What is the best way to start your real estate career?
Category General News
A career in real estate opens the door to flexible hours, lucrative deals, exciting career opportunities, and the thrill of helping clients find their dream homes. But, what's the best way to put a strong foot forward? The answer is simple: join a real estate agency that can help you through the process from start to finish.
Across any Century 21 South Africa branch, you'll find they offer more than just a job but a comprehensive mentorship programme that shapes you into a confident and skilled property practitioner. Here's how your journey can play out when you choose the relentless team in gold and grey.
Milestone 1: getting to know the industry
If you've set your sights on becoming a real estate agent, it's good to understand what your path will look like. From key personality traits, qualifications required, exams you'll write, expenses, to choosing the right agency, there's a lot to consider.
- Be relentless: With branches across South Africa, you are welcome to pop by your local Century 21 office to discuss your career opportunities. Century 21 South Africa considers every property practitioner a vital member of the team and takes pleasure in guiding you through the process.
Milestone 2: registering with the PPRA
When you've made up your mind, look towards finding employment as an intern with a real estate agency. Your agency will help you register at the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) which was previously the Estate Agents Affairs Board (EAAB). This is an important step to getting a Fidelity Fund Certificate (FFC), a compulsory requirement for property practitioners to hold deposits on behalf of clients.
- Be relentless: In order to get your FFC, you'll find all Century 21 South Africa branches are registered and regularly take on fresh faces. Boasting some of the best property practitioners in the country, you'll also be part of a brand with a solid reputation. Expect ongoing training and support, competitive commission structures, a positive company culture, global networking, and the latest technology and marketing.
Milestone 3: completing your internship
With your FFC in hand, you can start your 12-month internship (maximum of 24 months) where you will be mentored by a registered and experienced property practitioner within your agency. You will also have to complete a logbook and workplace portfolio of evidence that displays a personal record of practical tasks done and experience you've gained during your time.
- Be relentless: This is a critical time of learning, so you'll find a perfect fit in a Century 21 South Africa branch. Across all, a culture of development and improvement is nurtured with a dedicated internship programme. You will also have access to workshops to put together a logbook and portfolio that ticks the PPRA boxes.
Milestone 4: securing your qualification
You will also need to complete a Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) in Real Estate (NQF Level 4) within the 24-month deadline. It's best to start this during the course of your internship and logbook creation to meet the deadline as the assessment and moderation of your certificate can take a minimum of 3-6 months.
- Be relentless: Your Century 21 South Africa branch will ensure you have the support needed to achieve your qualification. Century 21 University also offers the award-winning Create 21 programme to help you cultivate the skills and business planning necessary to realise success. Those who complete this programme show an increase in productivity and income of between 30-40%.
Milestone 5: writing your examination
The final part is to complete a four-hour Professional Designation Examination (PDE Level 4). This is an open-book exam scheduled quarterly throughout the country. Once you've passed, you will need to inform the PPRA that you have met the educational requirements to be upgraded to a full-status practitioner. This is done by a letter submitted by your principal with all the relevant proof attached.
- Be relentless: Your fellow fully qualified Century 21 South Africa practitioners have gone through the exam and can offer guidance. Depending on your chosen branch, you may be provided with start-up commission advances or draws against pending commissions to fund your exam and living expenses. Speak directly to your Principal to find out more.
Milestone 6: working on your professional development
Congratulations, you're now a full-status practitioner. However, the work doesn't end there. You will need to earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points that show you're abreast of ever-changing industry regulations relating to real estate, as well as new laws and acts.
- Be relentless: Century 21 University regularly shares details on roadshows and seminars presented by the PPRA where you can earn these points. Besides these CPD-accredited programmes, you can also sign up for Pro 21 and the Go 21 Coaching Programme to enhance your expertise.
Milestone 7 (for future principals): running your own business
Why stop there? You're SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™ and have what it takes to become a principal. To accomplish this, you'll need to complete your FETC in Real Estate (NQF Level 5) and pass your PDE Level 5 exam.
- Be relentless: Century 21 South also gives you access to the International Management Academy (IMA), an interactive, workshop-based course designed to give you the tools and know-how to build and maintain a world-class real estate office.
If you have the drive, there's no need to wait another moment to kick-start your career. Century 21 South Africa's branches are always on the lookout for those who want to make their impact felt in the industry. Visit your local office or complete this form to turn your passion for real estate into a thriving profession.
Author: Century 21 South Africa
