Let us be honest, money is a very important factor in our life decisions. It influences us on our career choices and at times how well we perform at work. It should not come as a surprise that people are always looking for a way to earn more. At the same time, people are also looking at flexible timing in career to reach a work-life balance. However, not many industries offer both conditions at the same time. You often have to sacrifice one for the other. Unless of course, we are talking about the real estate industry.

Good Institute’s Rachel Chai who was awarded as the Top Student of the National Real Estate Exams 2018.

At Good Institute, we have seen people from all walks of life from SPM graduates, housewives, to even retirees who are all looking to venture into this evergreen industry. Such as our past student, Rachel Chai, who came from a completely different background prior to succeeding in real estate. The first question that will come to mind would probably be, “would this take a long time for me to get started?”. The answer to that is no! Many who chose this line of work have opted for the path of being a real estate negotiator, where you can start your career within a week. Here’s a breakdown of some of the responsibilities and things you need to know as a real estate negotiator:

1. PEOPLE, PEOPLE AND PEOPLE As a negotiator, you will be working face-to-face with clients directly in connecting them with the right property buyers and sellers. You need to understand your client’s needs and communicate on what they want, not just find the first available property and introduce it to them. At Good Institute’s Negotiator Certification Course, you would be able to learn these important soft skills and more.  
2. YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A MALAYSIA PROPERTY EXPERT If you are worried about starting out without being a property expert in various areas, you can cast those worries away. Many new negotiators start off by being an expert locally before expanding their reaches. The best advice seasoned experts would give you is to start by selling properties at where you live. For instance, if you are living in a condo at Bangsar, start by looking to sell properties within the area. The most important asset of a real estate negotiator is you need to be familiar with the area. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and ask why anyone would want to live in this area. Is it the facilities? The amenities? Conveniences? Or even upcoming projects within the area?  
3. BALANCING EXPECTATIONS VS REALITY Now your clients may have a perfect vision of what they want. But, it might not always work the way they pictured it in their head. You as a negotiator need to consult your clients and balance between their expectations and reality to find the most suitable property buyer or seller that meets, if not closely to, what they have envisioned.  
4. WHO’S DOING THE PAPERWORK? Most clients think that buying or selling a property is easy, and at times would not engage with real estate agents and negotiators to avoid the extra cost. This however is a big mistake, as agents and negotiators would be able to aid their clients with the necessary documents as well as provide a background research on the property and its surrounding to estimate the value accurately. Most agencies will have people to help negotiators and agents in the paperwork requirements.  
5. MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS You have mastered the art of consulting clients and how to manage expectations, but how are you going to get actual clients and to connect them with the right property buyers and sellers? It is important for you to explore multiple channels of marketing and promotion to attract clients in hiring your service. Not only will you build your clientele list, but you will also increase your chances to connect them with other clients who may have what they are looking for.  
6. PROPERTY SELLS ITSELF Finally, the best secret to why most real estate negotiators are successful in their deals. Many times, people buy property because of the location. So, it is not even mainly about your sales skills. That is why we say that opportunities are always out there as long as you start and make yourself available for it.  

These are just some of the responsibilities and things you need to know as a real estate negotiator. To learn more about the real estate industry, join Good Institute’s Free Preview Class where an introduction to real estate will be conducted by a seasoned industry expert.

Written by Qisti Zahairi.