Real estate agents negotiate transactions for buyers and sellers. To become an agent trainee, one needs a degree related to real estate, sales or business, and experience in sales or customer service. Trainees fill out paperwork and use office equipment. Experienced individuals from related industries may also be recruited.
Real estate agents organize transactions involving real estate. Someone who wants to become a real estate agent trainee will typically have to have graduated from high school, and in some areas, employers prefer to hire graduates to fill these roles. In addition to hiring people with certain academic credentials, some real estate companies tend to hire people with previous sales or customer service experience. The term estate agent is commonly used in the UK and other Commonwealth nations. Elsewhere, people who perform these roles are often referred to as broker trainees or trainee brokers.
Few colleges offer degree programs that specifically prepare individuals to become real estate agents. However, someone who wants to become a real estate agent trainee must enroll in a degree program that is somehow connected to the real estate trade. Many interns complete higher education in topics such as finance, sales management or business administration. As real estate transactions involve contractual negotiations, some potential trainees complete a law course.
Experienced real estate agents represent the interests of the buyer or seller during a real estate transaction. These individuals try to negotiate the best possible deal for their clients, and in many cases agents receive part or all of their pay in the form of sales-based commissions. While trainees do not actively participate in the sales process, real estate companies try to hire people with the necessary skills to eventually move into permanent sales positions. Therefore, someone who wants to become a real estate agent trainee must gain some experience in sales; many interns start their careers working in retail stores, as they can hone their customer service and sales skills in that environment.
Since interns are not actively involved in the selling process, much of the intern’s time is spent filling out paperwork on behalf of a fully trained agent. Interns must prepare real estate contracts, send emails and letters to clients, and receive messages on behalf of agents. Therefore, someone who wants to become a real estate agent trainee must be familiar with the most used software applications and office equipment such as fax machines and communication systems. Some interns become familiar with office software and equipment while working in other office positions. In other cases, potential interns enroll in short courses at community colleges where students learn basic business skills.
While many real estate companies employ graduates or entry-level workers, some companies recruit experienced individuals who have worked in real estate-related industries. Therefore, someone who wants to become a realtor trainee can benefit from experience gained in a mortgage company or bank. Some companies also hire individuals who have previously worked as legal aids or as local court clerks, as these individuals have some familiarity with real estate contracts and transactions.
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