A real estate agent is a great career choice that can be accomplished either full-time or part-time. The thrill of matching a client to a perfect home is one that can only be found in real estate.
While any education in real estate is an advantage, becoming a realtor does not require real estate college knowledge. The most common duty of a realtor or real estate agent is to assist clients to sell, buy and lease properties.
The other duties of a realtor include;
- Analyzing the real estate market.
- Planning open houses programmes.
- Scheduling appointments of potential clients.
- Adjusting to the market trends.
- Listing properties on websites and marketing.
- Preparing documents like leases or sale offers.
- Constantly networking with other realtors.
- Estimating the value of properties.
In Kenya, there are certain guidelines and requirements for becoming a real estate agent. They include;
- MUST be a Kenyan citizen. The Kenyan government only grants the opportunity to become a realtor only to its citizens.
- MUST be of legal age, 18 years and above.
- The real estate agent must be operating under the real estate act cap 523 laws of Kenya. Realtors must understand some land laws and keep themselves updated on any changes exhibited.
- Application to Kenya’s Estates Agents Registration Board (EARB) is mandatory to have a valid practicing license.
- Some educational background is required. Any degree or diploma is acceptable.
- An experience of two years working under a real estate agent is required. The realtor will later give recommendations while getting a license from the EARB.
- Anyone who wants to become a realtor must stand in front of a board to receive a practicing license.
The EARB application costs about Ksh 1,000 and Ksh 15,000, which is a one-time payment, is paid to be admitted to the board. Registered real estate agents receive a unique identifier from the board.
However in order to succeed in the Real estate industry you must be equipped with the following skills;
Gain Practical Experience:
Consider working as an intern or assistant under an experienced real estate agent or agency. Practical experience will help you understand the day-to-day operations, client interactions, and negotiation techniques crucial for success.
Licensing and Certification
To practice as a real estate agent in Kenya, you need to be licensed by the Estate Agents Registration Board. Prepare for the licensing exam by studying the real estate laws, regulations, and market practices. Once licensed, you can legally represent buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants.
Develop Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key to building relationships and closing deals. Hone your verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey property information, negotiate terms, and address client concerns. Being a good listener is equally important to understand your clients’ needs and preferences.
Stay Updated with Market Trends
The real estate market is dynamic, with trends and regulations constantly changing. Stay informed about market trends, property values, and legal requirements. Regularly read real estate blogs, attend industry events, and participate in professional development courses to stay updated.
Build a Strong Network
Networking is essential in the real estate industry. Build a strong professional network by attending industry-related events, joining real estate associations, and connecting with other professionals. A robust network can provide referrals and open doors to new opportunities.
Utilize Online Presence
Create a professional website and maintain active social media profiles. Utilize search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to increase your online visibility. Potential clients often search for real estate agents online, so having a strong online presence can attract leads and inquiries.
Provide Exceptional Customer Service
Deliver outstanding customer service to your clients. Satisfied clients are more likely to refer you to others and provide positive testimonials. Building a reputation for excellent service can significantly contribute to your success as a real estate agent.
Joining a Real Estate Company
After all the requirements have been met including acquiring a practicing license, the next step is to be recruited by a real estate brokerage company. These companies hire realtors to sell and lease properties as well as find clients. They may however require new recruits to serve under one of their best agents. The real estate company has to be recognized as well as have a reputation in the real estate market.
Handling paperwork and creating documents is mostly handled by the new employees. New employees don’t necessarily receive a salary; rather, they receive a commission for a property they offload. This means that new employees earn based on their performance.
Most realtors are contented with this as the type of work to do, however, there are others that aim at starting their agency.
Creating A Real Estate Agency
Some realtors venture out on their own to start their real estate agencies. While it may be compared to any other business in that it requires hard work, dedication and discipline, it also requires the owners to go the extra mile to stay ahead of the competition. The venture involves clients trusting the company with their property and also expecting a profit in return.
A physical office is a great investment however for beginner agencies, the best way to go is online, which keeps costs down. Real estate agents do not require to own properties to sell them thus creating an opening for new agencies to search for clients and offer to sell their properties for them.
This involves looking for clients, there are several methods to find them, and listing their properties on platforms preferably the ones that have bigger audiences, for instance, Hauzisha which allows customers to search for properties in specific locations.
The method allows beginner agencies to monitor market trends and switch up their strategies accordingly.
Creating an agency is the easy part. Keeping up and maintaining the business to contend with the top real estate agents in the country is the hardest part.
Conclusion
Becoming a real estate agent in Kenya requires a combination of education, practical experience, networking, and continuous learning. By obtaining the necessary qualifications, developing essential skills, staying informed, and providing exceptional customer service, you can embark on a successful career in the thriving Kenyan real estate industry. Embrace the challenges, stay persistent, and your journey as a successful real estate agent in
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