Buying or selling a home can feel like a big, confusing puzzle. Every step can be stressful and full of questions. The property market moves fast and it is easy to feel lost. But who makes the whole process less scary? An estate agent. They are the expert, the helper and the guide who make property deals simple. Now the question is, what does the estate agent do?
First, they check the right price for a property. Then, they advertise it, show it to buyers, handle offers, and sort out all the paperwork. This way, buying, selling, or renting a home becomes much easier. Estate agents handle every aspect of selling or renting a home. To do this job well, they need the right qualifications. At the beginning, beginners usually earn between £14,000 and £25,000. With more experience, their pay can reach £60,000 or more. The good thing is that you don’t need any experience to start a career as an estate agent in the UK. This makes it an exciting and achievable job for many people.
Let’s dive in and explore what does an estate agent do and what do you need to be a real estate agent.
What’s an Estate Agent?
Managing property deals can feel complicated and stressful. That’s where an estate agent proves their worth. They are trained people who help you buy, sell, rent, or manage homes. Simply, they are the experts who make property deals easy and clear.
Estate agents are different from letting agents and real estate agents. Letting agents mostly work with rental homes. Real estate agent is a word used more often outside the UK. Estate agents help buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants. They check the price of a home, advertise it, show it to buyers, handle offers and sort all the paperwork. This way, everything stays clear and no one gets confused.
What Does the Estate Agent Do Day-to-Day?
Here’s what they do every day:
- Set the right price for a home: They check local property sales and market trends to make sure the price is fair.
- Give advice to prepare the home: Suggest small changes, cleaning, or staging to sell the home faster.
- Market the property: Take clear photos, make floor plans, and list homes on sites like Rightmove and Zoopla.
- Show homes to buyers: Arrange viewings and explain the key points about the property.
- Handle offers and negotiate: Act as the go-between to get the best deal for the seller or buyer.
- Keep track of progress: Follow up on mortgages, contact solicitors, and manage the paperwork.
- Help buyers find homes: Shortlist properties that match their needs and budget.
- Assist with paperwork: Ensure all contracts and legal forms are accurate.
- Support the whole process: Being an estate agent means guiding clients from start to finish to make buying, selling, or renting easier.
How Do Estate Agents Help With Marketing Properties?
Marketing a property is one of the most important parts of selling it. First, estate agents make homes look appealing to buyers. For example, they take clear photos and create simple floor plans. Next, they write descriptions that show the property’s best features. Then, they put it on popular sites like Rightmove and Zoopla. They also use local ads, arrange open houses, and handle Energy Performance Certificates to make sure everything is ready for sale.
Different agents use different ways to attract buyers. High street agents use local knowledge and personal contacts. Online agents focus on websites and often charge lower fees. This way, good marketing brings more buyers, creates competition and can help get a higher price. Being an estate agent means using all these methods together to sell the property fast and for the best value.
How Do Estate Agents Handle Viewings and Negotiations?
Estate agents make property viewings easy and stress-free. First, they set up appointments and show homes to buyers. While walking through the property, they point out important features and answer any questions. This helps buyers understand the home and picture themselves living there.
When handling negotiations, estate agents act as a go-between for buyers and sellers. They pass on offers, suggest counteroffers and give advice on fair deals. At the same time, they check that buyers are serious by reviewing mortgage approvals or proof of funds. By staying involved at every step, estate agents keep the sale moving and make sure all the paperwork is done correctly until the deal is finished.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be an Estate Agent?
You need at least a high school certificate to start work as an estate agent. Studying property, business, or estate management can help, but it is not a must.
Professional certificates make you stand out. You can get Propertymark (NAEA/ARLA), RICS, RoPA, or a Level 3 Certificate (CELA). Most estate agent jobs ask for you to be 18 or older, but some junior roles take 16–17-year-olds. These real estate agent qualifications show clients you know your job and can handle property deals with confidence.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in the UK?
Here’s a quick roadmap to get started:
- Check your skills first: Estate agents need good communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. You also need patience and confidence with clients.
- Finish education and training: A high school certificate is enough to start. Learning property, business, or estate management helps but is not needed.
- Join apprenticeships or trainee programs: These give real work experience. You learn the property market while earning money and building skills.
- Get professional membership or licence: Joining Propertymark (NAEA/ARLA) shows clients you are trained and reliable. It also gives helpful support and guidance.
- Start work with an agency or your own business: Begin in a firm to gain experience. Later, you can open your own estate agency when ready.
How to Become an Estate Agent With No Experience UK?
Becoming a real estate agent with no experience in the UK is easier than it seems. First, try an apprenticeships or internships to get real work experience. At the same time, get professional licences like Propertymark or RoPA to make your CV stronger. Also, show your skills in sales, talking to people, and helping customers, as these are very important.
Next, take entry-level jobs like junior negotiator or housing assistant to learn on the job. Then, practice for interviews by giving real examples of how you used your skills. Slowly but surely, anyone can gain experience and advance.
What Skills Make a Successful Estate Agent?
Becoming an estate agent requires a mix of skills. Here’s what it takes to succeed:
- Good talking and people skills: Explain things clearly and build trust with buyers, sellers and landlords.
- Negotiation and sales skills: Help clients get the best deal and handle offers with confidence.
- Local market knowledge: Know property prices, trends and areas to give smart advice.
- Organisation and time management: Keep track of viewings, clients, and paperwork without stress.
- Digital skills and online viewings: Use websites, social media, and virtual tours to show homes.
- Problem-solving and decision-making: Fix issues quickly and guide clients through tricky situations.
How Much Does an Estate Agent Earn UK?
Estate agents make good cash through salary and commission. For beginners, they usually earn between £14,000 and £25,000. On top of that, they can earn extra money through commission from each sale. With experience, salaries go up to £25,000–£60,000 and good agents can earn even more with commissions.
At higher levels, managers can make up to £100,000 or more, plus 1–3.5% commission on expensive properties. Also, pay depends on location, property type and market activity. For example, working in big cities or selling high-value homes usually means higher pay. In the end, your effort, skill and ability to close deals decide how much you earn.
What Challenges Do Estate Agents Face?
Estate agents face some clear challenges. First, most of their pay comes from commission, so it can go up and down depending on the property market. Also, there is a lot of competition, and agents have to do many tasks every day, like showing houses, handling offers, and completing paperwork. This can make it hard to balance work and personal life.
At the same time, the property world is changing fast. Online and hybrid agents are becoming more popular and virtual tours and online marketing help reach more buyers. People also want eco-friendly homes, and they expect agents to guide them at every step. So, agents who learn new skills and keep up with these changes will do well and grow in their careers.
Final Thoughts: Why Estate Agents Matter
So, what does the estate agent do? Basically, they turn complicated property stuff into simple steps. Estate agents play an important role in the property world. First, they help buyers find their dream homes. At the same time, they guide sellers to get the best price for their property. Also, they support landlords in managing their homes and investments.Â
If you are thinking about this career, there are many opportunities. By taking the right steps, getting the needed qualifications, and learning the right skills, you can do well in this job. Estate agents do more than just handle paperwork. They guide people, solve problems, and make a real difference in their lives. In the end, this is a career that is rewarding, respected, and can grow with you.
FAQs on What Does the Estate Agent Do
What are the duties of an estate agent?
- Estate agents help buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants. They value properties, market them, arrange viewings, handle negotiations and complete the sale.
What do estate agents do when buying a house?
- They shortlist suitable homes, show properties, advise on offers and guide buyers through legal and mortgage processes.
What’s an estate agent’s salary?
- Beginners earn around £14,000–£25,000 plus commission. Experienced agents can make £25,000–£60,000, and top managers may earn up to £100,000 with higher commission.
What is the main goal of a real estate agent?
- The main goal is to help clients buy, sell, or rent property smoothly, while getting the best possible price.
What are the 4 P’s of real estate?
- The 4 P’s are Price, Place, Promotion, and Product. These help agents market and sell homes effectively.
Why choose an estate agent?
- Agents save time, provide market expertise, handle negotiations and guide you through paperwork so you avoid mistakes.
What not to tell an estate agent when viewing?
- Avoid revealing your maximum budget or personal pressures. This keeps your negotiating power strong.
