Estate agent
Help people sell property and find new homes.
About the job
What it's like
Ever watched one of those television shows where glamorous estate agents sell dream homes in the sun? Well, you could build a similar career right here in Scotland!
As an estate agent, you'll market and sell properties. You'll help buyers and sellers negotiate – using your knowledge of the local property market to get the best price for the seller.
Estate agents advise clients on the buying and selling process. You'll likely handle several properties at once, so you'll deal with lots of different people. The role comes with deadlines and you'll sometimes work under pressure to reach sales targets.
A large part of your role will involve residential sales. Although, in some estate agencies, you'll deal with commercial property and auctions. You could also manage rented properties for owners and collect rent.
Your tasks might include:
taking photos and measurements of a property
valuing properties so you can set a price
marketing and advertising properties, in a variety of ways, to attract buyers
showing potential buyers around a property that's up for sale
pulling together home reports, surveys and energy assessments
negotiating a price that's acceptable to the buyer and seller
arranging conveyancing – the legal sale and purchase documents
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Propertymark – learn about the property sector's professional body
YouTube video – spend a day in the life of Kris, an estate agent based in West Lothian
Like the sound of this career?
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Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- negotiating
- time management
- developing a plan
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
- networking
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Business
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Business Management
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Skills for Work: Retailing
There are a few ways you can enter a career as an estate agent.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Real Estate Management
Surveying
Business Management
Marketing
Finance or Economics
Construction Management
Building Surveying
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Real Estate Management
Business
Construction Management or Built Environment
Surveying
Legal Services
Trainee roles
You can become an estate agent by applying for a paid trainee role, where you'll learn on the job without needing previous experience. For example, you could start off as a trainee sales negotiator or letting agent assistant.
Use the My World of Work job search to look for trainee roles.
A driving licence is useful – it'll help you attend property viewings and valuations.
Experience in customer service or sales will give you an advantage over other applicants.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Estate agent'
