How to become a Real Estate Salesperson

Real Estate Salesperson

Real estate salespeople arrange the sale of land, residential properties (such as houses and flats), businesses, factories, shops and farms on behalf of the owners.

Personal requirements for a Real Estate Salesperson

  • Good communication and negotiation skills
  • Good presentation and a pleasant manner
  • Able to network effectively
  • Able to work without direct supervision
  • Strong sales focus
  • Good organisational skills and attention to detail
  • Good working knowledge of the local area

Education & Training for a Real Estate Salesperson

To become a real estate salesperson you usually have to complete an accredited short course in real estate or property services or a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a real estate salesperson through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.


Additional information

Real estate salespeople need to register with the relevant department in their state or territory. To be eligible for registration, you need to complete accredited training, obtain a National Police Certificate, and be 18 years or older. Depending on the responsibilities of the role, a licence may also be required.

Duties & Tasks of a Real Estate Salesperson

Real estate salespeople:

  • Discuss the method of sale, presentation of the property, costs and inspection times with vendors (sellers)
  • Estimate the current market price and suggest a reserve or minimum selling price by preparing a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
  • List details of land or buildings for sale and arrange the advertising of properties
  • Assess buyers' needs and locate properties for their consideration
  • Take prospective buyers to inspect properties
  • Advise on merits of properties and the terms of sale
  • Arrange legal agreements between vendors and buyers
  • Arrange finance and insurance.

Tasks

  • Offers valuations and advice for buying and selling businesses and structures the terms of settlement.
  • Accepts and lists businesses for sale and analyses their performance and market value.
  • Provides advice to buyers on the merits of businesses and the terms of sale.
  • May arrange finance, land brokerage, conveyancing and maintenance of business premises.
  • Catalogues and details businesses for sale and arranges advertising.
  • Advises vendors of sales and marketing options such as sale by auction.
  • Monitors and addresses non-compliance with terms and conditions of the sale.
  • Assesses buyers' needs and locates businesses for their consideration.

Working conditions for a Real Estate Salesperson

Real estate salespeople often work irregular hours, including weekends. This occupation involves a great deal of contact with the public and with associated professionals, such as builders, valuers, solicitors, conveyancers, and banking and local government personnel. Real estate salespeople may specialise in areas such as residential, commercial or business sales.


Employment Opportunities for a Real Estate Salesperson

Real estate salespersons may be employed or specialise in areas such as residential, commercial and business sales. Employment opportunities for this occupation vary depending on the state of the real estate industry. The property market is very sensitive to the general state of the economy and factors such as government policy and interest rates.


Specializations

Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent carries out the functions of a real estate salesperson and also manages the activities of other real estate salespeople.

Real Estate Salesperson

Real estate salespeople arrange the sale of land, residential properties (such as houses and flats), businesses, factories, shops and farms on behalf of the owners.

  • Average age
    Average age
    53 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Moderate
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    17% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    46 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    $1,161
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Medium skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    74% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    660 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 0.0%
    NSW: 28.5%
    NT: 0.5%
    QLD: 26.1%
    SA: 4.9%
    TAS: 0.9%
    VIC: 28.8%
    WA: 10.4%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 0%
    20-24: 0.8%
    25-34: 8.5%
    35-44: 17.7%
    45-54: 25.2%
    55-59: 15.6%
    60-64: 13.1%
    65 and Over: 19.1%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 19.6%
    Bachelor degree: 30.5%
    Certificate III/IV: 14.8%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 14.2%
    Year 10 and below: 4.7%
    Year 11: 2.4%
    Year 12: 13.8%
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