Real estate agents have been helping property owners purchase and sell their properties for a long time, and there is always going to be work for good real estate agents in the future.
In any case, if you have been thinking of changing careers, one where you can meet new people, set achievable goals, and work in nearly any community across Australia, then maybe this is the best time you decide to take the plunge and become a real estate agent.
Real estate agents who are most successful share a few traits. Commonly:
Meet new people and enjoy doing it
There will always be properties for sale displayed in the windows of most real estate agencies. Oftentimes, these are only a fraction of what the agency has on its books when it comes to services it provides. Listings represent the sale of a home by an individual or family. There may, however, be more to it than that, as each home may receive several inquiries at the same time.
There is a considerable amount of hand shaking.
Possess excellent decision-making skills
As an agent, it is often difficult to negotiate between a buyer and seller, which can be one of the most difficult parts of the job.
Sellers are looking for the highest price that they can get while buyers are looking to pay the least amount possible. In order to be successful, you need to anticipate problems and be able to act diplomatically when necessary.
Develop your discipline
On the surface, it may seem like a real estate agent’s job is easy. Taking people through a house, taking offers, selecting the best offer and closing the sale is all it takes. The truth is that it’s far more complicated than that.
The sellers and buyers will need to be able to contact you when they are available. If that’s the case, it can mean working after hours.
It is also important that you:
Seek out new business opportunities
Consult with a legal professional if you need assistance
Produce advertising materials and write the copy for them
Conduct photo shoots
Buyer-seller negotiations
Organize private inspections when buyers are unable to attend public inspections
Frequently make phone calls
Real estate agents in Australia are required to meet specific requirements depending on which state or territory they reside in. In any case, these are the basic steps, with the exception of New South Wales (more on that below).
The first thing you need to do is check your eligibility.
Classes related to real estate should be completed.
Get to work as soon as possible.
Make sure you are eligible
There are some restrictions that apply when it comes to who is eligible to receive a real estate license, so be sure to check with your state or territory government to see if they apply to you.
Here are some examples of restrictions that may apply:
Must not be under 18 years of age
Has been convicted of a crime involving fraud, dishonesty, drug trafficking, or violence within the last five to 10 years should be avoided
Under administration because they are insolvent (e.g. bankrupt or under a debt agreement)
Complete real estate essential courses and training
There are a number of units of competency that vary from one part of Australia to another, but your local training provider will make sure you take the ones that are necessary for your area.
To find out what course you need, the best way to do that is to visit MySkills.gov.au and follow these steps:
When searching for training providers, enter real estate in the field labelled Search training providers.
You will need to enter your location and the distance you would like to search for.
Make sure that you choose a provider that is convenient for you.
You can click on their website if you scroll down to their contact details.
There are some providers who will be offering the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, while there are others who will continue to offer the CPP40307 Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate) course. CPP40307 and CPP41419 are currently both recognized nationally until the 30th September 2021 when CPP41419 officially replaces CPP40307.
As soon as you have completed the coursework and passed the assessments, you will be able to apply for your licence.
There are some states and territories that require you to work in the field for a minimum of one or two years before you can apply for a real estate agent license, such as Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Start working right away
Obviously, the ability to interact with people is an essential component of being a successful real estate agent.
Your next step is to find a place where you can work. A job working for a real estate agency is the best way for you to gain experience in the real estate industry, and this is how you will achieve this.
There are some big Australian firms that can be of assistance when it comes to real estate.
There are also local agencies that you can contact if you want to check them out. Whenever possible, it is recommended that you meet in person with any agency you are considering, as this is a big decision that could have a long-term impact on your business.
In the first year, what should I expect?
During the first year, it can be challenging to build up a client network, learn how to handle the phones and juggle the workload you need to do. The majority of new agents have a hard time getting started, but they are rewarded when they stick with it. Do I have to juggle as well? You’ll get used to it in no time.
The decision to become a real estate agent is a very important one.
Making a name for yourself and making sales targets is not an easy job, and there are a lot of things you need to do in order to be successful. But if you’re someone who enjoys it when meeting new people, building relationships, and offering advice, then it might be one of the best career decisions of your life.
You don’t have to hold back, so don’t hesitate.
Taking your course, passing the assessments, receiving your certificate, and being part of the real estate landscape is as easy as it gets.