What does a residential real estate agent do?
Residential real estate agents assist in the selling and leasing of private residential property. This includes conducting inspections, arranging advertising for properties, and drafting sale and lease contracts. Many residential real estate agents also manage properties on behalf of landlords, including monitoring renters’ compliance with their tenancy agreement, taking rent payments and managing maintenance requests.
Tasks:
- Sell and lease private properties
- Provide advice to clients on the property market
- Arrange advertising
- Conduct open homes and property inspections
- Manage tenancy agreement compliance
What skills do I need to be a residential real estate agent?
Residential real estate agents must be highly motivated. They must work well with people from a variety of backgrounds, and have a strong customer service skills. It is critical that residential real estate agents have a good understanding of property law and contract negotiation. The ability to communicate well and manage time effectively is also important to be successful in this type of role.
- Self motivated
- Good people and customer service skills
- Thorough understanding of contract negotiation and property law
- Strong negotiation abilities and a persuasive manner
- Strength in communication and time management
Specialisations
Residential real estate agents have numerous options for specialisation as their careers progress. Many choose to become dedicated property managers and others choose to move into more senior roles and become an estate agency principal or owner.
Property Manager
Estate Agency Principal
Study pathways for residential real estate agents
The requirements to become a residential real estate agent vary from state to state. Most real estate agents have a certificate III level qualification as a minimum, and have also completed the relevant short course or licensing program required to become a registered real estate agent in their state.
Getting Started
For those wishing to learn more about a career in real estate, it can be useful to gain an understanding of property law through a short course as a first step.
Skill Building
Real estate agents wishing to gain additional knowledge and skills in their field can undertake diploma or even bachelor level qualifications.
Professional Development
Undertaking further study in business management can be an effective way for real estate agents to move into more senior positions. Options include an Advanced Diploma of Leadership & Management or a Bachelor of Business Management.
Industry Recognition
Registered real estate agents have significantly more success at gaining employment and performing well over the course of their career. Registration is managed on a state-by-state basis and requires the relevant licensing and certificate of registration program to be completed
Getting a job after graduation
Put your training to good use and get the best professional head start in your residential real estate career. Take a look at our sample resume and cover letter and put your best foot forward when you apply for real estate jobs.