The transformation of any trade into a profession is an invariably long and arduous process. For this process to be brought to fruition, the efforts of the practitioners are, of course, of essential importance, but equally significant are the catalytic forces from outside. A licensing system, the regulatory legislation, professional training and the general recognition of the community at large all play their parts in the shaping of the professional outlook of the industry.
The estate agency community is a large contingent, and its ranks have marched steadfastly towards professionalism since the Estate Agents Ordinance came into force. At the same time, the Estate Agents Authority has also taken on professional training for the industry as a priority area of service, and multifarious efforts have been made to promote professional knowledge and good practice among the practitioners.
The Freshman is a selection from the complaint cases handled by the Authority. These cases are presented in fictionalised and analytical form, and may be profitably read by practitioners as an alternative to conventional teaching materials. To the general reader, it brings out problems commonly encountered in property agency and heightens his awareness of such problems. For those who contemplate entering into property transactions in the near future, this collection of stories will prove to be a helpful work of reference.
Staff members of the Estate Agents Authority have worked hard on the compilation of The Freshman and I would also like to thank them here for their efforts.
| September 2000 |
Marvin Cheung
Chairman
Estate Agents Authority |
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