the buyer, the seller or me.
I've also experienced what it's like to jump through those qualification hoops. It's a challenge, but at the same time nobody I know who's qualified has come out without having learnt something and had it shape how they work because they understand the underpinning legislation better. And the more you put into the benefits of being part of an industry body, the more you get out, for your clients, your employers and colleagues and for yourself.
And surely it's the buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants who we have to put at the centre of this? They should have the reassurance that they are putting their trust into an agent who knows what they're doing. They're handing over keys and security codes, aspirations and opportunities and months and months of their lives. They're not the experts, but they're looking for one. Should it be down to luck that they have the chance to find one?
If you're for RoPA, then why wait to be an accredited agent? 18,000 property agents voluntarily hold themselves to account to a higher standard through Propertymark membership. In return they benefit from member support, resources, training opportunities, access to events and networking and an increased confidence that they are operating compliantly. https://lnkd.in/e4FeHipE
And if you don't agree that as a property agent your clients should have the reassurance of only being able to use a qualified, credible agent, why is that?
#ropa #propertyagents #qualifications #regulations #membership
Senior Executive Sales Director; Executive Board Member; Advisor/Mentor/Volunteer
1 个月So excited to learn of Kama joining Neighborhood Hands! The future is bright!