Guides

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Any self-respecting real estate broker or anyone involved in the real estate industry in Dubai should physically hold a Broker’s Card. Dubai is working hard to ensure that the real estate industry is respected internationally. We need to do our part to stamp out any illegal practices.

You can check the detail on the card – do not be embarrassed to ask for a copy of the card or for their Broker Number.

How to check:

Go to this website – RERA/Dubailand

This part of the Dubailand website lists the following information:

Name of the office (i.e. the Company Name)
Office Number (all brokerage companies have a specific identification number)
Broker Number
Broker Name

Checklist:

The Broker’s name on the Broker Card which he/she produces must  correspond with the name on the  Dubailand website listing.

The photograph of the Broker should be clearly visible on the left hand side of the Broker’s Card.

The broker should be working for the same company which is mentioned on his/her Broker Card.  This information should correspond with the Dubailand website.

The activity mentioned on the card is sometimes both and sometimes only one or the other. For example if it only mentions ‘leasing property brokerage agents’ then he/she cannot advise on buying/selling a property and vice versa.

No matter how plausible the agent seems please please please be wary and aware!

Here’s some of the rubbish we hear seemingly professional Brokers:

FICTION: I’ve just left my last job and the card is being transferred to my new company.
FACT: Broker Cards are not transferable. A Broker’s Card is cancelled with immediate effect when leaving a company. If the Broker moves to a new company then a new Card is issued when his/her visa is issued. So, if they can’t produce their Broker’s Card they should not be working.

FICTION: I’ve got my Certificate from RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency). That’s enough.
FACT: No it isn’t. If they can’t produce their Broker’s Card they should not be working.

FICTION: I’ve just started with this company so I’m terribly sorry but I haven’t received my Broker’s Card yet. It’s ok though – you are allowed to work for 4 weeks before receipt of your Broker’s Card.
FACT: Rubbish once again. If they can’t produce their Broker’s Card they should not be working.

FICTION: I am the General Manager (or some other position) and I don’t need a Broker’s Card.
FACT: Regardless of his/her position within the company if they can’t produce their Broker’s Card they should not be working in property.

FICTION: I’ll get you a receipt later.
FACT: Never give money without receiving a receipt and make sure you are giving the money to the person named on the Broker’s Card. Obviously there are different circumstances and we’ll go through most of them for you. BUT keep your money in your pocket until you are sure it’s going to the right place.

No doubt your experience in finding property to rent/buy in Dubai will add a few more to this list. We’d love to hear from you. We want to be able to inform the Land Department/RERA of  any problems which the general public are facing.

The best way to stamp out illegal practices is not to support them so regardless of the pushy sales techniques, hold your ground and make sure you’re dealing with a bone fide agent and that all the paperwork is in place.

There is plenty of amazing property choices in Dubai and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you are ever worried about an agent you can call the Land Department on . It’s not good for Dubai, you, your friends, family and other professional brokers to have rogue brokers spoil life for everyone.

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