How long does it take to become a real estate broker?

2 August 2023

The Journey Begins: Deciding to Become a Real Estate Broker

Did you ever wake up and think, "Mate, one day, I'm going to be a real estate broker!"? Me neither. Seriously though, if you're considering this career path, there's a bit of a road ahead. There's education, experience, exams and more. Strap yourself in because we're about to go on a wild ride through the thrills and spills of becoming a real estate broker.

I know, I know… it might sound as thrilling as a kangaroo on a driveway at first. But bear with me. Stick around and you just might pick up few interesting tidbits, facts, and even a story or two from my own sometimes-absurd journey in the real estate world. Plus, my mum thinks I'm hilarious, so you never know. You might even crack a smile.

Finding the Path: Educational Qualifications

Let's tackle the big elephant in the room, education. To become a real estate broker, you're going to need some qualifications under your belt. Typically, it starts with a High School Diploma or equivalent, followed by a tertiary-level course in real estate or a related field. Is it a walk in the park? Not quite. This could take you anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending on the program, your motivation to complete the tasks, and your caffeine intake.

In Australia, the Real Estate Institute in each state offers a Real Estate Agent Licence Course. It's an extensive program designed to provide aspiring property hustlers like us with the essential knowledge to succeed in this field. Just remember, education tends to be the one thing that separates the truly successful broker from the one just barely hanging onto their hat in the wind.

Taking the Leap: Real Estate License

After you've ticked the education box, next up is getting the much-coveted real estate license. Now, we're not talking about a license to kill here. But trust me, sometimes negotiating the sale of a property can feel like it. Anyway, jokes aside, obtaining your license involves passing a state-administered exam. The contents can vary by state, so make sure you prepare for the one specific to yours.

Hearing the word 'exam' may bring back traumatic flashbacks of high school finals. Fear not, my friend. With ample study, preparation, and maybe a few sleepless nights, you'll be able to tackle it head-on. And don’t forget, the thrill of success afterwards is second to none!

Building Experience: Apprenticeship and Networking

You survived the exam. Nice one! Now, it's time to dive into the shark tank (just kidding, mostly) and immerse yourself in real-world, practical experience. In most states, before you can become a broker, you need to clock in at least two years of real estate salesperson experience.

During this period, networking and building relationships is as vital as racking up sales. Trust me, in real estate, it's all about the relationships you build. I once closed a deal just because I shared an affection for a particular footy team with a client. True story!

The Giant Leap: Broker License

By this stage, you've racked up the required experience and are ready to make the significant leap to becoming a full-fledged broker. This will involve another state examination, proving you have the chops to fly solo.

Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it sounds. In fact, if I can do it with my absurd sleep schedule and caffeine dependency, you surely can.

Finding Your Niche: Specializing in Real Estate

Now that you're fully licensed, the world is your oyster. But here's a crucial piece of advice. Find yourself a niche. It could be commercial real estate, residential sales, rural lands, or even luxurious waterfront properties.

Specialising will give you a powerful brand, knowledge in a specific area and solidify your expertise. And remember, the industry is constantly changing and evolving. Staying up-to-date with trends, market conditions and consumer behaviour is absolutely necessary to win the real estate game.

Joy of Success: The Road to Mastery

There isn't an endpoint to becoming a 'real' real estate broker. Keeping up with market trends, continually networking, and refining your skills is the road to success.

Don’t forget to enjoy and savour each victory, regardless of how small they may seem. You earned them. Through all the cramming, stumbling, fumbling, dreaded exams, and your first nerve-wracking sale, you’ve made it! Of course, there’s still much to learn but remember, you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, leaping over hurdles and enjoying each jaw-dropping moment in this exhilarating real estate journey.

Beyond Real Estate: Personal Growth and Entrepreneurship

It's more than just about selling property, it's about personal growth, about honing your entrepreneurial skills, building relationships, and shaping communities. The road may be long, humanly challenging (not entirely unlike wrestling a crocodile, I might add) , but the sheer satisfaction of sealing a contract, serving the community and contributing to the country’s economic growth makes it all worthwhile.

In this line of work, it's all about carrying on even when the chips are down. That's what makes you a 'real' real estate broker. It's about understanding that the journey from signing up to selling is as much about you as it is about the properties you sell. And I reckon, that's what it's all about, mate!