Why choose a Career as an Estate Agent?

JOHANNESBURG - Nov. 5, 2013 - PRLog -- Real estate for many years was a second career for most industry entrants and to some degree, and with a changing work environment; the same is still true today. However, there are an increasing number of people entering the industry who are choosing a career in the real estate industry as their primary choice, particularly as the likes of the increased education standards are helping to improve the perception of the role of an estate agent and participants see the business as a profession.

"A career as an estate agent can be highly rewarding both at a personal and financial level" says Barry Davies, Franchising Director at leading South African real estate group, Chas Everitt. "Never forget that estate agents help purchasers make what for many will be the biggest single investment decision of their lives and has a huge impact on their financial future and wealth creation. Being part of finding someone a home is a reward in itself - ask any practicing agent in Chas Everitt who has helped a newlywed couple or a young family find the perfect home."

There are a number of factors which make the industry attractive to the likes of entrepreneurs and self-motivated individuals, the following are some good examples:

You Set and Work Your Own Hours

Life as an active estate agent is never a nine to five job. Most successful estate agents manage and work their own schedule around their clients' needs and desires.

This flexibility is not available in many "jobs" where needs dictate more rigid operating hours. Real estate generally permits an agent to work and schedule around their own personal needs and requirements as well. Sure, we are often at work when others are at "play" after hours and weekend being prime examples, but good Agents learn to control their diaries - not the other way around!

You determine your own income

For many the attraction of an unlimited income potential is a huge plus. Many folks feel trapped in the salary cycle where whatever they do they earn the same. Whilst entering the industry and an estate agent is no guarantee of a high income in itself, it certainly offers you the option to generate an income which is uncapped. The old adage of "what you put in you get out" is really relevant and if you put in the energy, the effort and the time your income potential is unlimited.

You aren't tied to a desk

Whilst many may think that estate agents are desk-bound - it's not the case. Estate agents do not have the time to lounge around behind a desk all day. Whilst they do need to spend time "in office", a far larger amount of their working day is "in the field" outside of the office in the area they work in, meeting with or prospecting for clients, marketing as well as showing buyers properties.

You get to design and build your future

Real estate is more about people than it is about property in many ways. One of the most rewarding elements of an estate agents career is that when you truly care for and look after your clients' needs and serve your clients well, you will keep doing business with them and their family and friends for years to come and your referral clients can become a significant part of your business.

Working hard to "WOW" and exceed a client’s expectations today is guaranteeing your referral business 5, 10 and 20 years into your future. There is no better advertising than word of mouth, and you cannot put a price on the value added when a newlywed couple lets their circle of influence know about the exceptional service you delivered, which helped them to acquire their dream home.

You get to help People

Good estate agents really do help people. For most people, buying is a really big deal - it's a step towards financial security and personal achievement. The process of buying and transferring property is also complex and complicated and quite daunting for most folks - you get to walk them though the process and help quell their fears and reduce their stress! .

Never forget that buying a home is often the biggest purchase a person or couple will ever make in their lives. Having a learned and knowledgeable  estate agent in their corner to provided them with information and aid them in making an educated decision is a huge responsibility but is highly rewarding.

You are the one in control

Whilst most estate agents work within an estate agency (and it’s important to do your homework and select the right estate agency) - you are in business for yourself just not by yourself - it's like being a partner from day one and you are practicing for you own account. It's YOUR business. You are the one in control of things, and YOU are your own boss.