The term "buyer's agent" typically refers to someone who represents the purchasing party in a real estate transaction, so to become one, you first need to become a real estate agent, salesperson or broker. Becoming a real estate agent is handled differently, depending on the country and local area, but you typically need to undergo a certain amount of education and then pass a licensing exam. After you are licensed to sell real estate, you can then become a buyer's agent. There usually are no special requirements to become a buyer's agent beyond that, though you can take special classes and obtain certifications that might help you attract clients.
In many countries, real estate transactions can be facilitated by real estate agents. Instead of the buyer and seller interacting directly, each one assigns a disinterested third party to act on his or her behalf in a limited fashion. This establishes an agency relationship between each party and his or her respective assignee. There is an agency relationship involved, so these people are often known as real estate agents. The buyer's agent represents the purchasing party, and the seller's agent lists the property and represents the owner.
The first step to become a buyer's agent is to become licensed to sell real estate. This process usually involves a certain amount of education, which might be measured in clock hours. Real estate education usually is offered by specialized schools, though online courses are also available. Another option is to obtain a four-year degree in a related field, because many real estate boards will accept that type of education as a substitution for specific real estate clock hours. Regardless of whether you took real estate classes or obtained a degree, most areas require that you pass a licensing exam.
After you are licensed to sell real estate, you can obtain a title such as real estate agent, salesperson or broker, depending on the area where you live. At that point, you can become a buyer's agent, though many brokerages will require that you work under an established salesperson first. This can help you learn the business and receive valuable experience, but you also can obtain potential client leads by running open house events and answering phones.
Even though you are technically qualified after you become licensed, you will need to find clients who are willing to sign on with you before you can actually become a buyer's agent. This can be difficult when you are first starting out in the field, because you probably will lack experience and contacts. One way to show potential clients that you have the necessary expertise to act as a buyer's agent is to take classes that are specifically aimed at that niche. Though this is not required to become a buyer's agent, potential clients might be reassured if you possess such certifications.
