[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_post_title author=”off” comments=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ title_font_size=”50px” title_text_color=”#0c71c3″][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.47″ text_font_size=”30″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_line_height=”1.5em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]
More than ever, skill and expertise should be a given for any serious property practitioner
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]
The real estate industry in South Africa is slowly but surely conforming to international standards. Our academic qualifications are now on par with those in countries such as New Zealand and Australia, according to the South African Qualification Authority. The new Property Practitioners Bill will, by 2018, replace the outdated Estate Agents Aff airs Act of 1976. A move towards professionalism is imminent. Regulatory body the EAAB and the Financial Intelligence Centre will also review their expectations of property practitioners and estate agencies more frequently.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.47″ text_font=”Roboto|on|||” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]
HOW CAN YOU BECOME A TOP AGENT?
I often get enquiries from agents and principals asking about the highest real estate qualifi cation. My answer: comply with what is expected currently. Keep a logbook and study the FETC Real Estate NQF 4, PDE 4 or NC Real Estate NQF 5, and PDE 5. Also comply with the Continuous Professional Development (CPD), register with PrivySeal (via eaab.org.za) and keep attending training sessions. Real estate is all about people, their needs and emotions, and understanding why they are moving, selling or renting. No app, drone or qualification can replace human interaction.
STAY ON TRACK WITH THESE POINTERS
- The EAAB website is user-friendly and updated regularly, so check it often. You can create and access your own portal to send or upload information.
- Understand the industry, not just your area. Read as much as possible, including EAAB circulars and property magazines.
- Capture your non-verifi able points according to your Professional Development Plan, which count towards your CPD cycle.
- Understand how the economy/fi nancial climate aff ects transactions and banks’ lending criteria.
- Take responsibility for your career. Don’t wait for your principal or franchise group to generate leads.
- Learn the value of self-motivation.
- Focus on your personal goals. Adjust these if necessary and don’t become despondent in diffi cult times.
- Real estate goes through seven- to 10-year cycles but people need a roof over their heads – there will always be opportunities.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONALISM
As a trainer, I often fi nd agents acting unprofessionally during sessions – they book or arrive late, don’t show up or cancel without letting anybody know. Some use their phones during sessions. How can an agent deal with our competitive industry if this is normal behaviour? Treat clients as you would like to be treated, take responsibility and show respect. Real estate is a professional career where an agent earns a professional fee – clients will certainly expect you to be professional. Most of all, have fun. Real estate is an amazing, unpredictable industry. Each transaction is different. Be the best you can with every deal, work hard and you will reap the benefits.
Real estate is all about people, their needs and emotions, and understanding why they are moving, selling or renting
Jo-Anne Strydom has 22 years of real estate experience, initially as a sales agent before moving into training. She studied Real Estate Advanced Practices in Miami and is an accredited real estate assessor and moderator in South Africa.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
