Careers
How to become a Real Estate Agent
Becoming a real estate agent is an exciting and rewarding career path. Real estate agents sell, lease, manage and buy properties on behalf of clients. Their job also involves offering advice to clients to guide them in finding a property that suits their needs best, whether they’re buying, selling, renting or owning property.
The Australian real estate industry is a dynamic, fluid and complex environment that is constantly changing. The industry is affected by external factors including fluctuations in the economy, interest rates, demographics and unemployment rates.
These factors influence supply and demand of the housing market, as well as consumer confidence. A career in real estate involves understanding the nuances of the industry and crossing this constantly shifting landscape with confidence and authority on behalf of a client.
Careers in real estate are on the rise, and the industry is projected to have strong growth over the next five years.
Real Estate Agent in Australia
To become a Real Estate Agent in Australia, you will need an approved tertiary qualification, work experience and a licence. Requirements for a real estate agent’s licence vary from state to state.
- Complete an approved real estate course delivered by a registered training organisation, such as a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419). Study requirements vary between states, so check the website of your state’s governing body for approved courses.
- Gain at least 12 months of full-time work experience under the supervision of a licensed real estate agent. This needs to be completed within three years of your application for a licence.
- Apply for your real estate agent’s licence.
- If you’re interested in running your own agency, consider completing a Diploma of Property (Agency Management) (CPP51119).
Daily responsibilities of a real estate agent
Every sector requires a solid and comprehensive understanding of property and an in-depth knowledge regarding all laws and legislations that apply to real estate agents. Agents legally act on behalf of their clients, a role which carries a weighty responsibility.
A large part of an agent’s job involves drawing up contracts, informing clients of their legal obligations and rights, and overseeing large financial transactions. Agents trade on assets worth millions of dollars on behalf of others. As such, there are several Acts that specify agents’ fiduciary duties and set out appropriate agent codes of conduct and best practices.
