REIWA NEWS
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| So, you want to work in real estate? |
| Dated : 17 Nov 2008 |
One of the strong attractions to working in real estate is that people of most ages can confidently start a career. This is different to many other professions, which tend to require training at a young age and a lengthy internship. A real estate career requires considerable professional education but life experience can also be a great advantage.
Real estate offers a wide selection of career paths including property sales and property management in the residential, commercial and rural sectors. There are also exciting opportunities in property development and business broking.
The State Government regulates qualifications for employment in the real estate sector and has a keen interest in seeing high standards are maintained.
The starting point for most real estate careers is work as a registered real estate sales representative. This involves completing a course in property studies either at REIWA or another real estate training provider.
To qualify for registration as a sales representative or property manager in Western Australia you must be aged over 18 and hold a current police clearance. Changes last year to Commonwealth industrial relations law means that sales representatives may be paid a base salary and don't have to rely on commissions alone. Property managers are generally paid a salary.
A real estate salesperson must be employed by a licensed real estate agent who operates an agency. The requirements for a real estate license are more onerous if you are thinking of eventually running your own business.
In order to be a licensed agent you must have completed a Diploma in Property Services (Agency Management) which can be undertaken as a 2 year part-time course at REIWA or elsewhere. A property degree from Curtin University would also satisfy the educational requirements for licensing as a real estate agent.
Other requirements for licensing include two years experience in negotiating real estate transactions, current police clearance and various other requirements which typically apply to any type of business operator.
People can commence their real estate careers from 18 years of age having had experience in an unrelated field. More people are entering the sector with tertiary qualifications and with broad interest in all sectors of the market.
Experience in real estate work can be transportable, as some other states and territories recognise WA's qualifications in their jurisdictions.
Real estate can be a challenging yet rewarding career. There is a continuing demand for top quality property managers and for professional sales consultants with long term goals. If you have been thinking about this move for a while then get in touch with REIWA soon. Perhaps the new year might herald your new career?
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