Estate agent
Estate agents are appointed by property owners to find purchasers or tenants for their property and then to facilitate negotiation and agreement of terms between their client and the purchaser or tenant.
Residential estate agents are involved with selling houses, flats and land and may also manage rental properties. Commercial estate agents deal with business properties such as offices, hotels, restaurants and shops. Rural estate agents specialise in land and rural businesses.
The typical activities of an estate agent working in the residential sales sector might include:
- Viewing properties, recording details and measurements and taking photographs.
- Undertaking valuations of properties.
- Marketing and advertising properties for sale.
- Showing potential buyers around properties.
- Providing advice to buyers and sellers about the process of buying and selling.
- Liaising with surveyors to arrange building surveys.
- Acting as negotiator for seller.
There are no formal entry requirements for the profession and employers will typically consider skills and experience over qualifications. People skills and sales skills are required and customer services experience can also be helpful.
A background in the following can assist with entry into the profession:
- Surveying.
- Business-related studies.
- Civil and structural engineering.
- Estate management.
- Property management or development.
Individuals generally begin as trainee sales or lettings negotiators, gaining experience and training from other employees. Careers will generally progress to the a more senior negotiator as more experience is gained. The next promotional level can be to branch manager which will involve managing a small area office, acting as a senior sales negotiator and as a mentor to junior staff. From branch manager, progression options can include self-employment or becoming a partner.
It is possible to complete professional qualifications through the National Federation of Property Professionals.
See also: Estate agent fees.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Bridging loan.
- Chancel repair liability.
- Code of practice for letting and managing agents.
- Conveyancing in Scotland.
- Conveyancing.
- Development manager.
- Estate agent fees.
- Freehold.
- Land Registry.
- Leasehold.
- Property chain.
- Property valuation.
- Real estate.
- Stamp duty land tax.
- TA6 Property Information Form.
- What is a valuer?
Featured articles and news
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.