From the desk of Veronica Morgan, Founder and Principal – Good Deeds Property Buyers.
There is so much to love about being a buyers’ agent. From daily interactions with clients and industry professionals to the thrill of analysis and negotiation, it’s an exciting and dynamic field that continues to gain prominence.
It’s no surprise, then, that increasing numbers of new talent are choosing to enter the profession. These newcomers come from a variety of backgrounds. Many transition from related property fields such as sales or valuation, while others enter with little to no prior experience in real estate.
This influx of new entrants has, in many ways, caught the industry off guard for several reasons.
The Challenges Facing New Entrants
Firstly, licensing and qualification requirements across Australia are inconsistent and underdeveloped. Depending on which state or territory you are in, you may need to obtain a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice or a diploma to meet the legal requirement to operate. From there, securing a real estate licence through the relevant state’s regulatory body is necessary.
However, some states have far more rigorous processes than others. We’ve all seen individuals exploit the loophole of qualifying in one state with lower barriers and then transferring their credentials elsewhere. Furthermore, there is inconsistency in the practical training component, where aspiring buyers’ agents should ideally spend time learning under the guidance of an experienced professional.
But, of course, there are challenges with this approach.
The challenge with training
The buyers’ agent profession mostly comprises small, boutique businesses. The majority of us are self-employed, often managing only a few staff members, including administrative support. This leaves little time or capacity to mentor and guide newly qualified buyers’ agents.
Moreover, what incentive is there for established professionals to take on trainees? Once qualified, most new buyers’ agents are eager to start their own businesses. In my 16 years as the principal of a buyer’s agency, I have personally helped develop the skills of at least a dozen people who have gone on to become my direct competitors.
This raises a fundamental challenge: how do new entrants acquire the necessary skills and experience to flourish as ethical, competent buyers’ agents?
The Industry Problem: Low Barriers, High Risks
At present, the relatively low barriers to entry have resulted in too many inadequately qualified and inexperienced individuals entering the profession. High-priced courses are often sold on the promise of the career’s financial rewards without adequately addressing the realities and necessities of client management, due diligence, and long-term success. As a result, the industry is seeing an influx of overconfident yet underprepared buyers’ agents with no real experience.
This is bad for everyone.
Social media has exacerbated the issue, elevating individuals with limited skills to the status of so-called “professional property investment advisors.” Unfortunately, many of these operators lack the necessary expertise or integrity, damaging the profession’s reputation. Whether through incompetence or unethical practices, these individuals create distrust in an industry that should be built on transparency and client advocacy.
The Solution: A Structured Mentoring Program
To address these challenges, I created the Buyers’ Agent Mentoring Program. The program is designed to provide structured learning and ongoing support, ensuring that new buyers’ agents develop the skills they need to succeed.
The program consists of two key components:
- Comprehensive Online Course – This is the REBAA-endorsed part of the program. It’s a self-paced, 12-module course covers both the hard and soft skills required to operate as a buyers’ agent. It includes practical knowledge such as understanding agency agreements, defining processes, onboarding clients, and mastering the day-to-day practical elements of being a buyers’ agent.
- Ongoing Mentoring – This second component provides participants with regular opportunities to engage with experienced buyers’ agents. Through mentorship, students receive guidance tailored to their stage in the journey, whether they are just starting out or looking to scale their businesses. For example, one of our most experienced members, a regional-based agent with ten years in the industry, benefits from having access to a supportive network. She appreciates the camaraderie, the opportunity to vent frustrations, and the insights gained from peer discussions. Others who have been in the industry for many years receive coaching on scaling their businesses—when to hire, what roles to prioritise, and how to refine their operations.
Elevating the Profession
My primary goal is to build a strong foundation of buyers’ agents committed to professional excellence and ethical conduct. While we may never deter those seeking shortcuts, we can provide high-quality training for those who genuinely want to excel. By offering a practical, structured course that enhances both knowledge and skills, we can help raise the overall standards of our profession.
At the end of the day, reputable buyers’ agents want consumers to recognise the difference between those who genuinely care about their clients and those simply chasing quick profits. With the right support and education, new buyers’ agents no longer have to navigate this journey alone.
To find out more about the program visit: https://www.buyersagentmentor.net.au/
