Ask these questions before switching to real estate

Since the end of the first hard lockdown in May 2020, the real estate industry has seen a rise in interest both from buyers and from those who hope to make the switch into a real estate career.

While it does have the potential to be a lucrative move, a career in real estate requires a lot more work than many may realise.

“From May 2020 to May this year, RE/MAX of Southern Africa has had a net agent growth of 266 agents. While this speaks to the appeal of our brand, it is also possible that some of this growth reflects the reality that many have had to make career changes in light of the pandemic,” explained Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

For those considering moving into the real estate profession, here are a few questions RE/MAX of Southern Africa suggests asking to discover if this is the correct move:

Are you prepared to study?
You must have completed Grade 12 as a minimum requirement before you can begin training to qualify as a registered estate agent.

The qualification process includes a 12-month internship under a certified principal estate agent as well as completing a Further Education and Training Certificate in real estate (NQF 4 qualification). Principal estate agents require an NQF 5 training certificate and need to write the final professional designation examination.

Do you have savings to fall back on? This is a business of high risks and high rewards.
While you run the risk of going without an income for months while trying to secure a sale, the reward for that risk could potentially earn you more in a single day than a person earns in a year. A successful agent is resilient and has the financial discipline to survive the quiet months.

Are you willing to work strange hours?
Real estate is not a normal nine-to-five job. Aspiring agents need to be prepared to work all kinds of hours and over weekends if they want to secure sales.
Successful agents are the ones that understand that most homeowners work normal office hours, so most viewings and appointments will need to happen outside of these hours.

Are you truly a people’s person?
Real estate is all about building relationships and understanding the needs of a client possibly even better than they understand their own needs.
A fake smile and a half-attempt at listening will not sell many houses, nor will it promise any future or referral business.

“Switching to a career in real estate is not something that should be undertaken lightly. Real estate agents put in a lot of work behind closed doors.
“It is not nearly as easy to become successful in this industry as many may think. Yet, for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards will soon make all the trouble and sacrifice worthwhile,” Goslett concluded.
(Information: RE/MAX of Southern Africa)

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