How to start a career as an estate agent?
Text from 2019. Laws, rates and prices may have changed since then. Ask an agent
Until 2014, estate agency was a prestigious profession. To provide such services, you needed a relevant degree and a state licence to practise. Today anyone can become an estate agent, but given the competition, it is not an easy task. We decided to find out what the strongest aces up the sleeve are for someone applying for this position.
Which degree is best for a future estate agent?
Today, a university degree is not a requirement for providing estate agency services in Katowice. However, if we want to find employment quickly, it is undoubtedly worth having a suitable diploma. Law or economics will work best. People with an analytical mind can also opt for civil engineering. Although estate agencies pay more attention to professional experience, a university degree is often treated as a standard requirement when recruiting new staff.
As for field-specific education, we can always enrol in postgraduate studies in property management. There is also no shortage of courses on the market that allow you to broaden your competences. It is worth noting that estate agencies are particularly pleased to see diplomas and certificates that demonstrate practical skills.
Desirable personality traits in an agent
Not all skills can be acquired through training and courses. Some traits and predispositions are innate. An example is extraversion, that is, openness and sociability. Besides an excellent knowledge of the property market, an agent must also feel comfortable working with people. Of course, there are courses that allow you to improve relationship-building techniques, but our natural disposition is just as important.
The work of an estate agent is also not for everyone because of the irregular working hours. An agent must constantly monitor houses for sale and work with the widest possible circle of clients. This requires being available even late in the evening. An estate agent must be ambitious and committed to continuous development. Only in this way can they constantly broaden their professional competences.
Watching the market and keeping up with legal regulations
Even the best agent must from time to time complete further training courses. Quite recently the GDPR (RODO) regulations came into force, imposing new obligations on professions that work with clients all the time. Regulations tend to change every so often, and anyone who acts as an agent for flat rentals in Katowice must keep up with such changes.
The work of an estate agent is also about curiosity about the world and keeping up with the market. An agent should know what the current market situation looks like and how prices may change in the coming years. An agent needs a good knowledge of both new properties and the primary market in Katowice. Solid knowledge and preparation help to make a good impression on a client and win their trust at the very first meeting.
Tags: for estate agents, estate agent
