How do you become an estate agent?

Being an estate agent, could be a rewarding and fulfilling career.

Estate Agency is a career that offers the potential for high earnings, flexibility in time management, and variety in work - which can make it both challenging and interesting and an excellent opportunity for career advancement.

To become an estate agent, you would typically have to meet these criteria and follow these steps:

• • You must be at least 18 years old and have a South African ID or a work permit.

  • To become a registered estate agent, you need to secure employment with a registered estate agency. Find a credible estate agency that is willing to employ and train you, and ask them to employ you as an intern estate agent.

  • After finding an agency to work for, you can apply to register with the PPRA (Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority) – formerly known as the EAAB (Estate Agencies Affairs Board). To register, you would have to complete and submit the necessary documentation and pay the prescribed application fee. These documents would include your ID, Proof of residence, the required registration form found on the PPRA Website, and a valid letter of appointment from the estate agency that you will be working for. The PPRA should then issue you with a Fidelity Fund Certificate as an Intern Estate Agent.

  • Once you have your FFC, you are allowed to operate as an Intern Estate Agent under the Estate Agency that employed you. You would have the opportunity to earn income while being exposed to finding properties to sell and rent, and finding suitable purchasers or tenants for the properties, and. The principal of your estate agency or a professional estate agent acting as your mentor should assist you with all legal negotiations and contracting in these transactions.

  • While you are working as an Intern Estate Agent, you must complete the EAAB's NQF Level 4 Real Estate Qualification and complete a Logbook as a portfolio of evidence. These qualifications can be obtained from a recognized training institution or through distance learning. The qualifications include practical components, which requires you to work under the supervision of a registered estate agent for a period of 12 months.

  • Once you have worked as an Intern Estate Agent for at least 12 months, and have completed the NQF4 qualification and Logbook, you should be able to apply to the PPRA to become a Full Status Estate Agent. You would have to write and pass the Professional Designation Examination in order to become a Professional Estate Agent.

  • To maintain your registration as an Intern or Professional Estate Agent, you must renew your fidelity fund certificate annually and comply with the EAAB's code of conduct. This includes adhering to ethical standards while doing business, providing accurate information to clients, and handling client funds and property with care and diligence. As a professional Estate Agent, you would also need to stay up to date with industry developments and continuously improve your skills and knowledge through training and professional development opportunities.

If you work as an Intern Estate Agent for CH Professional Estate Agency, you will be put on an Intern Development and Training program.

This program is designed to provide interns with the ability to make money while acquiring all the skills and experience necessary to become a Professional Estate Agent. Professional Estate Agents will also be exposed to the opportunity of growing into becoming a Master Practitioner in Real Estate, who could own their own CH Professional Estate Agency Franchise and appoint Intern and Professional Estate Agents to work for them.

How to become an estate agent