Becoming A NZ Real Estate Agent - Qualification Requirements And Rules

Realty sales people help buyers to find properties and arrange the sale of properties. To work as a NZ real estate agent, you need to be over the age of 18 years. You also need to have achieved a qualification from one of the relevant realty training providers in New Zealand before you can be licensed to sell property. Training courses are run through the following four educational institutions in New Zealand: Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, REAL ITO, Open Polytechnic and Unitec.

There are three levels of training: The National Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson) Level 4, the National Diploma in Real Estate (Agent) Level 5 and the National Certificate in Real Estate (Branch Manager) Level 5.

Many people link in with a local realty company to work towards their certificate and licence and most people study for their qualification via distance learning. Once you have attained your certificate and worked for at least three years as a realty salesperson, you can become licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008. This Act replaces the 1976 Act and now covers all professionals who work in the industry in New Zealand, apart from residential property managers. Most sales people work as independent contractors, usually running their business from within an established agency.

The Real Estate Agents Act 2008 lays down the legal processes which govern how people operate in the New Zealand realty industry. The Realty Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) represents those who practice realty and all voluntary members agree to abide by the principles of the organisation.

The code of practice for realty sales people in New Zealand includes acting openly, ethically and honestly in their dealings, abiding by the requirements of professional and statutory bodies which oversee their work, giving a skilled and professional service to customers and acting in a way that brings credit to their profession. They must also have a sound knowledge of the legal requirements that affect their role, continue improving their skill level through professional development and act in the best interests of their clients. Realty sales people in New Zealand must also not be in breach of any of the relevant statutory rules such as the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Commerce Act 1986.

The role of an agent requires someone with personal and professional integrity who can help clients through a process which is one of the most important decisions of their lives.