Frequently Asked Questions
What is a professional?
A professional is a specialist who has the knowledge and skill (usually gained over a long period of time) to perform the duties associated with the area operated in.
How is this knowledge and skill acquired?
Professionals undergo formal education and once in practice, undertake continuous education to maintain their knowledge and improve their skill level.
Why choose IPAV?
A professional person is one who is, by definition, formally educated/trained and associated with a professional body. In the property business IPAV is a well established representative association for property professionals.
Why is it necessary to register with a professional body?
Professional bodies develop codes of practice that are designed to ensure that best practice is followed and that the public can be guaranteed a true professional service. Other professionals like to deal with those who are similarly registered. In estate agency financial institutions will only deal with those who are properly professionally registered, for example should they require valuations.
The market is quiet, is it unwise to choose a career in property now?
Markets are characterised by periods of ups and downs. There is no question but that we are currently in a down cycle. History tells us that when down cycles end there is a need for qualified professionals to meet demands of new markets. There is, therefore no better time to consider studying. There are no distractions and the opportunity is presented to gain valuable knowledge – the challenge is to see it and take it.
Are the learning demands very high?
It is not rocket science but like all professional courses there is a challenge. The basic requirements to succeed are as follows:
- A keen interest in property and people
- Ability to work on one’s initiative
- Ability to reason/think problems through
- Determination to succeed