estate agency course

southseeker

hi there,
I'm really interested in changing my career after 10 years in my design field. I've been interested in doing the two year night course in Estate Agency and Auctioneering, however, it's a large investment financially and time wise. Does anyone know if it's worth getting into? In a few years time, the market will hopefully pick up and jobs in the field may open up. Or are there two many estate agents around already? I'd be interested for any advice real soon, as I'm a few days away from paying the 2,500euros and I'm thinking twice! I'd be based in Cork. Thanks for any advice.

Andrea B.

I'm thinking twice!

I don't even know you, but please, please, think twice!

bren2002

You've missed that gravy train I'm afraid, not sure this is an industry that will have many opportunities for a few years to come.

Bandara

I'd think long and very hard about this one.

also, I may be wrong here but you require no qualifications or training to become an estate or letting agent. Its only if you intend to hold auctions that you need the qualifications.

The internet is making estate agents less and less needed, I would venture that in the future an agent will be one or two staff on the road viewing and assessing houses.

EKRIUQ

I guessing its the IPAV course your considering doing and yes it is a very comprehensive course that will give you a good understanding of law, planning, Valuations etc.

Or are there two many estate agents around already? I'd be interested for any advice real soon, as I'm a few days away from paying the 2,500euros and I'm thinking twice! I'd be based in Cork.

Contrary to popular belief it is a difficult business to get established in and the only estate agents who made serious money in the boom times is the larger companies, If your thinking of starting out on your own think carefully and add up your expenses and take your current wages into account.

Its a great job if you can don't mind meeting and dealing with people but it can be very tiresome then when people expect you to find buyers and are amazed that you can't (not as bad now because people understand its a quiet time) Also expect people to go behind your back and do hours and hours of work for no reward. I have an other business which helps to support this business and my time is flexible.

Doing the course and getting the licence is the easy part its going out everyday and quoting jobs to tender and generating an income that's the hard part and expect to wait 2-4 months for your first commission.

In summary the course is worth it even if it is expensive (€2500 x 2)and no guarantees of a job after it but there's no easy business if your working for your self!

Best of luck

southseeker

thanks a mill for the replies. I'm glad that the course is very comprehensive. Unfortunately there is no tax relief through your paye either.
It does seem like a hard slog, and it's starting at the bottom for a few years is where i would feel the pinch!

CaraFawn

If you are a good sales guy, anything is possible.
Being good at sales is way more important than any training you might get.
You can get a PhD in estate, but if you are a bad sales guy, you will not last 6 months.

This is the kind of job where sales capabilities are more important than anything else.
Also definitely some sensitivity is important, being receptive at decoration, furnitures, design... will give you this extra thing that is gonna make a difference between the standard sales guy and a good estate sales guy.

HTH