Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects | Good; employment growth for this occupation is expected to average to 2011. |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $30,000 to $80,000 plus |
| Brief | Thinking of buying or renting a house? If so, you will probably have to call upon the expertise of a real estate agent, salesperson, property manager or perhaps a land valuer. There are currently around 4,190 real estate associate professionals employed in South Australia. Employment is largely full-time and most work in the property and business services industry. Over half of persons in this occupation are male and most are employed in the Adelaide metropolitan area. This occupation has an older age profile with more than half of workers aged 45 years or older. |
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TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for:
Real Estate Agents & Property Managers
Diploma of Property (Real Estate)
Certificate IV in Property (Real Estate)
Introduction
Real estate salespeople arrange the sale and lease of different properties. A real estate agent carries out a similar function but in a managerial capacity. Meanwhile property managers manage rental properties while land valuers evaluate the value of land and buildings.
When selling properties, the real estate salesperson's first task is to give clients an appraisal of the estimated market value of their property. Even though the price an agent puts on a property will influence the client's choice of agent; much of their decision is likely to be based on the personality of the salesperson.
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Education Requirements
Of those currently employed 30% have either Certificate III or CIV; 15% have Bachelor Degrees; 13% have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas; 7% have a 'not defined' Certificate; and 28% have no post school qualification. In order for you to have the best possible chance of finding employment it is recommended that you gain the available qualifications.
TAFE SA offers the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation: Certificate IV and a Diploma in Property. For further information about these courses please check the TAFE SA website, www.tafe.sa.edu.au.
The Real Estatae Instute also offers a Certificate IV and Diploma in Property as well as a Certificate I in Residential Property Management.
There are SA Traineeships available in this occupation for further information go to the Traineeship & Apprenticeship website, www.employment.sa.gov.au or phone the Freecall number 1800 673 097.
Still Unsure! Then contact the TAFE SA Information Line on 1800 882 661 to enquire about the availability of related short courses.
Career Path
The property market is very sensitive to the general state of the economy and factors such as government policy on interest rates.
Currently, there is steady employment opportunities for real estate agents, salespersons and property managers. Demand for all real estate workers is cyclical and is heavily dependent on the state of the economy and the level of interest rates. General activity in the building and construction industry also affects demand for real estate workers. If no residential houses or commercial buildings are being built or being offered for sale, then demand will drop. As graduates in land valuation must undertake two years of practical experience with a licensed land valuer, employment opportunities are dependent on the willingness of such professionals to take them on as trainees.
Industry
Property and Business Services
Interview
John Savva - Real Estate
'When I discovered what I really loved doing, which is talking to people and being my own boss, I knew I could get formal qualifications from TAFE for my natural abilities. That’s how I settled on real estate. It was the best choice for me because I could continue to work and study at the same time.'
John Savva’s employment history reads a bit like a careers guide, after leaving school he spent a couple of years landscaping before then becoming a mechanic. Following this, he ran a fresh seafood outlet. John knew that none of these jobs was the right one for him but he didn’t at this stage know what was.
Running the seafood outlet presented John with an opportunity to start his own niche business, supplying bait to bait and tackle shops however after a period of time he decided it was time to move on so the business was sold to a large wholesaler. However, as with all his work experiences, each one led to new opportunities. John then became a sales rep for a food wholesaler and for the food service industry, and discovered what he really loved doing: talking to people, being his own boss, and selling. Realising that this was what he needed to do in his employment, John decided to get formal qualifications for what he saw were his natural abilities and settled on real estate.
For John, TAFE was the best choice because he could continue to work and study at the same time. Ever the businessman, John had in the meantime purchased a Dairy Farmers franchise, which meant that once work was largely completed at the start and end of each day, there was time left to study and concentrate on his real estate career.
John enjoyed his TAFE studies because it was an area he really enjoyed. 'It’s not a chore if you’re interested in it,' he said. Following completion of his real estate certificate, John stepped straight into employment with Toop and Toop, who he says value enthusiasm as much as they value experience.
For John, the best part of working in real estate is being given freedom to work they way he wants, and the reward of seeing a happy customer at the end of the day. 'When they get the result they’re hoping for; that’s really satisfying,' he said.
Nature of the Job
Once an authority to sell is signed, real estate salespersons will attend to all details agreed with the client. They will market the property, and use their skills during viewings of the property to answer all questions and to promote its best features. There are legal obligations for a real estate salesperson to be appropriately trained and registered, and to abide by the Code of Conduct and other requirements of the Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board. In some states a real estate salesperson does not receive a set salary but receives a percentage of the selling price, known as a commission. They constantly work at building their client base, through door knocking, letter drops and networking through friends and previous clients.
Typical Physical Working Environment
To be a real estate professional, you need to have good communication and negotiation skills. You should have good presentation and a pleasant manner and have the ability to network effectively. It is essential that you have good organisational skills and attention to detail as well as a good working knowledge of the local area.
Typical Occupational Example
Personal presentation and communication skills are important. While it may take time to develop a client base and to become recognised in the industry, persistence and diligence will prove to be rewarding. There are other related occupations, such as being a land valuer or a property manager, that may interest you. When a property is to be leased or has been leased, it is the role of a property manager to inspect its condition. They also select suitable tenants and collect rent and fees that are due. When someone decides to sell their property, or wants to take out a mortgage, a land valuer is called in. Their role is to evaluate the precise monetary value of a piece of a property and they are legally liable for any mistakes. You must become licensed with the Land Valuers' Licensing Board, which requires you to have no less than four years practical experience.
For further information, contact:
Real Estate Institute of South Australia
249 Greenhill Rd Dulwich SA 5065
Ph: (08) 8366 4300
Fax: (08) 8366 4380
Email: training@reisa.com.au
Website: www.reisa.com.au
Real Estate Institute of Australia
PO Box 234 Deakin West ACT 2600
Ph: (02) 6282 4277
Fax: (02) 6285 2444
Email: reia@reia.com.au
Website: www.reia.com.au
Earning Potential
Earnings for real estate workers begin about $30,000 per annum and may go higher than $80,000, especially for successful salespersons. Earnings are dependent on the amount of experience that you have and which area that you decide to work in eg. commercial, industrial or residential real estate. Salary ranges for land valuers usually start at around $30,000 and rise to $45,000, however, some valuers earn well above this.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au
This Career Profile information was last modified: 30/10/2007 11:18:13 AM
The information was accurate at the time of publication. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary
