Selling property is a unique form of Selling! The estate agent is not selling something which belongs to them, but represents their client - the property owner. Agents act as a representative or intermediary between the owner and a possible buyer, using a mixture of skills to persuade customers to sell and buy.

One of the essential skills of an estate agent is good communication. Estate agency is a ‘people’ business - agents have to communicate with many different people - potential buyers and sellers, conveyances and solicitors for example - and they have to be able to communicate effectively. A house sale and purchased is usually the largest single purchase that anyone undertakes and is consequently high on the list of the recognised ‘stressors’ of everyday life. Good communication on the part of the agent can reduce the stress enormously, can make a sale go through more quickly and efficiently and will ensure that customers come back to the agency with more business. This communication might be face-to-face, either in the office or in people’s homes - or it might be by telephone or by letter.

So, the main qualities needed are good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to persevere when things are moving slowly of the market is not particularly favourable. The other requirements for this industry are a car and a cell phone.