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In the same way as doctors must keep up with the latest medical advances, real estate agents need to stay on top of industry changes to ensure the best outcomes for our clients.
While agents don’t have people’s physical health in their hands, we are responsible for helping our clients make what’s likely to be the biggest financial and emotional decision of their lives. That means we must have up-to-date knowledge on everything from regulatory and legislative changes to new ways to market properties online and stage homes.
I transitioned to a career in real estate with hockingstuart after 10 years of growing my own car wash franchise. The management skills I learnt while running my own business were invaluable when I moved into the property business, but I had to upskill when it came to my technical knowledge. That’s why, at the time, I not only undertook training to receive my Agent’s Representative Certificate, but I also went through hockingstuart’s auctioneering program so I had all the tools at my disposal.
While this initial training helped to kick-start my career, the ongoing professional education I undertake to this day is also vital to ensure that, just like those in the medical profession, I’m always up to date.
Whether you’re new to the real estate industry or a seasoned professional, training is imperative if you want to provide the best service to your clients and propel your career forward. Here are the four main reasons why I believe training is the key to progression in a real estate career:
1. Training makes it easier to transition into a career in real estate. I often see candidates enter the industry from fields such as sales, retail and hospitality, all with the potential to be successful agents. While the on-the-job training they’ll receive will be helpful, in my experience it was the formal training I received – such as the auctioneer training – that was most beneficial. It gave me confidence, as well as the context and the rationale behind my day-to-day work.
2. Training helps you to upskill, and in the real estate industry the more skills you have, the more valuable you’ll be to your employer. As well as expanding your knowledge base and helping you to work more productively in your day-to-day role, undergoing training also says a lot to your employer about your commitment to the job. Having been on both sides of the interviewing table, if you’re enthusiastic, have up-to-date knowledge and can demonstrate your dedication to your work, it’ll stand you well apart from other candidates.
3. It expands your thinking and teaches you new ways of doing things. Developing a routine is an easy trap to fall into and won’t do your career progression any favours. Training gives you the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from real estate experts and thought leaders. It challenges you to work with your colleagues in the industry and find solutions to age-old problems. There’s truth in the saying ‘two heads are better than one’!
4. It increases your company’s knowledge pool. Personal development is about more than just increasing your own knowledge. The real value comes when the knowledge gained in the classroom can be applied to real-life scenarios, to the benefit of your employers and clients. Equipped with the latest real estate know-how, you’ll ensure your company is working at the top of its game, and your clients can rest assured that their property is in expert hands.
Whatever stage you’re at in your real estate career, undergoing regular training will ensure your reputation as a standout agent for clients and colleagues alike.
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