Working as an estate agent? Here’s how you can become an SDR
At Venatrix, we’ve been assisting candidates with a background in estate agency into SDR (Sales Development Representative) roles since 2015. We know what “good” looks like, and often individuals don’t realise that they could excel in a sales role with one of our clients due to already acquiring excellent sales skills as an estate agent.
Working in an estate agency can be incredibly lucrative, and if you’re someone who has a passion for property and an established client base, it can be hard to fathom that there are even better opportunities out there.
The benefit that you have is that you’ve already got experience in sales, and you’ll already be used to the proactive selling skills needed to excel as an SDR. We’re going to break down some key selling points that entice estate agents to make the move, as well as how we can assist you as a prospective candidate!
Salary and bonus
Let’s cut to the chase - basic salaries in estate agencies are known to be lower due to the commission/bonus structures in place depending on the branch you work in, as well as your seniority. Even if you’re earning what is considered a high basic salary in the industry, our average starting salary for even junior roles sits at the £30,000 mark, plus commission or bonus.
This means that the earning potential opens up considerably, and will enable you to get to your goal income quicker than if you were to stay in an estate agency.
Granted, money may not be your only motivator and that’s fine. However, in our experience, we find that it is a core deciding factor for many estate agents, as it gives them financial security as well as the potential to maximise their earnings way more than they could have originally.
Benefits
Additional annual leave, gym memberships, corporate discounts, and catered breakfasts/lunches are just some (but not all) of the perks that our clients offer. Due to the market being incredibly competitive, companies have to stay up-to-date with the demands, which means that there is often an extensive list of attractive benefits on offer for employees.
Although an estate agency can offer some perks such as a company car and potentially some other expenses covered, the sector that we operate in surpasses this every time (we’d be happy to elaborate on the phone!).
Working hours/work-life balance
Prescriptive hours don’t exist in a sales role, and there will be times that you’ll naturally work longer depending on your responsibilities that day.
However, the most significant change that you’ll see when working as an SDR is claiming back your weekend. No more Saturday and Sunday viewings, and no more super unsociable hours from Monday-Friday, either.
Exposure to different clientele
The feedback that we consistently get from placed candidates who have formerly worked in an estate agency is the variety of clientele that they are exposed to. As an SDR, you’re working on a B2B basis, so the types of conversations you have will be entirely different and will also have more variety.
Depending on the type of company that you work in, you’ll develop your commercial sales skills as well as be able to network with individuals that you previously wouldn’t have had access to working as an estate agent!
Career progression
If career progression is a key motivator for you, then transitioning into an SDR role is the next logical step.
Not only can you progress linearly within an organisation, but there are multiple career paths available should you wish to make a change later on down the line.
The beauty of working as an SDR is it opens up many doors that estate agencies, unfortunately, don’t offer, which is why it’s an attractive prospect for many looking to make a change. The skills that you will acquire will be a lot more valuable in the long term.
How it works
We have helped numerous individuals make the transition from an estate agency into an SDR role. We do this via a live assessment centre, which allows you to come and trial what it would be like, using real-life scenarios, not just a formal setting that you’d predominantly be used to in a face-to-face interview.
Not only does this allow us to see whether you’d be a good fit for our clients, but it also allows you to see whether you’d like this type of role, too. This method has worked incredibly well for us over the years, as it means that we have a higher placement ratio, which
also equals happier candidates as they aren’t going into a new opportunity “blind”!
If you’d like to discuss an opportunity, please contact us directly. Additionally, if you want us to expand on any of the points raised in this article please e-mail [email protected] and we'll be in touch.