Things you should know before starting a career in real estate

Like many other professions, there are things you should know about the real estate industry. It carries a host of stereotypes - some positive, some negative, and others entirely untrue.

If you're thinking about pursuing a career in real estate, it's important to do your research and discern what is fact and what is fiction about the property profession. However, that can be quite challenging if you don't know any real estate agents to ask!

That's why the REIQ consulted some of the industry's most-skilled veterans to get their opinion on what budding property professionals should know before starting a career in real estate.

Things You Should Know #1: It's Less About Houses, And More About People

That's why it's important for prospective agents to establish great communication and people skills. One important factor is ensuring you treat everyone you encounter with respect.

"Treat everyone the way you want to be treated," suggests Samantha Ellis, Senior Property Manager at PropertyZest. "Give everyone the same courtesy and respect. You must treat everyone equal - from sellers, to owners, to tenants and home occupiers."

Lesson #2: You've Got to Be Committed to Hardwork and Ongoing Training

Laura Valenti, REIQ Board Director and Co-Principal at McGrath North Lakes, says while it can be challenging, those that work hard in real estate will be rewarded with a career that's rarely boring.

"You must have high attention to detail, excellent negotiation/persuasion skills, be adaptable, hard-working, and be prepared to embark on a journey of learning that will never end," says Valenti. "You can also expect a rewarding career where you will rarely be bored, deal with hundreds of fascinating people, have thousands of stories to tell, and make a real difference in peoples' lives."

Lesson #3: Real Estate Agent Need Ethics, Morals and Empathy

Jodie Brooks from RE/MAX Bayside says having ethics, morals and empathy will not only benefit your clients, but can earn you repeat business as an agent.

"If you have no ethics, morals or empathy, don't bother starting as repeat business and word of mouth will help you and with those three attributes will make your career smoother and more satisfying," adds Brooks. "You have to want to help people move through their chapters so they tell everyone just how easy you made the process."

Lesson #4: Always Remember That You're Responsible for Someone's Biggest Financial Asset

Rose Kelly, Director of Rose Kelly Real Estate, says, "my best real estate life comes when I separate myself from all the noise, ego etcetera, and focus on how to help every person I meet to have both a better real estate experience than their last and their expectations. Continuous improvement and optimism for the evolution of this business are my drivers."

You deserve a new career. Enrol in the REIQ's real estate registration course today!