The property industry is Australia’s biggest employer, with more than 1.4 million people, more than mining and manufacturing combined.

It is also Australia’s biggest industry, contributing 13 per cent of our GDP, or $202.9 billion.

With so much opportunity and of course the endless fascination with TV shows centred around property; real estate could just be the career for you.

So, what does it take to be a real estate agent?

While it might seem like all glamour and parties – especially if you’re watching those aforementioned TV shows – it’s not quite that easy. But it is very rewarding!

Here’s what it actually takes, from those in the field.

Get in the know

The most important first step is to get all your certifications so that you can actually appraise, list, market and sell property. These keep you informed of important legislation and requirements.

You will need to get qualifications from a registered training organisation such as TAFE, Property Training Australia or the Australian Institute of Workplace Training.

In the ACT you will need to work full time within the real estate industry under the supervision of a licensed real estate agent for at least 12 months before you can apply for your real estate license.

Get out there

Being a real estate agent can be an extremely rewarding career, if you have the tenacity, drive and commitment to continually strive for more.

“The people who succeed in real estate are those who genuinely care about their clients and can build authentic relationships,” Grahame O’Brien, principal and agent at Independent Tuggeranong explains.

Grahame has been in the industry for 35 years and while he has seen technologies and process change in that time, he says the component that remains is building that trust and communication with people.

“You need to follow through on what you say you’re going to do,” he says.

“It’s really important to be self-motivated as a real estate agent, and to go that extra mile, whether that’s scheduling meetings after hours to meet the needs of your client or moving some leaves that have made their way inside a property open for inspection, you have to be the kind of person who won’t just rest on their laurels.”

Get amongst it

Once you’ve got your qualifications and experience, there is still plenty to do!

Try to attend as many industry events as you can and join groups to keep up to date of all the latest news and ways of working.

Even make a point of going to auctions and open homes for inspiration.

Having a mentor in the industry can also make a huge difference, especially if you’re just starting out. They can guide and support you and be there for you to bounce ideas off.

You will also need to continually undergo training and update your qualifications, which is where working for an established agency can be a huge benefit as they can ensure you have the training booked and completed at the right times.

Get ready

If this all sounds like a good fit for you, start looking into getting your qualifications, and reaching out to agents.

People are always buying and selling property, and there will always be a need for real estate agents so the earlier you can get in, the better!

Most agents worth their salt will tell you that the best part of being in real estate is building relationships and playing an integral role in some of the most important decisions people make in their lives.

Plus, everyone loves talking about property and what the market is doing, so as an agent you will always have plenty to talk about at barbeques or dinner parties.

If you love property but you’re not sure that being a real estate agent is the right fit for you, there are plenty of other options. Independent Property Group has teams specialising in property management, strata management, new build projects, commercial property management and more.

If you’re interested in joining a supportive team of almost 200 property experts, get in touch today to find out how we Make It Happen.