How and why to become a real estate agent

A career in real estate is fulfilling and rewarding. As a professional estate agent, you have the flexibility, freedom and opportunity to control your own career path.

A successful estate agent is goal-focused, committed, self-motivated, ambitious and people-oriented.

Qualified professionals in real estate can specialise in a wide range of areas: residential sales, auctioneering, property management, commercial sales, commercial property management, buyer or vendor advocacy, business broking or a mix of the above.

Real estate professionals work in many different sectors; in addition to working in or running estate agencies, they also work in the development industry, banks, law firms, government and academia.

The first step for most people in becoming a licensed real estate agent is to gain practical experience working as an agent’s representative under the supervision of a licensed estate agent. To work as an agent’s representative you must successfully complete a course of three units of study and meet a range of basic criteria outlined by the Business Licensing Authority.

To take the next step in your career and become a licensed estate agent you must successfully complete an additional 21 units, covering every aspect of the profession. This course can be undertaken in conjunction with the agent’s representative course so that, at the end of your first 12 months, you satisfy both the experience and educational requirements to apply for a licence in Victoria.

The REIV is the number one provider of real estate training in Victoria and will help you achieve the career goals necessary to be successful and to stand out from your competitors.

If you would like to find out more, including current costs and specials please visit www.reiv.com.au. Information about the requirements of the Victorian government can be found at www.bla.vic.gov.au.

Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.