Now is the time to launch your career in real estate
Careers
Why now is time to launch your career in real estate
Always wondered if you’ve got what it takes to work in real estate? Mid-winter blues making you feel stuck in a 9-5 rut with no light at the end of the tunnel? Consider this your wake-up call.
It’s a perfect time for a career pivot into real estate. The Hamilton market has rebounded better than any other urban centre in New Zealand and we’re seeing unprecedented mid-winter activity, with all signs pointing summer and beyond!
In as little as twelve weeks, you could be qualified and ready to list, perfectly timed for the spring flurry.
Why we need more real estate agents
It’d be fair to say we’ve been thin on the ground in the last few years, with the recession rocking us all. But, change is in the air. All signs are pointing to a significant upturn come spring and we need agents to hit the ground running.
Why are we so optimistic?
- May sales surpassed March sales, typically our biggest month of the year.
- Hamilton’s taken out the title of the fastest growing city for the second year in a row.
- Homeowners who’ve been sitting on their hands are back and getting braver by the month.
- There’s a steady uptick in enquiries from out-of-towners
- Hamilton’s employment opportunities are on the rise, fast.
What makes a good real estate agent?
It goes without saying that a good real estate agent loves property and people. They also know the value of the long game and nurturing relationships for years – sometimes decades and working across a wide spectrum of housing stock.
Other attributes of a great agent include:
- Excellent local knowledge
- Customer-centric
- Emotionally intelligent
- Self-motivated
Being self-motivated is particularly important because you’re your own boss, running your own business. While we provide plenty of tools to help you succeed, it’ll be your drive and determination that’ll be the deciding factor on whether you do.
How much does a real estate agent earn?
Like a top performing lawyer or doctor, the earning potential of a high performing real estate agent is significant. However, it doesn't happen quickly. Agents who perform at the top level put in years of hard work and long hours building up their client base.
At the other end of the spectrum, the first 6-12 months as a new agent can be tough. Those with an extensive network and relevant skills tend to hit the ground running faster than others, but most do take some time to build momentum.
However, once established, most agents comfortably earn a six-figure salary and still enjoy a favourable work/life balance.
The trick for new agents is having your expectations in check and pushing through that first year. The absence of a steady pay check can be unnerving at first, but the unlimited earning potential is also very motivating. It really is an industry where you reap what you sow.
Can I be a part-time real estate agent?
Being a real estate agent is no side hustle – it's a full-time job, regardless of where you are in your career and the number of listings you have.
While the job is more flexible than many others, the hours are far more variable. For instance, at Lodge our “required” agency tasks (caravanning, training, team meetings) are wrapped up by about 10am each day. But you’ll often have to be available to vendors and purchasers both inside and outside of normal work hours, and sometimes with little notice.
Of course, it’s likely you’ll be doing weekend open homes for some time. And as you’re self-employed you’ll need to factor in time to handle your bookkeeping, marketing and sales calls.
What qualification do I need and I can do the training online?
In order to apply for your Real Estate licence, you must gain a NZ Certificate in Real Estate (level 4). This is an online course with a final face-to-face final assessment that you can do through a few different providers. Most people take around six months to complete it, but it can be done in as few as three.
Once you receive your licence you can perform real estate work as a representative of an agency. You cannot “go out on your own”, so give us a shout! At Lodge we have an impressive track record of turning new agents into top performers and pride ourselves on our start up training and support.
Need more info?
Get in touch with one of our Branch Managers. They’ll be able to give you tailored answers to all your questions, whether you’re simply curious or already on your way to getting licenced. Don’t be shy!
