Real Estate Agent
What's it like to be a Real Estate Agent?
Real Estate Agents, also known as Property Agents, represent either buyers or sellers of property. They handle the lease, sale, or rent of different real estate properties. They are knowledgeable of the rights and obligations of property owners and the laws and regulations regarding ownership, lease, and sale.
Tasks and duties
- Generating a list of properties that suits the needs of the client.
- Showing the property to potential buyers and holding open house events.
- Addressing inquiries regarding construction work, financing, maintenance, repairs, and appraisals.
- Managing the price of properties.
- Posting advertisements and notices on property sites.
- Conferring with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators.
- Inspecting the condition of properties and arranging for maintenance jobs.
- Drafting contracts.
- Overseeing the signing of agreements and disbursement of funds.
Real Estate Agents have good communication, negotiation and networking skills. They usually earn on commission, which means that their income depends on whether or not transactions are completed. They work even on weekends, evenings, and holidays.
How to become a Real Estate Agent
You will need a professional licence to practise as a Real Estate Agent.
Complete 4 GCE 'O' level or equivalent (WPLN) education.
Complete a Real Estate Salesperson (RES) course. After completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion which is valid for 2 years. The RES exam needs to be completed within the 2-year validity period.
Pass the RES exam. There are two examinations you need to complete and these are scheduled three times a year. Registration for these exams usually closes one to two months before the scheduled exam date.
Register with the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA). Upon application, you will be issued an In-Principle Approval (IPA). After 4-6 weeks, you will receive final approval from the CEA. Upon confirmation with your real estate agency, you will then be issued a Real Estate Agent licence.
Take mandatory continuing professional development, prescribed by the CEA.
