Becoming an Estate Agent

Hello All,

My wife will be getting moved to the UK very soon.

I am currently a real estate Broker in California. I am interested in staying in that business and wondered what the process is in the UK for obtaining an Estate Agent license.

Have any USA transplants done this?

Thanks,
R

I dont think you have to have a licence.

From what I have been told (by an ex-estate agent) it is nothing like the US business.  As a lawyer does all the final paperwork and things. You would just show the houses and arrange bids. Not nearly the money as in the US either. Anyone know if this is true?

Not nearly the money as in the US either. Anyone know if this is true?

Not sure, though my estate agent took me around to see places in his nice BMW convertible.   

bvamin

From what I have been told (by an ex-estate agent) it is nothing like the US business.  As a lawyer does all the final paperwork and things. You would just show the houses and arrange bids.

That's pretty much it.
Im sure that anyone who wanted to set themselves up as an estate agent could do it with no problem, no licences, no legal stuff.
Bear in mind that estate agents are amongst the most hated 'professions' in the UK... always the butt of jokes, and often  accused of being dodgy / crooks / liars.     An estate agent needs a thick skin! 

estate agents and recruiters....*shudder*

Not sure, though my estate agent took me around to see places in his nice BMW convertible.   

bvamin

I think they can earn very large commissions.

When we've been shown places by the "guy in charge" - he drives a BMW.  The *underlings* drive either the agency car or something very small and economical. 

Thanks for all the feedback.

It sounds a bit grim. It also does not sound much like what I do here.

When I was searching for info on Estate Agent licensing, I found nothing on licensing but found plenty on the extremely low opinion of folks toward agents.

Maybe I can find some other position that lets me exercise my interest in architecture and working with people.

Thanks,
R

Can I suggest finding out what it takes to become a Chartered Surveyor?  That might be more what you're looking for.

Can I suggest finding out what it takes to become a Chartered Surveyor? That might be more what you're looking for.

Very good idea, Peedal. I used to work for a chartered surveyor. It was a decent profession.

The RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors): http://www.rics.org/default

I suggest you see if there is a RE/MAX agent in your area. We are opening offices all over the UK and the experience is very different. I worked for a Corporate Estate agent in the UK and can say that it is not an experience I would repeat. I have just opening a RE/MAX office in Maidenhead. I am sure that RE/MAX is a brand name that you will know. There are offices in London as well. Dean 0845 257 8780

I suggest you see if there is a RE/MAX agent in your area. We are opening offices all over the UK and the experience is very different. I worked for a Corporate Estate agent in the UK and can say that it is not an experience I would repeat. I have just opening a RE/MAX office in Maidenhead. I am sure that RE/MAX is a brand name that you will know. There are offices in London as well. Dean 0845 257 8780

It doesn't matter that the brand name is familiar; the laws and process of buying and selling are completely different.

I think Peedal's suggestion of chartered surveying would be worth consideration.