Real estate agents negotiate between people who want to sell property and those who want to buy property. They may also work as property managers who look after rental properties, finding and managing tenants and liasing between the owners and the tenants.

Real estate agents and property managers need to have a good understanding and interest in the property market to be able to determine the value of a property and to evaluate the best strategy for attracting potential buyers or renters.

Most real estate agents will work for a particular agency or may set up their own business. Real estate agents are also able to specialize in particular areas or become auctioneers or work as valuers for financial institutions, providing independent valuations to determine the amount of financing offered to a potential buyer.

The main skill a real estate agent requires is the ability to sell. To do this, real estate agents need to be able to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life and to be able to negotiate effectively between different parties to ensure the best deal for all involved.

It is also essential that anyone in the real estate business understand the property market and keeps up to date with chances in the economy and other investment markets to be able to find out the true value of a property and to determine the best strategy for the sale or lease of that property.

Real estate agents are required to understand the legal and financial requirements of buying and selling property to be able to assist their clients through the process. This includes communicating with solicitors, conveyancers, local councils and financial institutions.

It is also likely that you will need your driving license as you will be driving around places; meeting and showing properties to clients, do open house or inspecting  property, and market research,  so a driver’s license is essential.

There are a range of entry points into the real estate profession and once you have started in the industry, it is possible to undertake additional training to advance your career.

Here in Australia, there are courses offered at TAFE that will provide you a certificate or a diploma and take the first step into the real estate industry. (e.g. Real Estate Agents & Property Managers)

A Bachelor degree in Property Economics are offered through some university which prepares graduates for careers in real estate, valuation, funds and asset management and property development. There are also Graduate Diplomas available through some universities which can be commenced on completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Technology is becoming increasingly important for real estate agents, as more and more promotion of properties is based on the internet and property management is database driven. Real estate agents are taking advantage of the internet technology to promote properties more effectively. Most real estate agents have their own website where they are able to place detailed information on a property and include all property available within a particular area.

Most of these websites use a search feature that allows people to search for all of the available listings that meet their criteria for prices, size and location. They are then able to view photographs, floor plans and even three dimensional videos of the property to give them a clearer idea of what the property is like before they go to look at it.

Real estate agents also keep track of their available properties with the use of database programs. There are also database programs sales, letting real estate agents to see what similar properties are selling for to enable them to make their valuations; to promote houses and keep track of people who have been to view a property.

Gaining skills in word processing, database management and spreadsheets is also an advantage as these programs are likely to be ones that real estate will be using on a daily basis.

If you are really interested in working in a real estate industry, find out whether any local real estate agency have a vacant positions even on a part time basis.

Even just answering the phone on Saturday morning, getting exposure to the industry and being surrounded by professional gives you a great insight into what it is like to be a real estate agent.