Housing agents not to blame for unrealistic expectations

Forum writer Elgenia Wong Tien Min raises valid concerns about housing affordability and financial prudence, but her criticism of property agents as key drivers of market distortion is misplaced (Singapore's public housing market needs a reality check, May 7).

- Jasmine Seet

To blame agents for fuelling "irrational exuberance" overlooks the fact that they do not set prices; sellers and buyers do. It is home owners who are increasingly setting ambitious asking prices, often influenced by anecdotal million-dollar resale stories and peer comparisons. Many sellers enter the market with high expectations, sometimes unwilling to accept offers below what they believe their flat is worth, even when those beliefs aren't backed by valuation or fun