Learn how to become a real estate agent in Dubai with our expert tips

Want to learn how to get into real estate in Dubai and become a certified agent? You are in the right place. A growing number of people are choosing to call Dubai home, which means lots of people are looking to rent and buy properties. Meanwhile, more investors, particularly foreign ones, are seeing the amazing investment opportunity in Dubai and ploughing their money into buying real estate here. 

Of course, where there are buyers, tenants and investors, there are real estate agents. If you are passionate about making your mark in the industry as a real estate agent, here are useful tips for you to become a successful real estate agent in Dubai.

Meet the Basic Requirements

First of all, you must meet these basic requirements:

Age: Must be at least 21 years old.

Education: High school diploma (minimum). A degree in business or real estate helps but isn't mandatory.

Residency Status: You can work as an agent with a residence visa (employer-sponsored or freelance). Tourists can't get a real estate license.

In Dubai, real estate agents must be licensed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), a division of the Dubai Land Department. RERA issues a certification after a training programme to ensure agents are well-versed in Dubai's property laws, regulations, and ethical standards. The 2-hour-long exam is MCQ multiple choice questions based, and the applicant must obtain 75%..

Find a Real Estate Agency or Work Independently

Once you meet the basic requirements, it's time to get on board. While some start their career by working independently, most real estate agents in Dubai join a reputable agency. Working with an agency allows you to gain exposure to the market and access to a steady flow of clients. Most real estate agencies in Dubai offer additional support, such as marketing tools, training, and mentorship.

There are hundreds of real estate firms in Dubai. One prominent name is Betterhomes, which has 37 years of experience in the Dubai real estate market and has sold over 30,000 homes. We are not only the most experienced agency, but we offer all of our agents a market-leading package, making us the agency of choice for real estate brokers in Dubai.

However, you can also work independently as a freelancer. You must ensure you have a strong network, a marketing strategy, and a good understanding of property law to succeed as an independent agent.

Understand the Commission Structure

The commission-based earning potential is one of the most appealing aspects of working in real estate. The commission for a real estate agent in Dubai is:

Sales: 2% of property value

Rentals: 5% of annual rent

The commission may vary depending on the agency and the type of property. 

Develop Your Network

In real estate, who you know can be as important as what you know. Get connected and expand the reach of your network. Connect with other agents and real estate brokers in Dubai, potential buyers, renters and sellers, and all the other players in the real estate industry, such as appraisers and mortgage loan officers. You can also learn from experienced agents about how they widened their network. Check with your firm to see if they use customer management software, ask clients to give you referrals, and maximise opportunities for visibility through social media.

Master Local Market Knowledge

With a RERA broker license, you can only work in Dubai because each emirate has its own governing body. Speaking of governing bodies, familiarise yourself with the rental contracts and buying and selling laws as they regulate how property can be bought, sold and leased in Dubai.

Become an Area Expert

Get familiar with the community in which you want to specialise. Be the local expert by developing an extensive knowledge of the area: the nearby schools, malls, and transport links. You could even consider moving to the area if you can afford it and experience what it is like as an insider while you network with residents to secure more listings. Become the go-to person for information on properties for rent and sale in your area. Be knowledgeable about price increases, decreases, and market forecasts. Know how much inventory there is, how many potential buyers there are, and how long the inventory is expected to stay.

Embrace Technology to Market Yourself

In today's digital world, relying solely on traditional methods won't cut it. Generate new leads through phone calls, email marketing, and referrals and get yourself out there by attending local events. More importantly, use technology to your advantage and make your listings stand out with virtual tours, walkthroughs, compelling images and videos, and promote yourself and your listings on social media. You can even think outside the box and create a recurring e-newsletter to keep in touch with past and prospective clients. Most importantly, invest in great after-sales service and follow-up.

Real estate marketing in Dubai is highly competitive, and standing out from the crowd can be difficult. That's why it's important to:

• Use high-quality images and virtual tours to showcase properties.
• Engage with clients on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• Utilise paid advertising to increase your visibility.

Learn the Art of Sales and Negotiation

A good real estate agent does not just sell properties—they sell themselves. People will respond to you if you have a great attitude, are personable and honest, have confidence in your abilities and are interested in helping them and others. Watch, observe and learn from your seniors and develop the ability to cope with new situations.

You will need to:

Listen to your clients: Understand their goals, whether they are looking for an investment property, a vacation home, or a place to live.

Present properties effectively: Highlight a property's unique features in a way that resonates with clients' needs.

Negotiate terms: Whether it is price, payment plans, or additional clauses in contracts, negotiation skills are crucial in ensuring a successful deal.

Ensure that the price you are putting up lies within the current market range. While your aim should be to win the best possible price for your client, remember that time is money, and if a property sits in the market for a long period, you might end up losing your client.

Build Trust

As a real estate agent, you must have the tenacity to pursue every lead and professionally represent your client. Give them your undivided attention, empathise with their needs, and only promise what you can deliver. You need to work smart, invest the right amount of time and possess a high degree of self-motivation, drive and smart decision-making skills.

Conclusion

Becoming a real estate agent involves hard work, dedication, and good social skills. Being good at your job depends on how much time, patience and effort you are willing to put in. Being creative, receptive to clients' needs, and having exceptional negotiation skills are just some of the essentials that form the basis of a successful real estate agent.

Join Betterhomes and become part of the biggest real estate company in the city. Get in touch with us today.