15 Skills Essential to Becoming a Real Estate Agent

So, you’re an outgoing, enthusiastic individual? Tick. You love conversation, and love working and connecting with others? Double tick. You’re thinking of pursuing a career in real estate, a fun, rewarding career path that fits your vibrant personality? The soft skills sound good, but the deeper abilities surrounding this role are just as important.

It’s understandable to be hesitant before jumping head first into a real estate agent position, so it’s good to properly equip yourself beforehand. We’re making sure you have all the skills essential to becoming a real estate agent, outlining what you need to know to navigate an industry filled with opportunities and changes.

You may have an interest in becoming a real estate agent, but it’s important to know exactly what’s involved to ensure it’s a career path you’d enjoy. A real estate agent is someone who helps people buy, sell or rent properties such as houses, land, apartments and commercial spaces. 

Real estate agents hold valuable knowledge about the fast-moving property market, and give sound advice to buyers and investors. Essentially, you’re helping people fulfil a sense of place, handing them the key to create memories and experiences. 

Part of a real estate agent’s daily responsibilities involve drawing up contracts, conducting auctions, facilitating inspections and advising buyers and sellers of changes in the market.

Other key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing large financial transactions
• Conducting lease inspections
• Staging properties 
• Updating property listings
• Facilitating negotiations with buyers

Working as a real estate agent means that you’re guiding people to their new beginnings each and every day. It’s a career path where your desire for networking, connecting and problem solving is satisfied, and the possibility to travel, excel and advance is part of the process.

There are different pathways of real estate at various levels. The junior level includes positions such as: 

• Real estate assistant 
• Buyer’s agent
• Assistant property manager
• Property manager
• Facilities manager
• Agent
• Strata manager
• Auctioneer

Once in a senior position, you can elevate yourself into managerial roles in your agency. There are also other jobs under the real estate scope, including buyer and vendor advocacy, broking, commercial and residential sales.

Financial security is one of the main factors contributing to why we choose our career path. As a real estate agent, your salary can depend on the level of your job position. Rest assured, a role in real estate offers substantial rates. The average salary for a real estate agent is $65,000 in Australia.

Unlike many salary-earning jobs, a real estate agent’s role offers independence in daily tasks and time spent offsite. Real estate agents are given  flexibility in schedules, workload and income depending on the amount of tasks they choose to take on. 

There is always demand for property, therefore this is a pathway where you’ll always have a sphere to evolve and explore your potential.

There are various general skills, not specific to the industry, that make up a great real estate agent. They can sound predictable and repetitive, but it’s not until you’re in the face of a busy working environment that you realise how important they are. These are qualities including:

• Time management 
• Communication
• Social Skills
• Networking Skills
• Organisation

Technical skills are more specific processes surrounding the real estate agent role. These skills are essential to success in this fast-paced environment, and are used in your day-to-day tasks. 

As we navigate changes in how we work and live, demands on real estate agents can change quickly, meaning that these skills are crucial in dealing with anything thrown your way. 

Technical skills essential to a real estate agent include:

• Preparing property reports and assessments
• Listing properties for lease or sale 
• Appraising properties

If you’re keen on a career in real estate but are not sure if you have all the skills just yet, don’t worry! There are plenty of avenues you can take to get ready for the real estate industry. 

It’s important to have some industry education or experience under your belt before trying to get hired. Undertaking a real estate course is a great way to prepare you for the workforce and equip yourself with the necessary skills and knowledge. Real estate courses are short term, flexible and fun, and are often available online.

Alongside learning about the technical skills in real estate, it’s extremely beneficial to acquire 12 months work experience before launching yourself into the field. You’ll also need to apply for a real estate licence with your local authority. 

Real estate is a fast-paced, rewarding industry that will satisfy your love for networking, connecting and experiencing new horizons. You’re considering a worthwhile career with various avenues to stay inspired and motivated. 

However, it’s crucial to make sure that you have all the skills needed to succeed. To be confident in your work and capable in your day to day duties, there’s plenty of flexible courses to teach you the skills specific to the real estate industry. 

Ready to dive in?