High standards of training 'benefit consumers and agents’

Consumers and agents both benefit from a high standard of entry-level training in the real estate sector, according to one industry executive.

Wayne Stewart, president of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales, made the assertion as he criticised proposed national changes to entry-level real estate training.

A new national licensing system in development at the Council of Australian Governments aims to create better consistency across the states and territories and offer more protection to consumers.

However, a two-day entry-level professional training course - like the one currently available in New South Wales, which has been vocally opposed by the REINSW - is "beyond belief", according to Stewart.

He emphasised that the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania have the most to lose if the proposed standard of learning drops to a Certificate IV level from Diploma level.

"There is an inherent lack on training in these two-day programs, yet we are asking those who do them to advise consumers on complex property transactions and matters involving assets of significant value," he said.

Instead, there should be a focus on continuing professional development for real estate agents, which he asserted would enhance the skills and standards of those in the industry.

Leadership training and business development could also be other ways in which real estate professionals can improve their abilities.