Selling With a Public Face - Be a Real Estate Agent
Real Estate agents can often have a stigma attached to them; pushy, arrogant and underpaid. To be a good Estate Agent some element of the first two qualities are required. Real estate agents sell, rent and provide information about houses, flats, apartments, land, businesses and farms.
Real estate agents need to be very good communicators, negotiators, have good presentation, be able to network and self-promote, and be open & approachable. While it is not always necessary to hold a university degree in order to become a real estate agent, there are many ways to gain entry into the profession.
Degrees offered include a Bachelor of Property and Real Estate and TAFE options include diplomas/certificates in Property. There are also short courses and masters programs on offer for those wanting to progress their careers or further their education. Networking is also a successful way into the industry.
Real estate agents are often required to work weekends as this is when most auctions are held and when many people are available for consultations. In the current economic climate many real estate clients work full time and require these out-of-conventional-hours consultations. There is also a potential decrease of positions due to the housing problems in America possibly, spreading in some measure to Australia.
Salaries for Estate agents can range but are generally not above the average wage. Starting wages range from between $35K - $43K and with experience can command on average $62K. It is a competitive industry and often requires a flair for personal selling. Career prospects include management, opening your own estate agency or becoming a property manager.