Career change - Estate Agent

Gotkeys

I am looking for a career change and am considering trying to become an estate agent. 

Has/is anyone an estate agent that could give me an honest opinion of the role? I would be particularly interested in sales rather than lettings. 

I have no sales experience and would be looking into entry level roles. How quickly can you earn a "reasonable" living? 

thara1996

Heya. 

This is my sound advice to you for starters. Ask five local estate agent companies in order to find out. Make some brief summary notes too. Listen to what they tell you but don’t act on it for now. Good luck. You can do this. Seriously. Property sales can be rewarding sometimes. Carry a notepad. 

Do your own online research as well. Find out all about entry routes into the industry. Use career advice websites like Prospects for additional details on roles instead. Call or email to learn a tad more about what to expect here. Focus on your own skills. Brush up your resume. 

Network as far as possible. This is one industry where having contacts is key to success at any company. Go to a few different events for property sales companies in other more simpler words. Mingle. Most people work for a established property sales company these days. 

74jax

@elsien - I thought it was just me when reading that.... 😂

OP - my back ground is estate agency, residential to start, then new build residential.

I haven't been in the business since the pandemic, so this is what it was like pre 2020....

What is it about the business that interests you? The sales side, financial side, meeting customers, negotiation? This will then determine your best fit.  

Regarding earning from it. Every job I've had in all 4 main estate agencies have had a liveable base salary. You then get 'bonuses' for selling the house/referrals etc, however this stopped in my last job before new build, and the branch commission was equally split between everyone.

Things to consider now - most is done online, so accompanied viewings will have dropped, however now it's more likely to be an actual purchaser who views. Replaced with online viewings / videos etc. Most agencies have online chat too so you might not be communicating verbally but by chat / email.

I disagree with the post above, you don't need to network, at all. You need to be organised, professional, diligent, have a good grasp of the written word. You will be put through in-house estate agency laws, you can go for the exam, which I did. You have to sit the Property Misdescriptions Act course, whatever level you are.

I would apply for anything you see, state you have previously been trained in (if you have of course) data protection, anti bribary, inclusion, financial ombudsman and FCA rulings, communications etc. Anything that will get you that interview. 

Marcon

Gotkeys said:

I am looking for a career change and am considering trying to become an estate agent. 

Why? If you could explain what appeals and why you are considering this option, it might be easier for those with relevant experience to comment on how accurate your perceptions are.