Real estate is a career with stable growth and bright career prospects. A dynamic industry, real estate has enjoyed healthy growth for decades – even COVID couldn’t get in the way of growth!
Real estate is an exciting and long-standing industry to be a part of. It provides an opportunity to pursue a new career with potential high income and flexibility, without long and expensive qualifications. There are no previous work or education requirements for entry into any ICI real estate course and once completed, you can maximise on the growing population and greater need for housing. Your salary income structure will depend on the choices you make along the way, such as who you work for, where you work, and what role you do.
Working in the real estate industry doesn’t always mean being a sales agent. Real estate offers a wide variety of career options, from administration and finance to sales, property and body corporate management. You could be a buyer’s agent, a valuer, even an auctioneer!
When considering a career in real estate, consider the full range of roles and think about which roles you are most suited to. Also think about what roles will help you to achieve your career goals. No matter what role you choose, remember that real estate is a people-focussed career. Buying, selling and managing real estate can be stressful and emotional, but when you put people at the centre of your work it can also be hugely gratifying. In real estate, you are engaged in people’s lives in a way that not many professions can offer.
There are three main speciality areas when it comes to real estate. Broadly speaking, these are:
Each area requires a different skill set, with most real estate professionals opting to choose just one area in which to focus on. This is not always true for small business, which might have you covering all aspects of real estate.
Residential sales facilitate the sale of homes between individuals or families. You’ll list properties, accompany clients to viewings, and ultimately help individuals’ and families’ property dreams come true.
Commercial sales facilitate the sale of office buildings, retail centres, and other commercial properties. The deals are bigger but often longer and more complex than residential sales, so therefore require more experience or study.
Property management handles the day-to-day business of rental properties on behalf of property owners. Property managers protect an owner’s investment and help to manage financial return on investment.
Once you’ve chosen your speciality area, you can drill your focus down further, choosing to specialise in new construction, luxury properties, land and development, farms and equestrian properties, historic homes or innovative smart homes. The options are endless!
Not all real estate markets are the same, but buyers and property owners tend to look for similar things before deciding they can trust a real estate agent. These traits tell clients a lot and will help you to secure a job when first starting out.
The ability to listen is an absolute must when working in real estate and it’s something that can’t be taught by enrolling in an ICI course – or any course for that matter! Active listening ensures that you can respond to what’s being said and give the buyer or seller what he or she wants. It involves listening with all of your senses and taking notes to provide a resource you can use throughout your relationship with a client.
Drive is an intrinsic characteristic in which everything else can be built on. It’s the source of energy that will help you to serve people effectively and it goes hand-in-hand with staying motivated and experiencing success in the industry. Consistency and persistency are two factors that play a large role in this positive mental attitude.
Honesty is truly the best policy when it comes to real estate and it’s the trait that will help you to build meaningful relationships with clients. Being transparent and honest is not always easy, but when mastered, a tactful display of transparency can earn years of customer loyalty and more referrals.
Similar to drive, work ethic is the magic wand that will help you to succeed in the real estate business. To stand out, you need to be willing to work harder than your peers, make more sales and put in the energy even when you’re not sure what the outcome will be. Get to know your clients, get to know your region, educate yourself on growing interpersonal skills – whatever it takes to make your real estate career goals come true.
To get started on your real estate journey you need to first get qualified. While legally a diploma or degree is not required to work in real estate, enrolling in a course will give you the edge and a strong foundation for a successful career. A diploma in Real Estate from the International Career Institute can be completed in your own time and will provide you with the communication, commerce and business skills valued by a range of employers.
Once completed, you’ll have the insider secrets that will help you to become a real estate pro in months instead of years. You’ll know how to provide property appraisal, establish and expand a client base, perform and record property management, start your own business and so much more.
From here, you can expect to start your real estate journey on an income of approximately £17,278 a year. This should grow at a steady rate, with experienced real estate employees averaging £31,429 per year plus commission. Again, this will all depend on who you work for, where you work, and what role you do. In areas such as London, you can expect to earn a higher salary of up to £100,000.
If you love talking with people, care about your community, have an interest in property and have excellent customer service skills, real estate can be a great choice of career. It allows you to immerse yourself in your local area, be part of the community, and build long-lasting relationships.
Get started on your real estate journey today and request our Real Estate course guide or enrol today. The real estate industry is projected to experience rapid growth over the next decade and you want to be in it for the ride!
Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.
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