Estate agent or broker: which is which?

“To become a principal estate agent or broker, one needs to study a bit further to acquire an NQF 5 training certificate.”

While the difference between a real estate agent versus a broker or principle will have little to no effect on their clients, the distinction will have some career implications for the real estate professional in question.

According to Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, the difference ultimately boils down to a higher qualification and the ability to run your own office.

To qualify as a registered estate agent, Goslett said one must have successfully completed Grade 12 as a minimum requirement before he or she can begin training.

“The qualification process includes a 12-month internship under a certified principal estate agent as well as completing a Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC):

Real Estate (NQF 4) qualification, as well as writing the final Professional Designation Examination (PDE).

“To become a principal estate agent or broker, one needs to study a bit further to acquire an NQF 5 training certificate,” he clarified.

The main reason some choose to get their broker or principle estate agent qualification is so they may open their own office and work for themselves rather than working under another real estate principle.

This allows them freedom as well as the opportunity to hire other real estate agents in order to grow their earning potential.

“For homeowners, it might not make much of a difference whether their real estate professional is a broker/principle or an agent. What really makes the difference is how strongly motivated the real estate professional is about selling the home,” he said.

Read: Five things to consider for your estate planning during the festive season

Have a story?

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Thelma Koorts  (editor) brakpanherald@caxton.co.za

or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za

 or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za

Remember to visit the Brakpan Herald on the following social media platforms:

Follow us:

 For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Springs AdvertiserBoksburg AdvertiserBenoni City TimesAfrican Reporter
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
You can read the full story on our App. Download it here.
Exit mobile version