A Career in Real Estate*

Working in the real estate profession offers the opportunity to meet a wide range of people while carrying out a variety of different tasks and responsibilities.  It can be very satisfying to assist people with important decisions such as buying, selling or renting a home or investment property.

It takes a special person to work in real estate: someone who is committed to providing exceptional customer service.  Developing the skills necessary to be confident, capable and successful takes dedication and application.

Although there are many exciting things about working in real estate, you shouldn’t go in with your eyes closed: the hours can be long with late nights and weekend work, and employment can be subject to a fluctuating market and intense competition.

At the same time, you should be prepared to follow high ethical standards.  After all, you will frequently be involved with transactions that might represent the most important financial decisions ever made by a client.

Generally, real estate agents lease, manage, value, buy and sell residential, rural, commercial and industrial property or businesses on behalf of their clients.

Contact the Real Estate Institute in your State or Territory for further information about careers in real estate, including educational requirements and training courses.

* Adapted from Real Estate as a Professional Career, published by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria 2001, and reproduced with the kind permission of the REIV.