How to Transition to An Amazing Career in Real Estate
So, you’ve made the decision to go into Real Estate, good on you. It’s an exciting industry and one that you have unlimited opportunities for great job prospects and earning capacity.
But what’s next?
Making a career change to Real Estate needs to be carefully managed to get the right outcome for you.
The 21st-century Real Estate market has become highly competitive and comes with Government legislation requirements. Inadequate knowledge, training, and preparation can result in lost opportunities, frustration, and rejection. You don’t want to settle for less and have a loss in income, job satisfaction, and career path.
I’m going to share my 4 simple tips to consider on your path to transitioning into a Real Estate career and becoming a successful real estate agent:
1. What role do I want in Real Estate?
This is an important question. There are many job roles within the industry. Some include; Corporate Support Administration, Real Estate salesperson, Property Manager, Buyers Agent, Sales Manager, Specialist Salesperson, Resident Letting Agent, Auctioneer, Leasing Specialist and Acreage Specialist.
Consider your current skills and capabilities which align with the various roles available and do some research on what jobs are out there. Remember, starting at an entry level allows you to learn more about the industry and gives you all-round experience, and allows you to choose which area you’d like to focus on once you’re in the job. When you’ve given this some consideration, you will need to look at your study requirements and options.
2. Do I need to take a Real Estate Course?
The simple answer is yes. If you are wanting to become a successful Real Estate Agent, a certification – Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate) is designed to educate you in all state and federal legislation and regulations. The Office of Fair Trading requires you to have a minimum certification to work in Real Estate. Other registered certificate courses are available for property management, Corporate Support Administration, and Sales. In your certification you will also learn about:
- Your rights and responsibilities as a real estate agent
- How to sell a property correctly
- Understanding zoning laws and regulations
- The importance of continuing education
- Consumer advocacy so you can represent your clients professionally and ethically
3. How do I get my Real Estate License?
Ensure you get training from a licensed RTO (Registered Training Organisations). Make sure they have this symbol which means they are recognised as providers of quality-assured and nationally recognised training and qualifications.
Consider your study options and timeframe for study. Many training institutes offer you flexible study options and payment plans, just ask them.
Do you want to study in a face to face classroom style or online, or perhaps you want the flexibility to do both?
Registration Certificate Courses can take up to 6 months and Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate) can take 15 months. Look for training institutes which offer you flexibility in how you want to study.
4. What are my job prospects like?
The truthful answer is if you’ve gone to the trouble to get Certified and study in an area you are obviously passionate about, they’re really good.
A lot depends on where you’re practicing, what the market is like in your area, and your own personal attributes. Strong salespeople can expect to make six figures and up per year.
Research companies you’d like to work for and join professional groups. Get onto LinkedIn and create your professional profile and join Real Estate Groups – it’s free. It will also help you keep up to date with industry trends and you can follow industry movers and shakers. You never know, you just may end up working for them one day!
