What is it like to work in Estate Agency?

Job Role

A Trainee Negotiator will need to answer phones and register applicants from day one.
Learning a new computer system and your local geographic location quickly is going to be crucial to your success.

Typically you will shadow an experience colleague to learn the basics in how to register an applicant and match to the list of properties available.

You will be required to call applicants registered to advise of suitable properties and close for viewing appointments.
You will liaise with your Vendor and applicant to arrange a mutually agreeable viewing time for both and in most instances arrange to meet applicant at the property to show them the property.

You will need to build relationships with applicants and vendors ensuring you provide high customer service at all times.

Location

Whilst typically candidates looking to enter the Industry would like to work locally, this is highly limiting your options and should consider areas within 30/45 minutes travelling time.

Given the nature of the role new areas are quickly learnt and your lack of knowledge rarely impacts on a company’s interest in you (except in Central London)

Working Hours

Estate Agents work long hours. Typically 8.30am to 6.30pm with a requirement in most cases to work later when needed eg an out of hours viewing could result in more commission. Additionally most companies require you to work every Saturday.

Prepare yourself for a 5.5 working week although there are still many operating a 5 day week (every Saturday with a day off in the week)

Car

This role requires you to drive and have your own car for business use. Once experience gained use of a company car or car allowance becomes a benefit of the role. With more experience and a good performance track record full use of a company car or high car allowance will normally be offered.

Salary

A trainee will be paid a basic salary plus commission for the business they produce. The average basic salary of a trainee negotiator ranges from £10,000-£14,000pa dependant on their previous work experience and sales skills. A typical trainee should expect to earn between £18,000 to £25,000pa in their first year. The benefit of this structure is that your earning is uncapped and if exceptional can earn even more (£35,000pa has been achieved by previous super stars in their first year!)

Personal Profile

You will need to be confident, ambitious, sociable and with a real drive and determination to succeed. This is a demanding job, with pressure to perform and targets to hit so will need enjoy a challenging, completive environment and possess the resilience to stay focused and positive.

Summary

A high rewarding career, providing opportunity to those who have good common sense, energy and a strong desire to be successful. Offers great opportunity for progression, job satisfaction, control over your earning potential and recognition both financially as well as with prizes for top performers. (trips to New York, Ski trips to Verbier and Driving experience days etc are just some of the prizes that have been given.