Want to become an estate agent? Find out whether you are cut out for it

It might seem that being a commercial estate agent is a very simple job. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is not enough to be a good salesperson, although of course that is a necessary condition. But something more is needed. To succeed in this profession, both interpersonal skills and in-depth knowledge of the industry are essential. It is not possible to enter the world of property without proper preparation. An estate agent must also be empathetic and sense the needs of their Client, who puts a very responsible task in their hands. It may sound very pompous, but… the Client entrusts them with their dreams.

Buying a flat on the Client's behalf is not the only challenge facing an estate agent. Their tasks also include selling a flat, preceded by preparing the listing (a detailed description with professional photos).

Until recently, an estate agent – in order to practise the profession – had to obtain the required licence and complete a specialist course (ending with an exam). Only if the result was positive could the candidate join the elite group of estate agents who were entered in the ministerial register. A potential Client could check at any time all the information about the agent, their licence number and education. If you were in the register, it testified to a high level of professionalism.

Today – under the new deregulation act – there are no such restrictive rules. Anyone can become an agent, as long as they are sure they will cope on the market without problems. In fact, the only document they must present is proof of third-party liability insurance covering potential damage in the course of property dealings.

Contrary to appearances, the new act did not cause a sudden, huge surge in the number of estate agents. To work in this trade, extensive industry knowledge is essential, so most people who work professionally in property have degrees in law or economics.

An agent must constantly keep training, because other estate agencies are not standing still. It is necessary to continually improve negotiation and interpersonal skills, observation and a superb ability to connect facts. Strategy must be prepared flexibly to suit the assignment. We must build contacts with people who come from diverse backgrounds and hold a variety of roles. For this purpose, constant conferences, training sessions and meetings prove essential.

In this trade you do not lose. You win or you learn. Every subsequent failure brings us closer to success. Of course, provided that we draw the right conclusions, are committed to every case to an equal degree, and often work weekends or late evenings. Without sacrifice, good results are hard to come by.