subject: How Do You Become an Estate Agent in London? [print this page] How Do You Become an Estate Agent in London?
A lot of people think that estate agents will no longer be as popular as several years ago, especially rules in London flats to rent have become more lenient. Nevertheless, you can still establish a career in the business. More potential home buyers and lettings clients would prefer to deal with professionals. They are able to save time, energy, and sometimes money in doing so.
But how do you become one of the estate agents in London? Here are some tips:
1. Get a good education.
There are real estate courses in the UK, which you can take. However, you should know that enrolling in one is not mandatory. In fact, you can be a graduate of any course. You can gain a good head start against the others, though, if you have a degree in business, finance, economics, and even psychology. You can better understand the lettings market, and you have a good grasp about real estate.
2. Obtain a certificate.
For a number of years, there have been calls to impose licensing for estate agents in the UK. This is because there is a continuous rise of people who have become victims to scams and bogus agencies. One of the certification exams is called Certificate of Practice in Estate Agency in the UK. You can also enroll yourself to NVQ or National Vocational Qualifications sponsored by the National Association of Estate Agents.
Again, the examinations are not mandatory, but it is a lot better you go through them to increase your credibility.
3. Work with a firm.
You need to do this particularly if you are new in the business. There are so many things you can learn from working with an established company. The work, moreover, does not have to be too stressful. Usually, you will be asked to manage the collections for London apartments or you will be requested to put up ads and listings for flats for rent. You may also have to communicate with the home owner who wants his or her property let for a while.
4. Join associations.
In the UK it is very important that you are part of an organization or association, especially if the group is involved in redress schemes. You will be penalised if you are not. Some of the best organizations are Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, National Association of Estate Agents, and Independent Network of Estate Agents. If you are searching for a company, it is a wise idea to check their membership in any of these.
5. You should be alert.
The competition in real estate is tough these days, and it is important you remain to be alert at all times. Scour for a flat for rent that requires advertising, ask around among your friends and family members if they are or they know anyone who is interested in having their properties for let. Also be mindful of people want to find a property to rent.
Most definitely, an estate agent should exhibit proper values to succeed in the business. You should have good communication skills, dedication to your job, passion to help others, and commitment to offer only the best to your clients.
