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Estate agents must embrace ongoing training and development

Jun 10, 2019 10:00:00 AM Share this:

With the EAAB (Estate Agency Affairs Board) clamping down on agents trading in the real estate industry who have not renewed or ever applied for their Fidelity Fund Certificates (FFC), as well as disqualifying agents for noncompliance with their Continuing Professional Development, it is now more important than ever to insist on continuous training as an essential part of operating within this industry.

With the Estate Agency Affairs Board clamping down on rogue agents, it is now more important than ever to insist on continuous training as an essential part of operating in the real estate industry.

This is the word from Cornel Haskins, sales manager at property company SAProperty.com, who notes that the new Property Practitioners Bill was passed by the National Assembly on 4 December 2018 and has now been sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence, and this will change a) the governing body for the real estate industry and b) the way this industry is run - what is important is continued work at upskilling all agents.

There is too high a rate of interns dropping out of the sector because of the lack of training and mentoring, as they often find it daunting to complete either the NQF4 requirements or the log book that the EAAB requires, she says. “Having a good training provider and a company that mentors and supports as well as assists agents with their log books and NQF4, in order to complete and write the PDE exam, is vital.”

Haskins says many do not realise that agencies can partner up with attorneys, who could assist with some of the contractual training or guidance on completing the log book. “In this way, agents get the chance to ask all of their relevant questions, learn of current and changing issues, and can also become re-inspired to be a specialist in their field.”

To become an estate agent there are three major steps: 

- Completing a log book;

- Completing the NQF4 training; and

- Writing the Professional Designation Exam.

Keeping agents’ skills up to date and increasing interns’ knowledge of the industry is a necessity as the real estate sector is forever changing,” says Haskins. “Continuous training helps agents stay motivated and it provides better understanding of the happenings in the sector, as well creating an urge to provide a better service to the clients.”

Rogue agents have given the industry a bad reputation and it is up to the EAAB and estate agencies to employ and empower their agents to be better equipped in order to give the best service possible, she says.

How buyers and sellers can protect themselves

The public can, however, protect themselves and only use registered, qualified agents when buying or selling property, and the first thing to check is whether the agent they intend dealing with has a valid FFC.  All agents should have a Privyseal signature on their emails, websites or social media, which shows a real time validation of their FFC and status (whether principal, full agent, or intern) with the EAAB.

In addition, professional and qualified agents will be able provide references from previous clients if asked as well as a sales track record, to ascertain whether they have been successfully dealing in property and for how long. It is also advisable to check whether the agent specialises in a specific type of property and how long he or she has worked in this industry.

“Buying or selling a home demands a lot of trust in the person dealing with the transaction, as it is possibly the largest asset anyone will ever own,” says Haskins. “Ensure that you vet the agent you deal with properly and not just go to someone you know or a friend of a friend.”


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Topics: Harcourts South Africa, Real Estate Agents, Estate Agent, Estate agent training

The importance of estate agent training

Mar 23, 2018 5:55:53 PM Share this:

The real estate industry has undoubtedly undergone a drastic transformation in the past decade. The arrival and prominence of property portals, online classifieds and a large amount of new entrants to the market has not only provided the consumer with a plethora of choices but ensured that leading estate agencies have to continually evolve to stay abreast with service and client offerings.

There are an abundance of key industry changes that agents need to understand and master. Technology has played a major role in this shift, with agencies offering client logins on their websites which indicate to clients the status of their property, its marketing and interest. Similarly agents are having to enhance word of mouth referral strategies to include digital marketing platforms to reach new clients and stay in contact with current clients. South Africa's economic fluctuations don't do anybody any favours either and new legislative amendments occur often, forcing the agent to focus on keeping up to date with all the necessary information in order to assist the client in the best possible way.

At Harcourts training is an important path for our agents and it occurs on a continual basis. We have the Harcourts Academy that has training schedules for agents of all skill levels and this is done to perpetually equip agents with the highest level of insight into the industry. That is often forgotten when clients decide to sell their home privately. The agents knowledge, advice and understanding of markets remain a major contributor to the success of a property transaction.

It is of utmost importance that real estate agencies aim to develop the skills needed to build a highly successful career in real estate. Continually attending a range of dynamic courses and a tailored system of learning. Ensure your agents attend a reputable and leading training organisation.

Even the best tools and individual brilliance can be worthless without the correct focus. Recruit the best people and train them to be even better. This helps your culture of high achievement and success.

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Topics: Estate agent training