How to become a real estate agent?

How to become a real estate agent in Belgium?

The title of estate agent actually combines three professions under one name.  

- Real estate agent-mediator: the mediator between buyer and seller, tenant and landlord.

- Real estate agent-syndicate: manages co-ownerships and ensures the preservation of the sale and rental value of properties.

- Rent agent: takes over the management of real estate and/or rights from the private owner.

A real estate agency offers one or a combination of these services.

Become a real estate agent in Belgium

To become a real estate agent in Belgium, a number of conditions must be met. Thus, as a self-employed person in main or secondary occupation, one cannot avoid the BIV recognition and the corresponding BIV training (BIV: BeroepsInstituut van Vastgoedmakelaars). Anyone who sells real estate as an employee for a recognised estate agent does not need the BIV traineeship, but falls under the responsibility and supervision of that recognised agent. In order to obtain the coveted IPI recognition, one must now submit an application to become a real estate agent and complete a recognition procedure.

Diploma and training

There are real estate courses at colleges of higher education and entrepreneurial courses. In principle, any bachelor's degree of level six is sufficient to take the plunge. Those who practised the profession of real estate agent before 1993 do not need to submit a diploma, but must nevertheless complete a period as a trainee. For the step to real estate agent and possibly an own real estate office, one needs one of the following documents:

- A higher education diploma at least level six in the EQF (European Qualifications Framework)

- An equivalent certificate, issued by the State Examination Board (the former middle judges).

- A diploma in business education that corresponds to the profession of estate agent.

- An equivalent educational qualification from another European Member State.

The next steps

With the required diploma in hand, an application for registration on the trainee list is now completed with a view to finding a trainee post and a trainee master. This extensive application is sent by registered mail with the necessary documents to the president of the Executive Chamber. If it is received favourably, an invitation for a competency test follows. This written test is used to test professional knowledge and skills. Based on the answers, the future internship master knows, among other things, which points need to be adjusted. 

The internship

Once registered on the internship list, the participant receives his or her own BIV number. An accredited IPI member who meets certain conditions is appointed as the internship master and the intern may carry out real estate activities under the wings of his or her assigned internship site. The internship may last between one and three years, depending on whether it is practised as a main or secondary occupation. The combination of two or three of the aforementioned professions that fall under the heading of estate agent, may mean that an additional traineeship has to be fulfilled. In any event, the traineeships must be completed within three years.

Internship report

The candidate must submit a report on his/her internship activities to the Executive Chamber. This report proves that the candidate has carried out real estate brokerage activities. The internship master supervises the intern and advises him or her on the work activities. In addition, the internship master regularly checks the internship report and supplements it with his or her own findings. The internship master also provides a proper remuneration. 

Proficiency test

Finally, the candidate takes an aptitude test. When this is successfully completed, he or she may be registered as a title holder on the Tableau. The candidate may now call himself a real estate agent.

Sources:
http://www.biv.be/vastgoedmakelaar-worden/zo-word-je-vastgoedmakelaar
http://www.biv.be/vastgoedmakelaar-worden/stage/stage-als-vastgoedmakelaar-zo-verloopt-het
http://www.biv.be/de-vastgoedmakelaar/de-vastgoedmakelaar-een-veelzijdig-beroep