Real Estate Salesperson
Tasks & duties
Real estate salespeople may do some or all of the following:
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find out what clients buying a property want and find properties to suit them
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contact people to see if they want to sell their property
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talk with clients who have property to be sold
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research and calculate the value of the property
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write up the details of properties and take photographs
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write advertisements for properties and market them
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organise signage for the property
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arrange open homes (times for the public to view a property)
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organise and negotiate property sales and contracts
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organise building inspections and reports
Specialisations
Real estate salespeople can specialise in selling residential, commercial, or rural properties.
Skills & knowledge
Real estate salespeople need to have:
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knowledge of market trends and property values
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knowledge of finance, basic accounting and business contracts
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knowledge of the area they are selling or leasing properties in, and different types of housing.
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good sales and negotiation skills
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excellent people, communication and listening skills
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an understanding of property and trading laws
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planning and organisational ability
Entry requirements
To become a real estate salesperson you need to have completed stage one of the National Certificate in Real Estate and the Real Estate Salesperson's Certificate. You also need to have a driver's licence and your own car.
Real estate salespeople must be "fit and proper" for the job, according to guidelines set by the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board. People with criminal convictions can become real estate salespeople subject to a licensing board hearing.
Real Estate Institute of New Zealand website - information about training and national certificates in real estate
Secondary education
There are no secondary requirements to become a real estate salesperson. However, useful school subjects include English, maths, and economics.
Training on the job
If you are employed by a licensed real estate company you can study towards a National Certificate or Diploma in Real Estate while on the job. This is administered by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).
Many real estate agencies also encourage and promote professional development of real estate salespeople by running courses, seminars and conferences to help employees keep up to date with any changes in the property industry.
Useful experience
Useful experience for real estate salespeople includes:
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sales work
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public relations experience
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any work involving contact with people
A technical background in building or design may also be useful.
Related courses
Real Estate
Sales
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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