Everything you need to know to start a successful career in Real Estate YOUR FREE E-BOOK lets you know: How to move into an amazing career in real estate How to become a real estate agent in queensland: Everything you need to know Everything you need to know about a career in property management Independent vs Franchise Agencies - Who should you choose to work for? 6 tips for surviving your first year in real estate

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2. How to move into an amazing Career in Real Estate
So you’ve made the decision to start a career in Real Estate, good on you. Whether you have been
out of the workforce for some time or simply looking for a career change, Real Estate is an exciting
industry and one that you have unlimited opportunities for great job prospects and earning capacity.
But what’s next?
We share 4 simple tips to consider on your path into a successful Real Estate career.
What role do I want in Real Estate?
This is an important question. There are many careers within the real estate industry, including:
 Real Estate salesperson
 Property Manager
 Resident Letting Agent
 Corporate Support Administration
 Buyers or Sellers Agent
 Sales Manager
 Auctioneer
 Property Valuer
 Research Analyst
 Property Developer
 Business Development Manager
 Real Estate Writer/Photographer
 Real Estate Marketing Executive
Consider your current skills and capabilities which align with the various roles available and do some
research on what jobs are out there. Remember, starting at an entry level allows you to learn more
about the industry and gives you all-round experience, and allows you to choose which area you’d
like to focus on once you’re in the job.
Do I need to undertake a Real Estate Course
To work within the Real Estate Industry most agencies require you to undertake the minimal
qualification - this is a Real Estate Registration Certificate Course. If you are wanting to become a
Real Estate Agent, Resident Letting Agent or Auctioneer you are required by the Office of Fair
Trading (OFT) Queensland to obtain the necessary qualification as part of your application for a
Registration Certificate or Licence to work in this capacity.
So the simple answer is yes.
If you are wanting to become a Real Estate Agent you must undertake the minimum qualification.
We often see people undertake a Real Estate Agent License Course instead of a Registration
Certificate Course to gain a competitive edge over their peers.
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3. The Office of Fair Trading requires you to have a minimum certification to work in Real Estate. In
your Real Estate Registration Certificate Course you will learn about:
 Your rights and responsibilities as a real estate agent
 How to sell a property correctly
 Understanding zoning laws and regulations
 The importance of continuing education
 Consumer advocacy so you can represent your clients professionally and ethically.
How do I select a training provider
Ensure you get training from a licensed Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like Validum Institute
who is a provider of quality-assured and nationally recognised training and qualifications.
Do you want to study in a face to face classroom style or online, or perhaps you want the flexibility
to do both? Validum Institute offers a blended approach to suit all your learning needs. With an
interactive online learner portal combined with personal one-on-one trainer and assessor support,
you will be sure to find Validum Institute the best training provider for your qualification.
At Validum Institute we offer up to 6 months to complete your Registration Certificate Course. This
means you have the flexibility to complete your course at your own pace in your own time.
Validum Institute also offers multiple attempts at assessments ensuring your course success.
What are my job prospects like?
The truthful answer is if you’ve gone to the trouble to get Certified and study in an area you are
obviously passionate about, they’re really good.
A lot depends on where you’re practicing, what the market is like in your area, and your own
personal attributes. Strong salespeople can expect to make six figures and up per year.
Research companies you’d like to work for and join professional groups. Get onto LinkedIn and
create your professional profile and join Real Estate Groups – it’s free. It will also help you keep up
to date with industry trends and you can follow industry movers and shakers. You never know, you
just may end up working for them one day!
START YOUR REAL ESTATE QUALIFICATION TODAY

4. How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Queensland:
Everything You Need to Know
Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start, we’ll explain every step you need to take in order to
become a real estate agent in Queensland!
Step 1: Check that You’re Eligible to Become an Agent with the OFT
To become a real estate agent, property manager or agency administrator in Queensland the first
thing you need to do is obtain your Real Estate Salesperson Registration Certificate.
Most people will have no problems getting their Registration Certificate. However, there are a few
personal circumstances that can stand between you and a successful application (age at time of
application, criminal history, and insolvency history).
It doesn’t make sense to train without ensuring you’re eligible for the licence, so it’s a good idea to
check the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) Queensland requirements first.
Step 2: Study for Your Statement of Attainment
Your Registration Certificate application with the OFT will require that you have studied for and
achieved a Statement of Attainment for Units of Competency with a Registered Training Provider
(RTO), such as Validum Institute, for a Real Estate Registration Certificate Course.
To obtain your Statement of Attainment you must pass the core 7 units of competency required by
the Office of Fair Trading.
These units include:
 CPPDSM4008A – Identify legal and ethical requirements of property sales to complete agency
work
 CPPDSM4009B – Interpret legislation to complete agency work
 CPPDSM4010A – Lease property
 CPPDSM4012A – List property for sale
 CPPDSM4015B – Minimise agency and consumer risk
 CPPDSM4022A – Sell and finalise the sale of property by private treaty
 CPPDSM4080A – Work in the real estate industry
Upon completion of your course you will be issued with a Statement of Attainment for the above
Units of Competency.
When you study with Validum, we help ensure you’ll get through these units by:
 Clustering them into 4 items of assessment
 Allow you 6 months to complete the course
 Blended approach to training with free on-one-one trainer assessor support
 Making all assessments open book, and including both theory and practical questions
 Allowing up to 3 attempts to complete your assessments with NO exams
 Employing experienced real estate professionals to train you
 Offer an interactive state of the art online learning platform
 A dedicated student lounge to study with free Wi-Fi and parking
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5. Step 3: Apply for Your Registration Certificate
Once you pass all your units, you’ll be issued with a Statement of Attainment. The next step in the
process is to use this Statement of Attainment in your application for your Registration Certificate
through the Office of Fair Trading Queensland (OFT).
Fortunately, the application paper work is only a few pages. There are Registration Certificate
application costs involved, however, and as at 9 December 2016 these include:
 An application fee and registration issue fee of $312.10 for 1 year or $530.30 for 3 years
 A criminal history check ($38.80)
A Registration Certificate will allow you to work for a real estate agency under a licensee or real
estate principal. Obtaining your Registration Certificate is the first big achievement on your path to a
successful real estate career!
Step 4: Find Your Agency
Now you’re certified, you need to find a job! The good news for those seeking a career within real
estate is that, according to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook data, real estate is an industry
full of opportunity for both beginners and experienced agents:
 Job openings for real estate sales agents are expected to be above average until at least
November 2019.
 Employment for real estate agents rose moderately in the last five years and strongly in the
last ten years. Strong industry growth is expected until at least 2020.
 There is an above average number of full-time jobs in the real estate industry.
 The unemployment for real estate agents is below average when compared to other jobs.
Step 5: Upskill
With a taste for the industry and a little experience behind you, it won’t be long before you’re
discovering which parts of the job you excel at, and where you might like to go next.
At Validum Institute, we offer training not just to newcomers, but also to experienced agents who
are looking to level up their industry skills, or perhaps even start their own business.
We can provide you with the training necessary to apply to be certified to:
 Manage residential and holiday resort complexes, apartment complexes, developments of
townhouses or villas and tourist facilities with our Resident Letting Agent Licence Course.
 Own & manage a real state agency, act as a principle licensee, and work as an independent
contractor with our Real Estate Agent Licence Course.
We can also help you achieve an educational advantage over other candidates with our CPP40307
Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate) Course – one of the highest VET qualifications in real
estate available in Queensland.
Whether you’re a real estate beginner and are enthusiastic about kick-starting your new career, or
you’re an experienced agent who wants to take their skillset to the next level, Validum Institute can
train you!
One of the most exciting aspects of the real estate industry is the huge opportunity for career
progression – you never stop learning, and we’re here to help you make your education count
towards a brighter professional future!
BLENDED LEARNING - ONLINE AND FREE PERSONALISED TRAINER SUPPORT

6. Sales not for you? Everything you need to know
about a career in Property Management
Once referred to as the job you have before you step up into a Real Estate sales role, Property
Management is now seen as a fantastic career option in its own right.
What does a Property Manager do?
Property Managers are responsible for leasing and managing the residential, commercial, industrial
and retail property on behalf of property owners. They also do the following:
 Listen well
 Provide excellent customer service
 Interview prospective tenants, does reference checks and selects the best tenant for the
owner
 Collect rent
 Arrange repairs
 Market the property
 Negotiate leases and rent reviews
 Advise owners on market rents
 Represent the property owner at tribunal hearings
What skills and training do I need to become a Property Manager?
The professional Property Manager needs excellent communication and people skills, knowledge of
all relevant legislation, including building maintenance and town planning, and an understanding of
how economic conditions affect the property market.
You will receive on the job training in your role, however given the above requirements, in
Queensland, you will need to complete a Real Estate Registration Certificate.
There are additional Property Management Courses available that will keep you up-to-date after
you’ve received your Registration Certificate.
Consider this…
It takes a special type of person to be a professional Property Manager. Your role will be demanding,
and you could be expected to work long hours when it’s needed. You will work Saturday’s and be on
call to your tenants after hours.
Your job is to represent owners and their property investments, and you also want a great working
relationship with your tenants. It’s often a juggling act, so an enthusiastic, honest approach to your
work will ensure you manage the daily stresses.
What job options are there for a Property Manager?
Increasingly, agencies are valuing the importance of having someone who is well versed and
educated – not just in Property Management tasks, but in the management of a profitable and well-
run Property Management business. Someone who can demonstrate high-level leadership skills and
good people management.
Large companies often employ Property Managers to look after the housing needs of their
employees. Businesses that have multiple sites employ property managers to look after their retail
outlets. You can even work in shopping centres, where you manage retail tenants and the property.
START YOUR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATION TODAY

7. Your job checklist?
You’ve chosen Property Management as your career, so now it’s important to find a job where you
can demonstrate your abilities and really succeed.
Do your homework online, check out your prospective employer’s business on social media and see
what people have to say about them.
When researching or interviewing for potential roles, make sure you ask the following questions:
 How large their rental portfolio is, how many people work in the PM division?
 Why are they recruiting?
 Ask the average amount of time a PM stays in the role
 Is there a dedicated mentor to help you on the job?
 What systems do they use?
 Do they plan to offer you any ongoing training for you?
 What type of office culture do they have? You want a place that is supportive and inclusive
and genuinely wants you to succeed
If you are prepared to put in the hard work, you will enjoy a rewarding career in Property
Management. It will provide you with excellent long term job opportunities and if you are good, no
– great at your job, the jobs (and rewards) will find you!
CALL US ON (07) 3193 5270

8. Independent vs Franchise Agencies – Who Should You
Choose To Work For?
When entering the real estate industry, it can be difficult deciding which agency is the best fit for
you. Many questions come up during this time, the most common being- should I choose an
independent or franchise agency to work for? To help with your decision, we weigh up their pros
and cons and what you should know about both types of agencies.
What You Should Know About The Independent Real Estate Agency
An independent agency is a single office owned and managed by a licensee who, alongside their
team, offers all real estate services or specialises in either sales or property management.
There are many reasons why real estate professionals choose an independent agency over a
franchise agency. To begin with, since an independent is not governed by a franchise policy, you
have more flexibility when it comes to branding, marketing, pricing and service standards. This also
means an independent may be quicker to adopt new ideas, technology, and tools, giving you more
autonomy and room for creativity. As well, unlike the regulated franchise agency, an independent
can easily appeal to a niche market by delivering unique pricing or customer service strategies,
which gives you the ability to differentiate and win more business. Other reasons many opt to work
at an independent are because they’re usually smaller in size, more in tune with the local market,
deliver a personalised service, and provide a greater sense of belonging.
However, there are many reasons why real estate professionals choose not to go with an
independent real estate agency. To start with, an independent usually has less brand recognition
than their franchise competitors. This means you do not have the luxury of winning business simply
through using the brand’s reputation, presence or buying power. As well, some independents can be
slow to grow as they may have limited resources which could, as a result, hinder your career
progression. Due to their smaller size, an independent usually does not have specialist divisions,
such as administration, marketing or training departments. Such departments can help you with
upskilling and having more available time to dedicate to sourcing clients which can increase your
ability to achieve your desired results.
When it comes to deciding if an independent agency is right for you, keep in mind that all
independents are different. Some have established reputations and some are start-ups, some focus
on community and others focus on marketing, some are forward-thinking whilst others are inflexible
and lack resources. As such, it’s important that you do your research on each independent agency to
determine which one best suits you.
What You Should Know About The Franchise Real Estate Agency
In contrast, a franchise real estate agency is when one party (the franchisor) grants another party
(the franchisee) the right to use its trademark, tradename, systems and processes to market and
deliver real estate sales and property management services.
There are many reasons why real estate professionals choose a franchise agency over an
independent agency. For starters, a franchise agency has a larger referral network to help source
homes, buyers, sellers and renters, which gives you greater potential to win business due to this
extra support. Another reason many opt for a franchise agency is because they have a brand behind
them. This high level of brand recognition can help you form instant trust with prospects and win
more business. What’s more, a franchise agency usually has greater buying power for marketing and
advertising. This means that their website, collateral, signage and other forms of promotion are
more visible in the market area. Most franchise groups also put more focus on internal recognition
and awards to help keep the group on track and motivated. As a result, many franchise groups offer
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9. ongoing training programs and access to mentors to give you the best chance at achieving results
and winning awards.
However, there are many reasons why real estate professionals choose not to go with a franchise
real estate agency. To begin with, a franchise agency has less flexibility when it comes to branding,
marketing, pricing and service standards, which can limit your autonomy and creativity. As well, if
the franchise agency belongs to a brand that is considered weak in the market area, it can hinder
your chances of winning business. Joining a franchise agency also means abiding by strict policies,
procedures and territory restrictions, which may impact on your ability to perform and grow your
career.
When it comes to deciding if a franchise agency is right for you, keep in mind that all franchise
groups, and standalone franchise agencies for that matter, are different. Some groups have larger
budgets, some have greater brand recognition, some focus on training and others focus on
technology, some are fast-moving whilst others are slow to change. As such, it’s important that you
do your research on each franchise group to determine which one best suits you.
Independent vs Franchise – Which wins?
As you can see, there are many pros and cons to consider when it comes to choosing between an
independent and franchise agency. It should be noted that online real estate tools and apps, such as
Buzz Sumo, Beacon, Canva, and Coschedule, are now giving independents greater access to
resources and levelling the playing field. But, when it comes to choosing the best fit for you, it still
pays to do your research. A good place to start is by reviewing agencies’ websites and chatting with
industry colleagues about their experiences so you get a greater understanding of individual
agencies. When doing your research consider the cultural-fit for yourself and whether
the agency’s values and ethics are aligned to yours. If, perhaps, you feel you want to be creative in
your role or would like mentoring first and foremost, then select an agency that matches that,
whether independent or franchise. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of brand recognition or long-
time local agency. Whether independent or franchise, you should opt for the agency that is
progressive, aligned with local markets, has a great reputation as a standalone office, and suits you
and your career goals.
EASY TO USE ONLINE LEARN PORTAL

10. 6 Tips for Surviving Your First Year in Real Estate
Starting your new career in real estate might seem like a daunting challenge, but it doesn’t have to
be. With such a rewarding career ahead of you, all it takes is a few extra steps to ensure you not just
survive but thrive, as a real estate professional. Here are six tips for how you can get the most out of
your first year in real estate.
1. Prepare an Ideal Week
When it comes to working in real estate, effective time management is the most important element
contributing to your success. Whether you are a sales agent, property manager or administrator, you
will be required to plan, prioritise and complete many daily tasks, on top of answering never-ending
phone calls and emails. The best way to manage your time is by preparing what’s called an ‘Ideal
Week’. An Ideal Week is a document which identifies tasks and prioritises them in an efficient daily
order. This is how you can maximise your productivity and minimise your stress, which both go a
long way in helping you succeed.
2. Build a support network
Having a support network is essential if you want to survive your first year in real estate. Whether
it’s through real estate conferences, seminars, and workshops, or connecting with colleagues on
LinkedIn or Validum student alumni, these networking opportunities all help build your team of
advisors. Forming valuable industry connections with colleagues from all roles and levels is a great
way to fill the knowledge and experience gaps you will undoubtedly have when starting your career.
3. Find a mentor
Whilst it’s important to build a support network, finding a mentor is how you can take your career to
the next level. Attending networking events and connecting with colleagues online are the best ways
to find a mentor that’s right for you. A mentor boosts your career, helps you set goals, and holds you
accountable. You should look for someone who asks challenging questions, provides constructive
criticism, offers useful resources, and willingly shares their expertise. As the most valuable part of
your support network, finding a mentor is how you can take your career from good to great in your
first year.
4. Know your marketplace
Once you get started in real estate, you’ll soon discover that knowing your marketplace is the key to
succeeding. Since real estate is about living and breathing your market area, you should allocate
time in your Ideal Week to stepping outside your office and into your community. Getting to know
the best places to wine, dine, shop and play, is just as critical as knowing your area’s latest property
data. Conducting this weekly research not only helps you become a market area specialist but
ensures you feel more at home in the community you now represent.
5. Continue to upskill
Once you gain your real estate sale certificate and start your new career, your training should not
stop there. As you apply what you’ve studied, you’ll naturally find areas where you excel, where you
lack, and where you’re interested in learning more. Surviving your first year, therefore, requires
commitment to ongoing training. Upskilling and fine-tuning your existing skills can be done online
through institutions like Validum – why not upgrade from your Sales Certificate to your full Real
Estate Agent Licence? This is how ongoing training can be part of your Ideal Week to ensure you
remain at the top of your game in your first year.
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11. 6. Learn about property investment
Whilst understanding real estate is essential, agents often overlook the hidden value of learning
about property investment. From the moment you start, you will be making important decisions
about your clients’ investments and financial security, so it’s critical you understand their needs and
how best to fulfil them. As a result, taking a property investment course can not only help you better
understand your clients but help you perform better in your new role and stand out from other
candidates.
Your first year in real estate might seem challenging, but these six tips will help you not just survive
but thrive. A career in this industry can be truly rewarding if you simply take a few extra steps to
help you get started.
Wanting to know more about starting a career in Real Estate?
Call Validum Institute TODAY on (07) 3193 5270 for a
FREE Consultation to answer all your needs with
an industry experienced Course Trainer and Assessor.
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