Central Coast Real estate agents have welcomed industry reforms for registered and licensed agents which came into effect in March 2020 as an opportunity to improve levels of professionalism and consumer confidence in the industry. 

The reforms prescribe new minimum qualifications of a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice or a Certificate IV in Property Services and continuous professional development to ensure industry participants have skills and knowledge appropriate for the demands of the market today. 

Principal of LJ Hooker Point Clare Grahaeme Haid has long advocated for agents to have recognised qualifications and has been guiding new entrants into the industry as a teacher at TAFE NSW Gosford since 2003.  

Mr Haid explains real estate is increasingly complex with major residential apartment developments such as the Bonython Tower and the proposed John Whiteway Drive development, new greenfield housing estates and in-fill developments across the region requiring professional property managers. 

He added residential development forecasts for the Central Coast assume the number of dwellings in Central Coast NSW will increase by an average of 1,909 dwellings per annum so demand for skilled property managers and real estate agents will be on-going.[1]

“Real estate agents are professionals with skills in market analysis, financial management and consumer behaviour and need a thorough understanding of the regulations and legal framework pertaining to buying, selling, leasing and managing property,” Mr Haid said. 

“TAFE NSW provides training in property appraisal, listing properties for purchase or lease as well as monitoring, negotiation and sales skills which build trust from consumers and investors,” he said. 

Richardson and Wrench, Umina Sales Executive Rachel Potter completed her Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate) at TAFE NSW Gosford in 2018 and said studying at TAFE NSW provided practical, job-ready skills and work experience needed for a successful career in real estate. 

Ms Potter said for the best options for a career in real estate it is important to cover all aspects of real estate and property services such as sales, property management, accounting and auctioneering practice  

“At TAFE NSW we did a lot of role plays which helped us understand and practice important skills such as interacting with clients and demonstrated the knowledge of important facets such as disclosure requirements, record keeping and tenancy and contract agreements,” she said. 

Under the reforms, all new entrants and existing holders of a Real Estate Certificate of Registration are issued a one-off Assistant Agent certificate and are required to complete a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice or a Certificate IV in Property Services within four years to remain in the industry. 

Ms Potter said the requirement to hold a qualification is beneficial for new entrants and consumers. 

“What I love about selling houses is meeting so many new people and to be able to help those people at such an important time in their lives, it’s really rewarding. 

“Qualifications and continuous professional development will build more confidence in agents and provide more opportunities for career progression,” she said. 

To find out more about studying in Real Estate and Property Services at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au  

Media contact: Andrew Woodcock, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0409 324 379.