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Engel & Völkers
  • 5 min read

Training as a real estate agent - what awaits you!

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Training as a real estate agent is a multifaceted challenge. Real estate agents have to deal with a wide range of tasks related to the real estate industry and real estate management.

Managing real estate, properties, houses and flats and renting, leasing or selling them are central tasks in the everyday life of a real estate agent. At the same time, real estate agents also maintain contact with employees and craftsmen from renovation and construction companies. The preparation of operating cost statements, damage reports and the planning of construction projects, including real estate financing, are part of the duties of a real estate agent.

Real estate agents work both in the office at the computer and in the field, at the various building properties and real estate they look after and manage.

Table of Content

  1. 1. Real estate agents mainly work in the following institutions:

  2. 2. How long does it take to train as a real estate agent?

  3. 3. These are the skills you will need to become a real estate agent

  4. 4. What makes training to become a real estate agent so exciting?

  5. 5. What are the contents of the training as a real estate agent?

  6. 6. What happens after training as a real estate agent?

1. Real estate agents mainly work in the following institutions:

  • with estate agents or property managers

  • with housing construction companies/associations

  • with companies in the facility management sector

  • in the real estate departments of insurance companies and banks

2. How long does it take to train as a real estate agent?

Training as a real estate agent is a state-recognised, dual training in the field of industry and commerce and lasts 3 years. Subjects taught at vocational school include real estate management, accounting, business administration and politics. At the end of the vocational training to become a real estate agent, the accumulated industry knowledge gathered during the training period is tested in a final examination.

Training as a real estate agent usually takes 3 years. In the case of particularly good performance, the training period can be shortened, upon application, by half a year.

The training takes place both in a real estate company and at the vocational school. Towards the end of the training, the trainee can decide on a specialisation in the real estate sector. At the end of the training, the trainee takes an examination to become a certified real estate agent at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

3. These are the skills you will need to become a real estate agent

Training as a real estate agent requires well-developed people skills. A friendly, confident manner and a well-groomed appearance are just as important for the training as organisational skills and stamina. A very good way of expressing oneself is required both in direct conversation and in contact with customers by phone or email. At the same time, negotiating skills and a commercial mindset are indispensable for the real estate sector. Mathematics & economics are the main aspects of training to become a real estate agent. Since real estate agents also have to be familiar with building regulations, a basic understanding of the legal framework surrounding real estate is mandatory. In summary, this means that for the training "real estate agent" you should ideally:

  • are communicative and friendly

  • demonstrate a commercial mindset

  • are an organisational talent with vision

  • have negotiating skills

  • are able to express themselves very well orally and in writing

  • have an interest in and understanding of real estate, mathematics, economics and legal principles

  • work carefully and conscientiously

4. What makes training to become a real estate agent so exciting?

The versatility of the range of tasks and the various possible applications make training as a real estate agent a popular and sought-after occupation. By combining office work with fieldwork in real estate and contact with different people, you will always be faced with new challenges during your training as a real estate agent that needs to be mastered. The training offers many potential opportunities for further development such as further studies in real estate management (university entrance qualification required) or specialisation in a subject-specific area in the real estate sector of your choice. After one year of professional experience, there is also the possibility of further training to become a real estate specialist.

Have we piqued your interest? Then apply now for training as a real estate agent for the next training year at Engel & Völkers!

5. What are the contents of the training as a real estate agent?

The contents of the training are based on the official framework curriculum. You can find more information on this on the website of the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

What you as a trainee will be taught by the real estate company depends on the one hand on whether you want to concentrate on a certain area in real estate, and on the other hand on which values and focal points are of great importance to the company. With an apprenticeship at Engel & Völkers, you will cover the most important basic topics in real estate and have every opportunity to make your favoured focus your foundation for success later on.

6. What happens after training as a real estate agent?

After completing your training as a real estate agent at Engel & Völkers, you will have a wide variety of options for your entry into the real estate business. In any case, you will learn enough extensive real estate knowledge during your training to be able to operate successfully in the real estate market. We would be happy to support you in your decision-making process and are always available to answer your questions!

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Engel & Völkers Germany

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20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310