Not only as an important economic driver in the country, the real estate industry is also one of the most dynamic and resilient job markets that offers plenty of opportunities for one to build a profitable, lifelong career.

Moreover, the industry, especially the marketing agency segment has always been hungry for talent. This is because the steady population growth, coupled with the rapid urbanisation happening across the country is creating a constant growing demand for real estate services.

To put things into perspective, Malaysia has more than 15 million of the working population as at the first quarter of 2020 and many of them have different needs for property, either buying, selling, leasing or renting.

The number of registered real estate negotiators and agents, on the other hand, only stands at about 20,000 and 2,000, respectively. 

Against the working population, the ratio is one estate agent to some 682 people and thus resulting in a very promising prospect for the profession.

Furthermore, the process of becoming a real estate negotiator and agent is rather straightforward and you could already be having your own business in just a few years’ time if you are self-motivated, hard-working and fully committed.

Here’s the process of working your way up from real estate negotiator, real estate agent and eventually, a successful lifelong career and business.

Steps to become a real estate negotiator:

The process is quite easy. You need to be aged 18 and above and you must be attached with a registered real estate marketing firm on a full-time basis.

Subsequently, you are required to attend a two-day Negotiator Certification Course by the training providers approved by the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP) before you can conduct real estate transactions.

The main objective of the course is to inculcate in all participants the need to work as a real estate negotiator according to the Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents & Property Managers Act 1981 and the Malaysian Estate Agency Standards 2014.

Key focus areas of the two-day course includes:

• Overview of the property market

• The Act and the rules

• The Malaysian Estate Agency Standards

• Real estate practice 

• Real estate forms, title, tenancies and sale and purchase agreement

• Law relating to estate agency transaction

• Diploma course and registration process

• IT in real estate/banking

For real estate agent, here’s what you need to do:

In order for a real estate negotiator or anyone else to become a real estate agent, he or she must obtain the BOVAEP Diploma in an estate agency or any other diploma or degree by other higher institutions accredited by the board.

After obtaining the diploma, you are now a probationary estate agent who are required to undergo a two-year practical training under the supervision of a real estate agent and submit their work log to BOVAEP. 

Upon the completion of the practical training, the probationary real estate agent must then attend an oral interview conducted by the board.

Generally, it takes a minimum of two years to obtain the diploma from BOVAEP and an average duration of 4.5 years for one to obtain the licence.