Being an estate agent can be a rewarding career and, although it takes time to become established as an estate agent, the rewards in increased income levels can be great for those who want to build a career and are patient.
IHPC is on a great recruiting drive and are offering interesting opportunities and packages to experienced estate agents in all the major suburbs of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, says Bauer.This is according to Michael Bauer, managing director of estate agency IHPC, who says IHPC is on a great recruiting drive and are offering interesting opportunities and packages to experienced estate agents in all the major suburbs of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.
Besides offering great sales support, IHPC provides in-house marketing for their agents, as well as a sophisticated website that syndicates their property listings to all major property portals with a click of a button, he says.
Any new entrant to the property industry must achieve the FETC qualification in Real Estate (NQF4) and must complete a 12-month internship while under the mentorship of an experienced and qualified agent who is registered with the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB).
The intern will also write and pass the professional designate exam (PDE) at the end of the internship, says Bauer.
If the incumbent agent already holds a degree or national diploma in specific fields he could be exempt from having to do the NQF4, and he should check with EAAB with regards to the exemption status.
Many ask if they can work and study part-time to become an agent, but this is not ideal, says Bauer.
Those who want to become agents should join an agency full time, and their theoretical learning can be done while doing their internship. As mentioned above, it is possible that the intern could start earning while learning, so they should commit to spending all their time working towards this.
Although the property market is not at the high it was prior to 2007, it is on an upward curve at the moment, he says.
What many agents do not realise is that they do not have to restrict themselves to direct sales in order to earn commission. Bauer says agents can earn off referrals, whether buyer or seller, so networking with other agents or companies in all areas as much as possible is encouraged in order to build up their referral base resulting in extra earnings.
“To become a good estate agent, it takes self-discipline, honesty, good organisational skills, good communication and assertiveness in negotiations. Long hours will be necessary, but the rewards are there for those who are determined enough to earn them.”
To be a part of the new generation of estate agents at IHPC, email Cornel Haskins.
