The latest episode of Rently Stories brought us a fascinating conversation between our host, Elliot, and Summer, a passionate property agent from ERA with four years of industry experience.
A Career Pivot with Purpose
Summer candidly shared her journey, transitioning from an accountant to real estate after becoming pregnant and looking for a more flexible career. Her warmth and sincerity shone through as she detailed how she overcame initial challenges, especially shifting from behind-the-scenes accounting work to client-facing property negotiations.
A Rental Scam That Changed Everything
The highlight—and a cautionary tale—of Summer's story was her encounter with an intricate rental scam.
- It began innocently when a potential tenant contacted her to arrange a viewing on behalf of a relative.
- Everything appeared legitimate: the tenant provided identity documents, a deposit was swiftly transferred, and the keys were handed over.
- Days later, Summer received an alarming call from the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST), revealing that her rental unit had been used in a scam.
Fake tenants had sublet the unit to unsuspecting victims, turning it into an elaborate fraud scheme.
Key Red Flags to Watch Out For
Summer’s experience highlighted crucial warning signs for both agents and tenants:
- Unusual communication patterns
- Reluctance to provide proper documentation
- Insistence on unconventional payment methods (e.g., cash deposits or foreign currencies)
She emphasized the importance of using verified property platforms like Rently, PropertyGuru, and 99.co, rather than social media, to minimize risks.
Lessons Learned & Advice for Renters
Reflecting on the incident, Summer noted it ultimately made her more cautious and meticulous, enhancing her skills as an agent.
Key Takeaways:
- Always perform due diligence
- Verify agent credentials through official channels
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true
Final Thoughts
Summer's story serves as a timely reminder of the importance of vigilance in Singapore’s rental market, underscoring how trust and sincerity form the backbone of scam-free transactions.
Listen to the full conversation with Summer on Rently Stories and stay informed and safe in your rental journey.
