New Year, New You? Unqualified Estate Agents, it's time for change!

Following on from yesterday’s post regarding qualifications and regulations, I felt the need to reach out to younger estate agents and those agents working in the industry who are currently unqualified.  

One thing I have noticed over the years is that there are many local estate agents registered with NAEA Propertymark. However, on closer inspection, many of these companies join only to gain membership status and only with one qualified team member, usually the Director. While it’s fantastic to have so many members of this trusted organisation at Director level, what about the rest of the team?

I have been shocked to discover that many of my industry colleagues have, apparently, never taken the time to ensure their teams are qualified. I am aware it is an expense, particularly if like me, you foot the bill for your team qualifications, memberships, exams and training. However, I personally feel having a fully qualified team, who I can trust to deal with our clients professionally, is worth every penny. The peace of mind alone is worth every penny.

That said, given NAEA membership can be applied for by anyone, once the exams are passed, I believe this is as much the responsibility of the individual. I don’t see why estate agents should be held back by some employers' lack of interest in the qualification of their teams.

If you’re an unqualified estate agent, ask yourself, why haven’t you taken it upon yourself to gain your estate agency qualifications? I can assure you that it’ll be a benefit to both your confidence and your career. When advertising a job role, while finding the right person is most important, I would certainly look more favourably on an applicant who was already a member of the NAEA. With this in mind I urge all non-qualified estate agents in our region and beyond to become members of the NAEA as soon as possible.

If you’re already working in the industry, discuss this with your employer first, it’s of as much benefit to them as it is you, but if you don’t get the support you were hoping for, go ahead and take it upon yourself. It’s hopefully going to become compulsory to be qualified shortly, so why not get a head start?

The regulation of Property Agents https://www.propertymark.co.uk/working-in-the-industry/regulation-of-property-agents/

Looking for inspiration? Our valuer, Lucy Burrows, was interviewed by Property Professional magazine this month about her qualification success. Read a little more about her here: https://wishartestateagents.co.uk/blog/spotlight-on-lucy-burrows-mnaea-residential-sales-valuer/26318