The new entry qualifications for estate agents effective from July 15 have created barriers to the profession and will in the long run further reduce the number of agents in SA, says Bill Rawson, Chairman of Rawson Properties. But, he adds in a media release, those agents who are daunted by the prospect of training and writing examinations and are planning to give up should not do so.
“It should be recognised that the new challenges are not that difficult and once met, will add greatly to the skills of agents. Agents must realise that there is no immediate cut-off point. If you fail to qualify now, you have until 2013 to try and try again.”
All new agents now entering the profession have to serve a one-year internship during which they have to be supervised by a qualified agent with at least three years experience. Thereafter, they have to undergo further update training each year. Those with tertiary qualifications and/or property experience can, under a “recognition of prior learning” arrangement apply for credits on this account.
Right now, said Rawson, no qualification is in place for principals. This means that currently only existing principals are allowed to run franchises or branches – but it is hoped that the matter will be put right soon.
“The new regulations place existing agencies with trained staff in a very strong position. They were, however, never meant to create a monopoly but simply to raise the standards in the property marketing sector. It may be that the these academic type qualifications provide only a partial solution, but at least they take cognisance of the fact that property selling requires a whole range of expert knowledge – and far too many agents have until now seriously lacked this.”
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