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Over 60 real estate industry leaders gathered together to action plans for professionalisation at REINSW’s Property Professional Prelaunch Think Tank.

REINSW is leading the way for a National scheme run by The Real Estate Institute of Australia, as part of plans to change the industry’s image and ensure that there is a refocus on the property consumer’s experience.

REINSW President John Cunningham said: “At the Property Professional Prelaunch Think Tank members of the industry were asked to make a choice: move ahead or be left behind.

“The response from the industry was overwhelmingly in favour of making a monumental change and to join other industries that have successfully achieved professional standing in Australia including accountants and lawyers.”

“Today is day one. It is time to draw the line in the sand. The path to gain formal professional recognition is a long one, but there is no need to wait until the framework is in place, we can put the leadership, culture, attitudes and behaviours in place now."

- John Cunningham - REINSW President

An important part of the process will see changes to legislation around what is required to join the industry, the certificate of registration, the real estate license and to be the Licensee-In-Charge.

REINSW President John Cunningham said: “We are being asked to provide advice on, and are given the keys to, people’s most valuable asset and that requires at a minimum a professional level of advice and service.

“We aim to set high barriers for entry into the profession. We want a career in real estate to be something that you aspire to and need to work hard to achieve.”

- John Cunningham - REINSW President

“We aim to set high barriers for entry into the profession. We want a career in real estate to be something that you aspire to and need to work hard to achieve.”

Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Victor Dominello, who spoke at that the Think Tank, welcomed the changes and said that the new requirements will enable real estate agents to be ready to take the next step in their career and apply to becoming a professional.

“We are trying to put real estate on a path to professionalism. One thing professionalism provides is a level of customer assurance as a client.”

- Victor Dominello - Minister for Finance, Services and Property

The next stage in the process is extensive consultation with the industry followed by further consultation with the community throughout 2018 as part of the submission to the Professional Standards Authority regulatory agency. The process could be finalised by the end of 2019.

“It is time for the industry to take control and show consumers that they are the most important people in a property transaction and provide them with the skills, knowledge, experience and service that they not only demand but deserve."

- John Cunningham - REINSW President

Hear from the speakers

REINSW President John Cunningham on what professionalism means, the benefits and how the journey to get there will look.

Steve Mark from Creative Consequences talks about what a profession is, the benefits, requirements and the project phases.

John Cunningham, and McGrath Estate Agents Head of Franchise Services, Chris Mourd, speak about why the REIA and REINSW is taking this journey to professionalism.

BresicWhitney Director Shannan Whitney talks about the agent of the future as part of the REINSW Property Professional Think Tank.

Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Victor Dominello, speaks about the real estate training reforms, disruption, and the benefits of professionalism.

Morton Real Estate Owner, Ewan Morton, speaks about how to become a professional, and why you should become one.

REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin and McGrath Estate Agent Sales Agent, Braden Walters, share their thoughts on professionalism.

Real Estate Institute of Tasmania CEO Mark Berry talks about why real estate needs to set a benchmark.

Brett Hunter, General Manager, of Raine & Horne - Terrigal, and Peter Matthews, Director of Strategy & Operations, The Agency, take a look at the benefits of professionalism for agents and principals.