A NEW LEASE AT LIFE: BECOMING AN ESTATE AGENT OVER 40

COVID-19 brought plenty of extreme changes to the world - many of them in the world of work. Over 2.8 million people lost their jobs because of the pandemic, with women accounting for two thirds of those losses. And for those who didn't lose work, changes in the way that work is being done and the things that we prioritise in life mean that many of us are looking at career changes. Research shows that more than 40% of people across the world were considering resigning from their jobs and most of them are looking for more flexibility and better work-life balance.

But changing careers isn't always so easy, especially as we get older. With more responsibilities and higher expenses, it can be scary to start on a new path later on in life. Is it possible? Definitely! And Real Estate might just be the place for you to start.

The process of becoming a Real Estate Agent in South Africa takes between 1 and 2 years and involves both a set of qualifications and an internship.  The great thing about working towards becoming a Real Estate Agent is that you can do it while you hold down a 9 to 5, giving you the income security that you need while you find your feet in this new career.

The first thing you'll need to do is find a mentor who can help you complete your internship. Your mentor needs to be a Principal Agent who has experience in the sector and is fully qualified. They will help you to create listings, do inspections, show houses, and complete sales to prove that you've gained some real-life experience in the industry. You'll also need to get a Real Estate Qualification, which you can do online and complete in your own time.

There's no law that limits the age that you're allowed to start working as an agent in South Africa, so you can begin making this career change whenever you're ready. There are, however, some great things about starting this career a little later in life.

For starters, you likely have a more stable life and income than your younger counterparts. While you probably have more expenses than a 20-year-old, you also have a more stable career, higher savings and possibly a spouse to help maintain financial stability while you make this transition.

People are also more likely to trust a 40-year-old than a 20-year-old with something as big as buying (or selling) a house. Your age and experience give you extra credibility and will help you show that you're trustworthy and reliable for people making big life choices.

Finally, you also have a bigger network of people who own homes or are looking to buy a home. A big part of being an Estate Agent is finding listings that you can sell, and a younger agent likely doesn't know as many people who are looking to sell their properties.

All things considered, if you're looking for a career change and you're 40 - or even 50 or 60 - then Real Estate may be the right choice for you, and you could be starting a whole new life in as little as a year or two.