Real estate agents in hot demand

By Michelle Collins

While the price market downturn in Queensland has led to an exodus of agents from the industry, it seems agents with a proven track record are hard to find.

Some agencies talk of difficulty finding agents with the right attributes.

Rebecca Geldard, spokesperson for industry body Young Professionals in Real Estate (YPIRE), said the right attributes included being energetic, enthusiastic, compassionate, disciplined, able to build rapport with sellers and buyers, and following through on what you say you are going to do. She said computer skills were also an advantage.

“Our offices are crying out for energetic people who are willing to stick with it and give it a go,” she said. “Particularly young people.

“Because the market has changed over the last few years, the skill set of agents has changed.”

“You can’t just list a property and sell it the next day. There is a lot more work involved.”

“The key attributes I look for are energy, enthusiasm, a proactive and can-do approach, respect, and a genuine desire to create an outstanding reputation and generate outstanding results for property owners.”

She said all the criticisms of Gen Y – that they are tech-savvy, reward-focused and attention-seeking – made them perfect for a career in real estate.

“Real estate is one of the few careers where you can wear a suit but never sit in an office, and enjoy an income increase without a performance review,” she said.

“It comes down to how many properties you can list and sell, it’s as simple as that.”

Someone starting out can expect between $32,000 to $35,000 inclusive of allowances.

Experienced sales agents are typically on a commission-only structure (no salary), with a percentage of each sale commission paid to the agent.

Ms Geldard said it was not uncommon for smart new agents to earn more than $100,000 in their first 12 months on the job.

Real Estate Institute of Queensland managing director Dan Molloy said that because market conditions were tight, many agents were staying put.

In addition, others were attracted to new business models that allowed them to continue what they liked doing – selling real estate, but buying into the business or a partnership – and thus were unlikely to move to agencies.

Many Gen Y agents had a conservative attitude and were loyal to an agency where they were mentored and did well.

YPIRE is holding a conference on the Gold Coast on September 26-27.

The Sunday Mail, September 18, 2011