Finding the Right Internship in an Estate Agency

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Now that you have decided that real estate is something that you want to pursue, you will need to become qualified. Not only will you have to achieve certain qualifications to begin your education as a real estate agent, you will also be following online training as well as completing an internship.

Find the Right Internship in an Estate Agency

An internship is a process of learning while you are working. You will find a real estate agency that will take you on as an intern and then work under the mentorship of an agent with at least three years experience and recognized as an official mentor by the EAAB (Estate Agency Affairs Board).

Fidelity Fund Certificate

You will be licensed to operate as an intern with a Fidelity Fund Certificate.
The great thing about the intern programme in the real estate industry of South Africa is that it gives the aspirant immediate hands on experience. You get to jump right in feet first. Interns can get down to work immediately. You can begin to show clients property, create and execute marketing strategies, and as soon as you have the hang of it you can, through your mentor, even advise clients on legal matters, costing and price negotiation. Of course you will also be learning to keep up with all the administration that is expected of a real estate agent.

In total over the entire year the intern will probably log up to 1500 hours in formal training. The bulk of these hours can be clocked while at work, but interns will also be expected to study and do courses in conjunction to the practical side. Most interns will opt for the online training for estate agents. This allows you the flexibility to study at your leisure and fit your courses and classes into your schedule. After this internship period, you will complete your NQF level 4 portfolio of evidence and be found competent by Services SETA. Then you will be required to pass the EAAB’s examinations (the EAAB”S Professional Designation Examination), PDE level 4, and if you are aspiring to become a principal (to own your own business) the NQF level 5 and PDE level 5.

You can, however, also apply to earn credits for previous education and ‘prior learning’. This means that you can gain credit for diplomas or national certificates that hold in other fields sectors that could pertain to real estate. Inquiries about exemption status can be directed to PropAcademy who assist you in completing the required EAAB documentation.

One thing that you will need to be aware of as an intern is that you must always make the client or customer aware that you are in fact an intern. This must be transparent at all times. Failure to do so can result in disaster!

When asking the seasoned and successful agents in the field today how to go about finding the right internship, the answer is pretty much the same across the board. Find a mentor who embodies the ethical standards and code of conduct expected from a well qualified estate agent and then cultivate your own set of standards. You can’t go wrong.

95 replies
  2. Gayle
    Gayle says:

    Does Prop Academy get you into an estate agency for your internship, or do you have to find an agency yourself. I have been trying to get into an estate agency to do my internship, but am struggling to get in.

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Good morning Gayle, thank you for your query. You do need to find an agency yourself, however I am happy to help you with advise to do this if you send me your details on the contact us tab, then I can give you a call to help you!

      • BruElla Gila
        BruElla Gila says:

        Hi Courtney- kindly assist with how we can secure internship opportunities. Myself and my son are based in Polokwane for now but seriously considering a move back to Johannesburg- which is our home base. We have a registered real estate entity- our long term goal is to start our own real estate business. I m in the process of registering for the NQF4 Real Estate qualification.

        I look forward to your assistance.

    • Waseela
      Waseela says:

      Hi there,

      Are you able to assist me with getting an internship, as I’ve been trying for the past few months now. When they hear it’s part time, I’m then declined immediately. Please help!

      • Courtney
        Courtney says:

        Morning, we unfortunately cannot assist you with getting an internship. I am glad you are reading our blogs as they contain good advise on how to get your internship. Try to assist smaller agencies, as they need the help. Wishing you the best of luck.

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Hi Sydney
      Thank you for your comment.
      In order to get a job with an estate agency, we can only advise you to look in your area for agencies, and approach them directly with your CV. Knocking on their door may help you to make a better impression. Good luck, and we hope to hear from you when you need to start your Intern Logbook!

  6. nandipa
    nandipa says:

    Hi Courtney

    Your online blog is extremely powerful and educative. Kindly send me a list of Estate Agents who offer internship around Gauteng urgently. My son has always had a passion for this industry and now through your information here – all our questions have been answered!

  8. sean
    sean says:

    I am in the same predicament – I need to find an agency for internship in order to register and complete my Intern Logbook Course as prescribed by EAAB. I stay in Polokwane and looking for opportunities in Polokwane. Please share the information on possible Estate Agents prepared to hire interns.

  9. Mokibelo
    Mokibelo says:

    Hi
    Please help, I realy want to venture in real estate but can’t find an internship to do so. I stay in Polokwane and have 6 years working experience as a teacher. I contacted Pam Goldings unfortunately I was told they don’t take any interns this year.

    • Janet Alexander
      Janet Alexander says:

      Hi Mokibelo
      Estate Agencies are looking for Full Status estate agents but there are many that are looking for interns. You have to approach all the agencies in your area. Please pop me an email : [email protected] and I will forward your request on to agencies that I may come into contact with. Please also feel free to call Samantha at our office 0861112281

    • Janet Alexander
      Janet Alexander says:

      Hi Joseph. Thanks for your enquiry. Please send me an email letting me know what area you are in and if you have ever traded as an agent, or are you brand new? If you are new do you have financial support for 6 months whilst you get going in the industry – and please remember that you must study during your first 2 years of being employed as an agent. Our office number is 0861112281 and we would love to hear from you.

  11. zkms
    zkms says:

    (re-post, fixed typo)

    Hi, is there a filter to use on the eaab website to sort estate agencies by date of registration?

    I’d like to start my career in RE with a new fresh agency.

    Any suggestions?
    Thanks.

  12. Dimpho Masehla
    Dimpho Masehla says:

    Hi.
    Ive never studied anything to do with properties before therefore i have no qualifications in this industry. Will I be accepted if i applied for an internship at any estate agency?

    Secondly do interns start earning immediately after they are employed or is it after a period of time?

    lastly please assist me to find accredited estate agencies around Polokwane city that i can apply to.
    thank you in advance

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Hi Dimpho. Thank you for your questions. That depends on the Agency where you apply for the position. Interns start immediately, meaning as soon as you are employed by the agency, you should have your FFC from the EAAB before you start practicing. We unfortunately can’t advise you where to look for a position, but we wish you the best of luck.

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Hi Donald
      Thank you for making contact!
      Please read the following article on our Blog page, “How to Qualify as a Full Status or Principal Real Estate Agent”. If you would like to talk to us, please click on the contact us tab above and we will give you a call!
      Chat soon

  18. brenda
    brenda says:

    hi

    I’m considering a career in real estate, I’m considering to enroll for an NQf 5 level certificate as a starting point.

    Is that the correct way to start venturing into real estate or do I need internship first?

    please advice

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Hi Brenda, thank you for your comment. You need to do your Internship, NQF4, PDE4 & NQF5 to register as a Principal. Please send us your contact details on the contact us tab above and we will call you to assist you through this process. Looking forward to helping you!

  19. CeMaluleke
    CeMaluleke says:

    I just enrolled for the Premium Internship programme with Pro Academy. I’m looking for a principal estate agent to mentor me. I live in Observatory Johannesburg. Any recommendation of estate agents that may be interested in incubating me in their internship programme.

    Your assistance in this regard will be highly appreciated.

    Regards,
    Esther

  20. Antoinette Mlimi
    Antoinette Mlimi says:

    Hi..
    I don’t have any real estate qualifications or experience,but I want to start a career & looking for a internship..Kindly please assist me.. My number is +27848254586

  21. Mellod Tazviwana
    Mellod Tazviwana says:

    I don’t have experience or any knowledge of real estate ,but want to join the career.Iam looking for the internship .Here is my number 078 631 4423.maybe you might help

  23. Janet Alexander
    Janet Alexander says:

    Hi Sandra – thanks for your enquiry. Please go to our website and click on INFO tab, then SSETA & EAAB free download. This will explain the eduction requirements. To complete your NQF4 Real Estate qualifications the requirements are that you have matric or NQF3 fundamental mathematics and literacy in a second SA language. If you dont have this then we have short courses to satisfy this need. Please email us at [email protected] for more info or call us 0861112281. Have a super day,

  24. Zelda
    Zelda says:

    Good day

    In need of some advise please
    I’m Currently working full time have a big passion working and meeting new people I would like to be more independent and one day open my own business in real estate.
    I would like to know how I can go well start going into this direction while still working full time

    Thank you

  25. Sipho
    Sipho says:

    I am a qualified LLB and BCom Law graduate who is interested in becoming a real estate agent. How do I get MENTORSHIP and be exempted in the basic requirements like your NQF4 deservedly as I already studied contract law, property law, conveyancing amongst others that must parallel my offering advise. I am Sipho: 072 4194479

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Thank you for contacting us Sipho. Mentorship comes from Agents who either hold Full Status for 3 years or Principal Status. Regarding your Exemption against the EAAB NQF4, your qualification needs to be checked against the NQF4 Matrix. We will send you information on this and call you this morning to explain in depth.

  29. Maria Mawhwiliri
    Maria Mawhwiliri says:

    Good day, I am interested in the internship program and don’t have any qualifications but am willing to learn. My contacts are 0614271163

  30. Lusanda
    Lusanda says:

    Hi I am a qualified chartered accountant looking to start as a real estate agent. I understand I should be exempt from NQF4. I am looking for an agent for internship. I live in Cape Town. Do you have any recommendations? Do agents accommodate internship to be done part time? I would appreciate your help.

  32. Lebogang
    Lebogang says:

    Hey Courtney

    I’m a construction management graduate and I would love to pursue a career in property. Can you please assist me with finding the agency so I can start with my internship

    Thank you

  33. Precious
    Precious says:

    Hi
    I am interested in joining and learning the property industry from the start, please advice me about any internship programme, i am staying in Bloemfontein.

    Thanking you in advance.

  35. Lerato
    Lerato says:

    Hello my name is Lerato Bianca Mazibuko from Tembisa I’m looking forward to joining the property industry but I don’t have any experience yet im willing to learn. I’m looking for an internship to gain some experience please advice me on 0743348058

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Hi Mukona, thank you for your comment. That will definitely work to your advantage. Please click on the contact tab on our website and send us your details so that we can call you to discuss this further.

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Hi Sthabile, if you don’t have your matric, you can still complete your education requirements by means of 2 bridging courses. So you will be able to complete your Logbook, NQF4 (with 2 short bridging courses) and your PDE4 with no restrictions regarding your matric. Good luck!

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Hi Erick, once you have your FFC you can practice full or part-time. That is up to the agreement you and your agency have in place. You could compare your honors degree to the NQF4 Matrix to see if you qualify for an exemption. If you do, you will still need to complete your logbook and PDE4 to gain Full Status. If you need further clarity and wish to contact us, please complete your details on the contact us tab on our site, and we will call you.

  40. Matthew
    Matthew says:

    Hi I am Matthew 18 years of age
    Would it be possible to start real estate at my age? I feel like I starting early would help me build a good portfolio for the future

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Hi Matthew, of course. If you have your Matric with Maths & both SA Languages showing as passed, then we can get you started on your NQF4 in Real Estate. The NQF4 information is all on our Courses page, and then on the contact us tab you can send us your details and we can talk you through the process. Looking forward to helping you!

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Hi Authelia, we do not place agents into internships, unfortunately. Estate Agencies usually advertise for positions themselves or use recruitment agencies like Oasis Staffing Solutions. We wish you the best of luck.

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      I suggest looking for agencies that operate in your area and applying to them. If you don’t have any real estate courses behind your name, then you can do a Logbook Knowledge course, or any Skill-enhancing courses you may be interested in.

  44. Mosima
    Mosima says:

    Good day

    In need of some advise please

    I’m Currently working full time and would like to be more independent and one day open my own business in real estate.
    I would like to know how I can go well start going into this direction while still working full time.

    I am contactable on 063 691 5956

    Thank you in advance

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Hi Mosima, thank you for writing in. You can get started while you are working full time.
      On our website, under Blog, you will see “HOW TO QUALIFY AS A FULL STATUS OR PRINCIPAL REAL ESTATE AGENT” in this procedure, there are 3 courses you can do prior to becoming an agent, and while working full time. In this order:
      1. Logbook Knowledge course – 3 months long, but can be done much sooner
      2. NQF Level 4 in Real Estate – 6 months long
      3. NQF Level 5 in Real Estate – 6 months long

      If you are interested, please send us your email address via the “CONTACT US” tab and we will send you the course requirements.

  45. Greta De Sutter
    Greta De Sutter says:

    Good day,
    Thank you for creating this service of Q&A on your website. By browsing through them many of my questions already have been answered. Also the entire website provides very good information.
    I would like to enroll with Propacademy to obtain my NQF4, although before doing so I have a few more personal questions.
    Is there an age restriction with regards to enroll. I’ve just turned 70 but have been active in the recruiting industry for the last 15 years, recruiting people with foreign languages for the IT sector. Since corvid 19, my job is frozen. I finally decided to step out of it and venture into something that I call ‘my passion’. I’ve always felt attracted to the Estate Agency business, but i have no experience, hence I’m looking to start from scratch.
    I haven’t tried to find an Agency which would take on an intern and more than that an intern of my age. I come to realize by reading the comments above that it’s quiet a challenge to find an Agency which is prepared to take you on board.
    Furthermore I have a European passport and RP which will allow me to accomplish my aim, but I have no knowledge of a second South African language. Being original from Belgium I don’t think that it’s a huge handicap to get my credits for the Afrikaans language.
    Would you be able to advise who to approach for the internship or which agencies you could advise me. I’m staying in Dainfern (Fourways).

    Kind regards,
    Greta
    0829266855

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      Greta, thank you for the feedback, always appreciated.
      There is no age limit when joining an agency.
      Regarding an internship, it is always best to work close to home. So search your area for agencies, and then see how they operate, and from there look at applying to them.
      You are right, people are struggling to find positions, especially with a lack of/no experience. I, therefore, advise that you get some courses behind your name prior to applying.
      My suggestion is a quick intro course, “Logbook Knowledge course”. This is a quick 3-month intro course into real estate. Then to proceed with your NQF level 4 in Real Estate, which is a 6-month course. regarding your bridging courses, we can look at your documentation and advise accordingly.
      Please send us your details on the “CONTACT US” tab and we will guide you.

  47. Natasha
    Natasha says:

    Hi there.

    I please want to know what is the best courses to do before applying for internship? I’m planning on changing careers asap but want to do a few courses before changing.

    Kind regards
    Natasha Pretorius

    • Courtney
      Courtney says:

      That’s a great idea. I am going to suggest that you look at either the Logbook Knowledge course, or Skill-enhancing courses to start with. Then move on to the NQF4 course. This will help your CV and make sure that you are equipped when entering the industry.

  48. Nokwazi
    Nokwazi says:

    I just finished matric and I’m interested in becoming a real estate agent so I know that I have to become an intern so how long does that take and how much does it cost and if you don’t have money what can you do

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