Real estate is a dynamic sector in France, which offers many professional opportunities. If you are considering a career as a real estate agent, you must know the qualifications, training and procedures necessary to achieve it. This guide offers a detailed course, as well as precious advice to succeed in this demanding but rewarding profession.
What are the necessary qualifications to become a real estate agent?
In France, access to the profession of the real estate agent is Strictly supervised by the Bonfire Law of 1970that requires obtaining a Presentation card Delivered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). This card is mandatory for anyone who wishes to exercise a real estate transaction activity or rental management.
To get the card, you must justify a Professional aptitude that can be acquired in different ways:
- Diploma is required : Several diplomas allow access to the profession. The most commonly required is the BTS real estate professions (BTS PI)A BAC+2 level diploma. Other training courses such as a License in Law, Management or Economics (BAC+3) Or specific diplomas such as those of the Institute of Legal and Economic Studies applied to construction and housing (ICH) are also accepted.
- Professional experience : If you don’t have a diploma, professional experience can compensate. Depending on your training level, you will have to justify 3 to 10 years of experience in the sector, under the responsibility of a professional card holder.
Note: Can also go through a procedure of Validation of the acquired experience (VAE) To affirm your professional skills and obtain a recognized diploma.
What is the training available for training in real estate?
Several courses allow you to acquire the necessary skills to become a real estate agent. The initial training is often the first step towards this profession. However, there are many continuous training and specialization options for those who wish to deepen their knowledge or training in this area.
Initial training
Obtaining a specific real estate diploma is the most direct way to become a real estate agent. Here are the main training available:
- BTS real estate professions (BTS PI) : It is the most popular and adequate diploma to become a real estate agent. The BTS PI is preparing in two years after the baccalaureate and covers all the necessary skills: real estate law, goods management, sales techniques, etc.
- License in Law or Economics : Some universities offer professional -centered professional licenses, which can constitute an interesting alternative to BTS.
- Specialized teachers : For those who wish to go further in their studies, there are a master’s degree in real estate law or in the management of real estate, which allow him to acquire extensive experience in the sector.
Continuous training
For those who imagine professional resentment or who wish to evolve in the real estate sector, continuous training is also available. They are often offered by specialized organizations or Chambers of Commerce.
- Professional Aptitude Certificate (CAP) in real estate : Fast and adequate training for those who want to quickly enter the profession while working.
- Online course and remote training : With the development of electronic learning platforms, it is now possible to train remotely. For example, organizations such as ESI (Higher School of Real Estate) or IMSI (Institute of Real Estate Management) offer specific training for real estate agents.
These continuous training courses offer flexibility to train while continuing a professional activity, they often allow the issuance of the professional card.
What are the administrative procedures to become a real estate agent?
Becoming a real estate agent in France requires fulfilling certain specific administrative procedures. Once adequate training is followed, it is imperative to respect the following formalities to be in good position with French legislation.
Get the professional card
As mentioned above, The “T” professional card (transaction) It is the essential sesame to exercise the profession of the real estate agent. To get it, here are the steps to follow:
- File constitution : You must present a file to the CCI, including the following documents:
- Diploma or experience proof.
- A financial guarantee certificate (mandatory if you have funds on your clients’ name).
- A subscription test to Civil Liability Professional Insurance.
- An extract of the criminal record (Bulletin No. 2).
- Payment of administrative costs : The cost of the professional card varies according to the CCIS, but it is generally between 100 and 150 euros per year.
- Card renewal : The professional card is valid for three years and must be renewed with each deadline. You will have to provide updated documents (insurance, guarantee, etc.) again.
Professional Insurance Subscription
Professional civil liability insurance (CPR) is mandatory for real estate agents. This insurance protects it in case of damages caused to third parties as part of its professional activities. It is important to subscribe to a CPR adapted to your activity sector, because real estate disputes may have significant financial consequences.
Affiliation to the Financial Guarantee Fund
If you manage funds on behalf of your customers (for example, if you receive rent or advances in transactions), you must subscribe to a financial guarantee. This guarantee covers its customers in case of a fault on your part and guarantees a certain security in real estate transactions. The amount of this guarantee varies according to the volume of funds administered.
Some tips to succeed in the real estate sector
Once installed as a real estate agent, here are some tips to start well and perpetuate their activity:
Develop a solid network
The success in real estate is based largely on its ability to build links with different players in the sector: notaries, promoters, corridors and, of course, their clients. Engage in Professional events and adhere to Associations like FNAIM It will help you develop your network.
Master digital tools
With 93 % of real estate research Made online, a strong digital presence is essential. Create a professional website, use specialized platforms to distribute your ads and be active on social networks. In addition, the domain of goods management tools and customer relations (CRM) will allow you to be more effective.
Specialize
Depending on your local market, you can choose to specialize in a particular sector, such as luxury real estate, commercial real estate or heritage management. The experience in a specific field will allow you to highlight the competition.
Keep informed about legislative developments
Real estate law is a perpetual development area. Laws like Alur’s law Impose obligations to real estate agents, in terms of transparency of transactions and consumer protection. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the Regulatory developments To maintain compliance and provide a quality service.
Becoming a real estate agent in France is an approach that requires specific qualifications, adequate training and specific administrative procedures. It is an exciting job, but also requires great rigor and the ability to adapt to a constantly evolving market. With adequate training, a solid organization and a sense of human contact developed, it has all the keys to succeed in this profession.
This guide offers you the basics to begin your career, but do not forget that success in this sector is also based on your ability to differentiate, anticipate the needs of your customers and train it continuously. Good luck in this new adventure!
