By Arosh John | Founder – John Real Estate (MahaRERA Reg. No. A51700001835) | Editor-in-Chief – Thane Real Estate News (TREN)
Thane – MMR | November 2025
When Everyone’s a Realtor — Who Can You Really Trust?
Real estate is India’s favourite wealth dream — and also its easiest stage for impostors. Anyone with a smartphone, a few photos, or a couple of reels and videos can claim to be a “consultant.” The result is a sea of agents, few of whom are qualified, all pitching deals that sound too good to pass up.
Buying, selling, or renting a property isn’t a casual decision; it’s often the single most significant financial decision of your life. Yet many still hand over trust, keys, documents, and deposits to unverified intermediaries — people who neither understand compliance nor bear accountability for what could go wrong.
The Myth: “RERA Is Only for Builders”
That’s not true. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, mandates that all agents dealing in new or under-construction properties register with their state’s RERA authority.
In Maharashtra, that’s MahaRERA, and every legitimate agent or brokerage must hold a RERA Registration Number (for example: A5170000XXXX).
Since January 2025, MahaRERA has made it compulsory for every real estate agent — whether applying for the first time or renewing — to complete accredited training and pass the official MahaRERA Agent Certification Exam before registration.
This ensures that licensed professionals understand real estate law, consumer rights, and transaction ethics.
Even if you’re buying or renting a ready-to-move home, choosing a RERA-registered agent means working with someone trained, knowledgeable, traceable, and accountable. Certified professionals follow proper SOPs at every stage — from documentation and compliance to closure.
The Red Flags: How to Identify Unregistered Agents
- No RERA Number — always verify the agent’s registration at maharera.mahaonline.gov.in.
- No proper documentation — every transaction, term, and commitment must be recorded in writing for clarity.
- Avoids transparency — reluctant to discuss project approvals, registration status, or title documents.
- Offers “cashbacks” or heavy discounts — genuine professionals charge a clearly stated brokerage; cashbacks are often a red flag masking inexperience or desperation.
- No knowledge of process — cannot explain stamp duty, registration, or TDS workflow.
- Lacks local awareness — a true consultant constantly tracks market rates and infrastructure developments to guide clients accurately.
The Harsh Truth: When Everyone Becomes an “Agent”
Across Thane–Mumbai today, anyone with spare time seems to have turned into a property broker. The chaiwala near the gate, the laundry bhaiya, even the building security — everyone “knows someone selling a flat.”
There’s nothing wrong with trying to make a living. But real estate is not a side hustle; it carries someone’s life savings and future security. That demands knowledge and accountability.
Many clients, thinking they’re saving a few thousand in brokerage or getting a “discounted deal” or “less brokerage offer,” often fall for untrained agents who lure them with cashbacks or under-market pricing — only to lose lakhs later through fraudulent transactions, unclear ownership, forfeited tokens, or disputes over title and possession.
These risks and issues can appear in multiple forms — from incorrect paperwork and misleading project information to delayed handovers, missing receipts, or complete loss of funds. Trying to save a little can end up costing everything. Property transactions require more than enthusiasm; they demand expertise, compliance, and the services of a registered professional.
The “Weekend CEO” Trap
A newer risk is the rookie-turned-founder. Many young executives join reputed consultancies, glimpse the commissions, and within months announce: “I’ve started my own firm.”
Behind that, there’s usually no RERA license, no client-protection structure, and no experience handling loans or resale documentation.
Working with such agents can be disastrous — from untraceable payments to title disputes. Once you transfer money through an unregistered intermediary, your legal recourse nearly disappears. This is a risk you can’t afford to take in your real estate transaction.
Why a RERA-Registered Agent Matters
A certified professional isn’t just selling property — they’re safeguarding your transaction. They must maintain proper records, follow ethical codes, and can be penalised by RERA for misrepresentation.
Beyond legalities, they establish a framework of trust through verified documentation, developer coordination, and transparent brokerage policies. In short, you’re not paying a broker’s fee; you’re buying peace of mind.
In Conclusion
I’ve seen far too many buyers lose peace of mind because they trusted the wrong person. Real-estate transactions involve emotions, effort, and years of hard-earned savings — they deserve to be handled with the same seriousness as any legal or financial decision.
A RERA certificate isn’t just a number; it’s a reflection of intent — that the agent has taken the time to learn, qualify, and commit to doing business the right way.
Before you hand over your trust, keys, or documents, pause for a moment and ask to see the RERA registration.
This small step can make a significant difference in your real estate transaction, ensuring you are dealing with a professional who is accountable and knowledgeable. It’s a simple step that can save you from a lifetime of regret.
Note to Aspiring Real-Estate Agents
Real estate is a rewarding and respected profession — but it’s also a serious one. Take the first step towards educating yourself about the industry by completing the MahaRERA training and passing the certification exam.
Learn about documentation, due diligence, and market behaviour before you guide others. One wrong commitment or mis-sold property can cost your reputation and career.
Your goal should always be to ensure client satisfaction and deliver transparent, professional service. Build your name on knowledge, honesty, and discipline — and the rewards will follow.
About the Author
Arosh John is the Founder of John Real Estate (MahaRERA Reg. No. A51700001835) and Editor-in-Chief of Thane Real Estate News (TREN) — a digital platform delivering factual, insight-driven coverage of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s property landscape. With over a decade of expertise in residential advisory, luxury villas, NRI transactions, and resale consulting, Arosh combines local market intelligence with regulatory depth to decipher how infrastructure, policy, and planning impact real estate value. He is recognised as one of Thane’s emerging voices in new-age property journalism — bridging professional advisory with data-backed reporting for investors, developers, and end-users alike.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Readers should verify information independently and consult registered professionals before making property decisions. Data and rules are current as of November 2025, per MahaRERA and official government sources.
