Practical advice for every move.

Getting started in real estate

Every state and territory regulates entry into real estate differently. In most cases you need a registration certificate or assistant agent licence before you can work in sales or property management, followed by a full agent licence after a period of supervised experience. Check the requirements with the regulator in your state, and see the Settld. training directory for providers.

Sales or property management?

Sales roles are commission-weighted and reward resilience, prospecting discipline and negotiation. Property management is salaried, portfolio-based and rewards organisation, communication and legislative knowledge. Many strong agency principals have done both.

What to expect on pay

Sales roles typically combine a modest retainer with commission, so advertised ranges often show on-target earnings. Property management, administration, trust accounting and BDM roles are usually a straight salary plus superannuation, sometimes with a portfolio or new-business bonus. Always ask how commission splits, caps and clawbacks work before accepting an offer.

Preparing for interview

Bring numbers. Listings won or managed, portfolio size, arrears rates, average days on market, retention. Real estate hiring managers respond to evidence of activity and consistency far more than to general statements about being a people person.

Moving up

Progression usually runs from assistant to agent, then to senior agent, department head, and principal or licensee-in-charge. Each step requires more compliance responsibility, so keep your CPD current and document your track record as you go.