Part 1: Which real estate career path is right for you?

A career in real estate has many exciting pathways to choose from. Although, this can be hard for someone who is new to the industry.

The REIQ offers the training to kick-start your real estate career, but it's important to identify what career pathway will suit your interests and skills.

To help you get on track and understand what opportunities are available in real estate, the REIQ has broken down some of the most popular career options in the industry.

Sales Agent

When people think of a job in real estate, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a sales agent. Working with both sellers and buyers, a sales agent has many different roles, including appraising properties, marketing properties, arranging inspections, negotiating sales and preparing the contract of sale for the transfer of property. Although a sales agent works with the buyers, their primary duty is achieving the best possible sale price for the sellers.

The day-to-day life of a sales agent can vary greatly depending on what and where you're selling. You have the option to sell a variety of properties, including those in the residential, commercial or industrial sector, not to mention in any location in Queensland. Selling property that is used exclusively for business-related purposes comes with its own unique challenges as you will be dealing with very different clients to what you'll encounter in the residential sector. Depending on your skills and interests, you have the option to choose what you sell as a sales agent.

These different opportunities represent the flexibility that comes with a career as a sales agent and shows you have the power to take control of your own career. Being a sales agent can be very exciting and engaging, but it's important to be aware of what it takes to succeed. According to SEEK, key skills for a sales agent listed by employers include customer service, conflict resolution and ethical standards. There can be long hours and weekend work, but the potential rewards can leave you with a great sense of pride and fulfilment.

Study pathways to become qualified to work as a Real Estate Agent.

• REIQ Registration Course

• REIQ Registration Course + REIQ Upgrade Course

• REIQ Full Licence Course

Interested in becoming a Sales Agent? Enrol in REIQ's Real Estate Licence course now to kick-start your career as a Sales Agent.

Auctioneer

If you're an extrovert and love being in front of a crowd, a career as an auctioneer may be perfect for you. However, the job involves much more than just accepting bids on auction day, and an auctioneer is much more than a performer. They play a crucial role in the sale of a property and can be very beneficial to a seller.

Similarly to a sales agent, an auctioneer works with both parties involved in a sale, but their primary goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for the seller. In order to be an effective auctioneer, you must be thoroughly familiar with what you're selling. This is why an auctioneer's day to day involves a lot more than standing in front of a crowd of bidders. Other daily tasks may include, inspecting properties, visiting prospective clients, marketing properties, appraising and listing properties, consulting vendors and setting reserve prices.

Generally, most auctioneers transition from other parts of real estate as it's difficult to be successful without having prior experience in the industry. So, if your goal is to be an auctioneer, a great first step may be getting your foot in the door as a sales agent.

Seeking the advice of an experienced auctioneer may also benefit your career greatly as they may be able to offer you advice on what you can do to gain the right experience to achieve your goals. With this in mind, if you're a fan of continuously learning and growing as a professional, then this is the right career for you.

The three key skills the REIQ Head of Training and Compliance recommends for a career in auctioneering include clear and effective communication, neat personal presentation and the ability to think quickly on your feet.

Capturing the attention of a crowd of buyers may not be something that comes naturally, but it's definitely something that can be learned. With the right passion and motivation, a career in auctioneering can be very exciting and rewarding.

Study pathways to become qualified to work as an Auctioneer.

• REIQ Registration Course + Auctioneer Course

• REIQ Registration Course + REIQ Upgrade Course + Auctioneer Course

• REIQ Full Licence course + Auctioneer Course

• Auctioneer Course

Interested in becoming an Auctioneer? Enrol in an REIQ course now to kick-start your career as an Auctioneer.

Business Broker

Business broking is a specialised form of real estate agency practice and the primary role of a business broker is to help people sell their business. Compared to a sales agent and an auctioneer, the common duties of a business broker aren't as widely known even though there are similar opportunities for success.

The primary clients are sellers and buyers of a business, and the main duties involve conducting an assessment of the business, collating financial information, suggesting an appropriate selling range, listing and selling the business, and advising of any issues that may affect the sale. A business broker will also work with both parties involved in the sale and relay all the necessary information in order to inform a purchasing decision. Essentially, a business broker acts as a channel from the seller to the buyer to guarantee the best possible outcome.

Knowledge of accountancy is incredibly beneficial to a business broker and any experience in this field would be advantageous. Although it's not necessary to have this background, an interest in business, finance and market research can set you up for a successful career as a business broker. Other skills that will help you succeed in this role include strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to make strong and meaningful connections. If you have any of these skills or interests, and a passion for helping people achieve their goals, this path may be suited for you.

Study pathways to become qualified to work as a Business Broker.

• REIQ Registration Course

• REIQ Registration Course + REIQ Upgrade Course

• REIQ Full Licence course

Interested in becoming a Business Broker? Enrol in an REIQ course now to kick-start your career as a Business Broker.

Stay tuned for part 2 - where the REIQ will break down a career as a Property Manager, Resident Letting Agent and Buyers Agent.