As of the 11th August 2016 The EAAB (The Estate Agency Affair Board’s) Chief Executive Officer, Bryan Chaplog- released a public statement, stating that ALL estate agents throughout South Africa, are required to obtain a PrivySeal email and correspondence signature, which will allow clients to access information such as certificates, contact information, property portfolios and more information about the agent who you are dealing with.
Privyseal is a Consumer Protection initiative, and provides a digital accreditation seal that certifies and confirms the authenticity of qualifications, professional status, corporate roles and more. The EEAB has piloted with PrivySeal to ensure that the consumer is dealing with an authentic and legal estate agent. This prevents fraud, theft etc.
By the end of September if an agent does not contain a PrivySeal, seal of certification, it is advised that the consumer does not continue business with the agent as they would before the EEAB piloted with PrivySeal. To check if the agent is registered, it is advised that you have some form of email communication with the agent, and check that there is a PrivySeal stamp in their signature- you can then click on the stamp which will be a hyperlink and it will take you to the agents certification.
For more information, please visit Privyseal Information or Estate Agency Affair Board of South Africa
