Professionalism 'a priority' for new real estate guidelines

It is essential to ensure professionalism remains an important priority for those in the real estate sector, according to one Queensland expert.

Pamela Bennett, chair of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), asserted that the ongoing plans to develop a national licensing framework for real estate workers "provides an opportunity for the training of professionals to be mandated to meet specific outcomes and assessment standards".

Furthermore, she explained, national licensing should take into account the entire range of activities involved in real estate, including commercial property.

Real estate training is particularly important at all levels of the industry, she asserted, although people who are new to the sector often have the most to gain.

Ms Bennett commented: "The standard of … quality of training from some training providers across the nation should be examined to ensure newcomers to the profession learn the skills and knowledge required to not only succeed in real estate, but to function professionally and within the multitude of laws that govern our industry."

Recently the Real Estate Institutes of New South Wales and Victoria emphasised that the new national licensing plans must benefit consumers across Australia and should not compromise services or standards.