Moving into real estate from another profession: how it’s done!

Are you feeling fed up with your current job and looking for new opportunities to develop professionally? Are you interested in the real estate sector and can envisage embarking on a new career as a real estate agent? Then read on!

Sometimes you reach a point when you simply need to make a change. If you’re bored, unhappy or overly stressed in your job, it’s worth considering whether changing careers would help.

Lots of people find the real estate industry intriguing. If you’re one of them, this could be your first step to becoming a real estate agent. But how do you actually get started in the real estate industry? Which qualifications are expected and what training do you need to get started in your career?

First things first: becoming a real estate agent in Switzerland does not legally require any specific training, so the profession is ideal for those changing career. At Engel & Völkers, we train new employees in our very own academy, giving them the specialist knowledge they need to be successful. Nevertheless, certain qualifications are required:

Requirements for new real estate professionals

Although in principle anyone can work as a real estate agent, not everyone is equally suited to the profession. Only those who meet the following requirements are likely to make a success of their career in real estate:

A talent for sales: Could you sell a pen to someone who already has a whole load of them? Then you clearly have a great talent for sales and negotiation – one of the most important requirements in the real estate profession. 

• Social skills: You also need to be sensitive to people’s desires, dreams and concerns. Although you’re selling property, you’re invariably dealing with people who want to make their dream a reality.
  
  
  
• Local knowledge: Successful real estate agents know their sales area like the back of their hand. They know which neighbourhoods are popular, what the upsides and downsides of the local area are and the specific highlights of the location in question.
  
  
  
• Self-discipline and independence: As a real estate agent, you’ll have to structure your working day yourself. But this level of freedom requires a lot of self-discipline. Do you love organising your own schedule and are used to working independently? Then you already have one of the key requirements for success in the real estate industry.
  
  
  
• Passion for property: If you have the enthusiasm, negotiation skills and discipline, then a great career in the real estate sector may well be in your future.

Real estate agent tasks

To give you a better idea of ​​the kind of things you could be doing, we’ve set out the main tasks undertaken by real estate agents here.

Besides determining the sales value of a property, you primarily take on a supportive, advisory role for both the seller and the buyer. Your duties will also include administrative tasks: requesting a wide variety of documents, scheduling appointments and drawing up regular reports. However, your main task is marketing properties, arranging viewings and implementing contract negotiations.

How can I apply?

Engel & Völkers is always on the lookout for employees who are keen to achieve success in the real estate industry. If you meet the above requirements and are interested in a career as a real estate agent, there are two options:

1. Check our job portal for vacancies in your region.
2. If you can’t see any vacancies, you are welcome to send us a speculative application. Send your application to schweiz@engelvoelkers.com.
   
   

Submit your application today! We look forward to meeting you!