A new era is beginning for real estate agents. In authorized offices in the real estate sector, there will now be a sign with an “E” on it for institutionalization. The Real Estate Consultants Union (TEDB) announced that the implementation will start after the holiday. Authorized real estate agents will now have an “E” sign. Hakan Akçam, President of the Real Estate Consultants Union (TEDB), stated that they will start the “E” sign application in offices for the institutionalization of the real estate sector after the Ramadan holiday. Akçam said, “The property trading authorization number will be written in the lower corner of the sign. Additionally, there will be a QR code on the sign containing information about the real estate consultant.” Akçam mentioned that there are 8,500 real estate consultants in Ankara and 142,000 nationwide in Turkey. Pointing out the symbol signs for professionalism at the entrances of pharmacies and veterinarians, Akçam stated, “We will start the ‘E’ sign application after the Ramadan holiday to increase professionalism in the sector.” ANKARA AS A PILOT REGION Akçam emphasized that Ankara will be the pilot region, and they will later expand this application to the whole of Turkey. He stated the following: “We will hang the sign at the entrances of the offices of responsible real estate consultants, meaning the real estate consultants who have obtained the real estate trading authorization certificate from the Ministry of Commerce. We have requested the Ministry of Commerce to make the sign mandatory. We believe that our Ministry of Commerce will support us.” “TAKING MEASURES AGAINST FRAUD” Akçam highlighted that they have also taken measures against fraud, continuing as follows: “The property trading authorization number will be written in the lower corner of the sign. Additionally, there will be a QR code on the sign containing information about the real estate consultant. When citizens scan the QR code, they will be directed to the Ministry of Commerce’s page and will access information about the real estate agent. We hear about many problematic matters in the real estate sector. With this application, we will prevent problematic and troublesome matters. We want all ill-intentioned individuals to completely step out of the profession.” HOW TO OBTAIN THE AUTHORIZATION CERTIFICATE Akçam emphasized the importance of the property trading authorization certificate in practice, stating that those who want to obtain the authorization certificate must do an internship of at least 6 months if they are pre-graduate, graduate, or postgraduate students, and at least 12 months if they do not fall into these categories. Akçam indicated the obligation of obtaining a tax certificate and creating a room record after completing the internship. He mentioned, “A professional qualification document called Level 5 and completing online training are required. After meeting these criteria, one can apply for the property trading authorization certificate from the Ministry of Commerce’s website. If this certificate is not obtained and the conditions are not met, one cannot enter the profession.” Akçam also added that contracted staff working with real estate consultants are not required to obtain the authorization certificate. “E” ON HOME VISUAL The signs that real estate consultants who have obtained the property trading authorization certificate from the Ministry of Commerce will hang at the entrances of their offices will be in dimensions of 50×50. There is a red frame around the sign. There is a white “E” symbol on the red home visual.