So you want to work in real estate? 

Does watching Selling Sunset and Luxe Listings have you dreaming of a glamourous life selling high-end real estate to the rich and famous?

While reality TV may not be portraying reality, working in real estate can provide an exciting, flexible and rewarding career. REIWA has the knowledge, education and community to get you started.

Are you a people person?

If you enjoy meeting people from all walks of life, helping them through major life transitions, and being rewarded for the effort you put in, real estate might be the career you’ve been looking for.

The most successful agents will tell you the same thing. Real estate is a people business first. Technology can help streamline processes, but relationships are what truly matter.

If you are interested in pursuing real estate sales you will need to learn to market yourself, be able to handle both fast-paced transactions and slower markets, long days, emotional conversations and constant learning in an ever-changing market.

Seasoned agents will tell you that a willingness to be part of the stories and lives of all the buyers and sellers you will work with is essential too.

Setting expectations early

Real estate is often described as straightforward in the best possible way. There’s no corporate ladder or office politics and your effort and focus translate directly into results. However, the work can be intense. Sales roles mean guiding clients through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives, sometimes in emotionally charged situations.

From first home buyers to grandparents downsizing, every transaction comes with a story, and agents play an important role in helping people move forward.

Many agents say the flexibility is one of the biggest benefits. No two days are the same. You’re not tied to a desk, and you can design a lifestyle that suits you.

While the industry offers flexible work hours and great rewards, success comes from consistency, resilience and genuine care for clients.

Skills that set great agents apart

If you’re good with people, you already have a strong foundation. Skills like listening, problem-solving, communication and empathy are crucial. These skills are essential and highly transferable from industries such as hospitality, hairdressing, sales or small business ownership.

Great agents also place a strong emphasis on high-touch service. That might be a quick text, a call, an email or a face-to-face check-in. Those small touches build trust and confidence, and they’re what clients remember long after the transaction is complete.

Market knowledge matters too. Knowing your local area, trends, zoning and planning schemes gives you confidence and credibility, and you’ll stand out in a crowded industry.

Training, registration and support

In Western Australia, all real estate agents must be licensed, and the first step to gaining your licence is getting yourself Registered.

REIWA Training’s Restricted Sales Registration Course is the educational requirement to obtain a Restricted Sales Registration with the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS).

This course is designed to be practical and job ready. You’ll learn in a simulated agency environment, with exclusive access to the forms, data and other tools agents rely on every day.

REIWA trainers are high-performing agents, award-winning licensees, principals and agency owners, including nationally recognised industry leaders, and a former REIWA and REIA President.

Take it from former West Coast Eagle Andrew Embley, who recently transitioned to real estate after 15 seasons in the AFL.

"A really enjoyable course! The presenters were highly informative and extremely knowledgeable,” he said.

“I took a lot away from the experience and would recommend it to anyone looking to start a career in real estate."

With your Restricted Registration under your belt, you can work across residential, commercial, rural sales sectors or as a buyer’s agent.

Once you’re registered, REIWA provides the ongoing support, training and community to help you succeed in the business.

As a REIWA student, you will have early access to the brand-new REIWA Career Hub – an exclusive benefit connecting you with member agencies looking for emerging talent.

REIWA’s courses run throughout the year, starting in January and offer classroom and online training over 6 to 12 months. The first intake for 2026 is Monday, 12 January.

To learn more, head to reiwatraining.com.au or contact [email protected].