By Marli Naidoo

Not too long ago a firm handshake was enough to tie up the sale of a piece of land or a house. With time this process became more and more complicated and estate agents are now necessary to handle all the documents and processes. They make sure that nothing is missed. As legislation changes and is amended estate agents must make sure that they stay informed and knowledgeable.

It is important to study current data if you are contemplating a career in the estate market. There have been many changes over the past few years.

To qualify yourself as an estate agent in South Africa, is a five-step-process.

1. Apply to the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority. The Property Practitioners Act took effect on 1 February 2022 and this has changed the process significantly. Although many changes are set out in the Act, implementation guidelines still have to be released. According to the Act it would appear that the first step in the process of becoming an estate agent is to apply to the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority, which replaces the Estate Agents Affairs Board.
2. In terms of the new Act prospective agents will no longer be obliged to write the NQF4 examination and will only have to write the Professional Direction Examination (PDE), which you can now do before joining an agency. This examination can be taken in various languages, and can also be taken orally.
3. Join an estate agency. You can do this before or after your successful application to the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority, and before or after having registered and taken the PDE.
4. Complete six months practical training as a candidate estate agent. The practical training course will consist of a minimum of six modules, which have to be completed over a maximum period of six months. After this you will need another six months supervision under a registered property practitioner before no more restrictions will apply.
5. As soon as you have qualified as an estate agent you will have to earn annual marks for continued professional development in order to continue renewing your Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC). This happens via road shows and seminars held across South Africa on relevant subjects, amongst others new legislation, changes, updates and amendments. This helps all agents and principals to stay informed of continually changing industry regulations regarding fixed property and new acts. This is a requirement in order to continue as a registered property practitioner.

The estate agent plays various roles in the course of his daily work. He must be able to switch between salesperson, buyer’s advocate, analyst, business manager, consultant, negotiator and marketer, to mention but a few. Clients make big decisions and can be difficult and emotional. The agent must be empathetic and sympathetic and be able to support the client with patience and confidence. He must enjoy working with people, be interested in architecture and houses, be honest, and must be a self-motivated entrepreneur.

Sources

Kaplan: https://www.kapre.com/resources/real-estate/top-ten-traits-of-a-real-estate-agent/

REMAX: https://www.remax.co.za/ask-remax/article/5-steps-to-becoming-a-real-estate-agent-in-south-africa/

Private Property: https://www.privateproperty.co.za/advice/news/articles/how-to-become-a-real-estate-agent-in-south-africa/5756