Becoming a decent strata agent can take years, and can be one of the most difficult jobs out there to become incredibly good at. Learning the Strata Property Act (Which changes all the time), becoming proficient in the accounting skills required to give advice to your Strata Council and Strata Owners, becoming an insurance expert so that you can deal with and negotiate $100k + premiums. and learning basic Building Maintenance so that you can deal and negotiate with trades.
You need to be the following all wrapped into one to be a good strata agent:
- A Lawyer (knowledge of the strata property act)
- An Accountant (basic skills to read financial statements and prepare budgets)
- An Engineer (knowledge of building envelope)
- A General Contractor with knowledge of Plumbing, Roofing, HVAC, electrical, and various other building systems.
- An Insurance Agent (you will be negotiating huge premiums for your strata corporations)
Essentially, you require an MBA, but you’re only given a 6 month Course, and then oftentimes only 2 months of training, then are thrown a 10 building portfolio with up to 1000 units under management!
The reality is that becoming a good strata agent takes 2-5 years, but due to demand, most agents are NOT given this much training prior to being set loose on the world!
So how long does it really take to become a good strata agent?
To summarize, becoming a good strata agent takes time, which will vary from person to person, and will depend on training and the company you work for. I would plan for a two year minimum period of heavy learning before you can really be considered “good.”
If you are looking to find out more regarding a possible career in Strata Management, please reach out to us here!