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How to Become a Real Estate Sales Agent: Australian Careers in Real Estate

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What is a Real Estate Sales Agent?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Real Estate Sales Agent?

A Real Estate Sales Agent helps buyers and sellers complete property transactions in Australia. They list homes and commercial spaces, conduct inspections, and guide clients through the buying or leasing process.

Agents act as go-betweens for buyers and sellers. They give advice on market conditions, help set prices, and negotiate sale terms. They also manage vendor marketing strategies, such as auctions and open house events.

Day-to-day, agents catalogue properties, arrange advertising, and manage client communications. They may also collect rent, monitor lease compliance, and help clients arrange finance or conveyancing services.

Real estate sales is a career with strong earning potential. Income often includes a base salary plus commission on completed sales. Agents who build a strong network and local market knowledge can grow into senior or agency principal roles.

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Career snapshots For Real Estate Sales Agents

Real estate is one of Australia’s most active industries. Around 24,900 people work as Real Estate Agents nationwide (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The workforce is roughly 64% male and 36% female. The median age is 43, and about 79% work full-time.

Full-time agents average 46 hours per week in their main job (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Median weekly earnings are $1,320, or around $68,640 per year. With commission, total earnings can be higher for agents with a strong sales record.

The outlook is positive. Future demand for Real Estate Agents is rated as strong, driven by ongoing property transactions and population growth (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Common career paths include moving into agency principal roles or specialising in commercial or property management.

What will I do?

Real Estate Sales Agents help buyers and sellers complete property transactions. They work as go-betweens, giving guidance on property values, sale terms, and the legal steps involved. Their work covers both residential and commercial properties.

  • Listing properties – Agents list properties for sale or lease and conduct inspections. They advise buyers on key features and sale terms.
  • Advising vendors – Agents advise sellers on marketing options such as auctions and open house events.
  • Cataloguing and advertising – Agents write up property details and arrange advertising to attract buyers and tenants.
  • Matching buyers with properties – They assess buyers’ needs and find suitable properties for their consideration.
  • Providing valuations – Agents give advice on property value and help structure the terms of settlement.
  • Managing rental payments – Agents collect rent from tenants and pass it to the owner on schedule.
  • Monitoring tenancy compliance – Agents address tenancy breaches and follow up on rental arrears when needed.
  • Running the agency – They help develop business plans, budgets, and policies for the agency.
  • Arranging additional services – Agents may help clients access finance, conveyancing, or maintenance services.

What skills do I need?

Real Estate Sales Agents need strong communication skills to explain property details clearly and negotiate with confidence. They must listen well and build trust quickly with clients.

Market knowledge is just as important. Agents need to understand local price trends, property types, and current supply and demand. This helps them give clients accurate advice.

Organisation and time management keep agents on top of multiple listings and client meetings at once. Good digital skills, including real estate software and online marketing tools, are also useful for modern agents.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong communication and negotiation skills
  • Customer service orientation
  • Knowledge of real estate laws and regulations
  • Ability to assess property values
  • Marketing and advertising skills
  • Networking and relationship-building abilities
  • Time management and organisational skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Self-motivation and resilience
  • Financial literacy
  • Understanding of local market trends
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Technology skills, including real estate software and listing platforms

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.