ADD ADVICE TO FAVEstate agent
Estate agents arrange the sale and purchase of land and property.
What estate agents do
- acquire property of all types
- collect information about a property and talk to vendors about a property’s special features
- sell property to buyers on behalf of clients
- dispose of property deemed surplus to clients’ requirements
- sell property by private treaty, auction or tender
- let and sublet commercial and residential property on behalf of clients
- acquire office space or storage space for government departments.
Key skills
- commercial awareness and a good feel for the property market
- confidence and an outgoing personality
- knowledge of property values, law and financing
- negotiation
- written and verbal communication skills
- teamwork skills.
Training to be an estate agent
This kind of work is open to all graduates, and some of the larger estate agencies offer places for graduate trainees. A business or property-related degree may help, however. Training is usually in house and it is possible to gain an NVQ in estate-agency work.
Salaries
The average graduate starting salary is £14,000 to £20,000. With time, particularly if you are good at selling, salaries can rise to £50,000.
