Check the BOVAEP register (Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers). Every REN must have a valid tag number.

For sales, the seller (typically 2%–3% + SST). For rentals, usually the landlord (typically one month’s rent for a 1–2 year tenancy).

Yes — unless you have signed an exclusive listing agreement. Buyers can engage multiple agents freely.

An REA is a fully registered estate agent (firm owner/principal). An REN is a negotiator working under an REA’s firm.

Most agents have banker contacts and assist with referrals, but they cannot formally arrange loans — that is a mortgage broker’s role.

Ask for their REN tag number, transaction history in the area, exclusive listings, marketing plan, commission structure and response time.

Absolutely — many agents specialise in expat and MM2H buyers and know the FIC and state foreign-purchase processes.

It varies — typically 3–6 months at fair market value. Overpricing can stretch this to 12 months or more.