The Courier Mail

The Courier Mail  REIQ Demands tighter rules By Michelle Hele, September 2012

Queensland’s real estate industry group is lobbying the State Governmnet to tighten rules on non-agents being involved in any facet of selling properties.

Real Estate Institute of Queensland chief executive Anton Kardash said there had been a growing trend of professional service firms such as mortgage brokers, accountants and financial planners offering property investment advice.

Whils it is not illegal for them to do so, he believed property investors should only deal with specialist property advisors.

“Anecdotally it is something that is starting to filter through from members, they notice in the field people are being advised by third parties without reference to the experts,” Mr Kardash said.

He said the REIQ currently was discussing industry regulation with the government.

“Our pitch to the government at the moment is if you want to practice any facet of the real estate industry you should in fact be a licensed real estate agent and a member of the REIQ,” he said.

“We really have to tighten up this whole issue of who can practice real estate.”

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