How to become a vacation and second home agent

Is becoming a vacation and second home agent right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do vacation and second home agents do?

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How to become a Vacation and Second Home Agent

Becoming a vacation and second home agent involves several steps, including obtaining general real estate licensure and completing specialized training. Here's a guide to the process:

Meet Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 or 19 years old, depending on your state or country. In addition, most regions require that aspiring real estate agents have at least a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.

Bachelor’s Degree (Optional)
While not required, some agents may opt to pursue a degree in real estate, or a related field such as business administration, marketing, or finance.

Pre-Licensing Education
After meeting the basic education requirement, prospective agents must complete an accredited pre-licensing course from a real estate school or institution. The number of required hours varies depending on the US state or country, but typically ranges from 60 to 180 hours.

The course curriculum generally covers key topics such as:

  • Real estate principles and practices
  • Property ownership and land use
  • Contracts and agency relationships
  • Property valuation and appraisal
  • Real estate finance and mortgage laws
  • Real estate ethics and professional conduct
  • State-specific real estate laws and regulations

Licensing Exam
To operate as a vacation and second home agent, candidates must pass the real estate licensing exam. To qualify for the exam, they must usually provide proof of completing the pre-licensing education.

The exam usually has two parts:

  • A national section that covers general real estate laws and principles and practices
  • A state or regional section that focuses on specific laws and regulations in your state or jurisdiction (if in a country other than the United States)

License Application
Once you pass the exam, you’ll need to apply for your real estate license through your state’s or country’s real estate regulatory agency. You may be required to submit a background check and fingerprinting as part of the application process.

Gain Real Estate Experience
Start by working with a real estate brokerage, where you’ll gain hands-on experience selling properties, working with clients, and understanding the real estate market.

Develop your skills in negotiation, marketing, and client relations. Build a network of clients and referrals that can support your future career in the vacation and second home sector.

Familiarize yourself with local real estate market trends, including property values, regulations, and client preferences.

Join a Brokerage Specializing in Vacation and Second Homes
If your initial work experience is not with a real estate brokerage that has a division focused on the vacation and second home sector, seek out a brokerage specializing in this market.

Gain in-depth knowledge of popular vacation destinations, rental income potential, seasonal trends, and the unique challenges of buying and selling second homes. Understand the legal, zoning, and tax implications that come with owning a second home, and advise your clients accordingly.

Choose a Niche
Determine whether you want to specialize. Options include luxury vacation homes, rental investment properties, waterfront properties and beach towns, ski resorts, or international locations where second home markets thrive. For a complete list of specializations in the field, please refer to the What does a Vacation and Second Home Agent do? section in the career overview.

Market Yourself as a Vacation and Second Home Specialist
Develop an online presence. Create a professional website and social media profiles focused on vacation and second home properties. Highlight your expertise and market knowledge.

Attend real estate conferences, vacation property expos, and local tourism events to network with potential clients, vacation property developers, and management companies.

Partner with tourism boards, hospitality businesses, and rental agencies to access potential buyers looking for vacation homes.

Continuing Education
Most states or countries require real estate agents to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licenses. This ensures agents stay up to date with changes in real estate laws, regulations, and market trends.

Pursue Specialized Certifications
These certifications, specifically designed for vacation and second home agents, can enhance your expertise, credibility and marketability:

  • Resort and Second Home Property Specialist (RSPS) – Offered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), this certification focuses on the unique aspects of buying and selling vacation homes and resort properties. It covers topics such as market trends, financing, and understanding the needs of second home buyers and sellers.
  • Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) – Also offered by NAR, this certification is valuable for agents dealing with international vacation properties. It provides training on cross-border transactions, foreign ownership laws, and the intricacies of international real estate markets.
  • Certified Property Manager (CPM) – Although more focused on property management, including operations, finance, and tenant relations, the CPM designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) is valuable for agents involved in managing vacation and second home properties.

Additional Certifications
Vacation and second home agents may also pursue other credentials or training, which are aimed at the broader real estate community. Here are some examples:

  • Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) – Offered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and its affiliate, the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC), this certification focuses on improving skills in serving buyers and understanding their needs.
  • Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) – This designation, also offered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), focuses on skills specific to working with sellers. It covers topics like listing and marketing strategies, seller representation, and negotiation techniques.
  • Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) – Awarded by the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC), this designation is for agents who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in residential real estate transactions. It requires completing advanced coursework and meeting transaction experience requirements.
  • Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) – This designation is provided by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and covers advanced education in real estate practices, ethics, and laws. It requires completing coursework and passing an exam.
  • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) – This certification, awarded by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM), is for agents who specialize in luxury properties. It focuses on advanced marketing strategies and understanding the luxury real estate market.
  • Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) – This certification, offered by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI), focuses on negotiation techniques, helping agents become more effective in negotiating terms and prices on behalf of their clients.
  • Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) – This advanced certification is for agents who want to deepen their negotiation skills beyond the basics, focusing on complex and high-stakes negotiations.
  • EcoBroker Certified – This certification is for agents who are knowledgeable about eco-friendly and sustainable real estate practices. It covers green building practices, energy efficiency, and environmentally conscious real estate practices.
  • e-PRO® – This is another certification administered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). It focuses on using digital tools and strategies to enhance online marketing and client communication.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above, these entities support vacation and second home agents, as well as the wider real estate profession:

  • American Real Estate Society (ARES) – ARES provides academic research and professional development opportunities in the real estate field, including access to industry journals and conferences.
  • National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) – Founded in 1947, NAREB focuses on promoting equal housing opportunities and improving the real estate profession, particularly among minority communities. It provides professional development and advocacy for its members.
  • National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA) – While primarily focused on buyer agents, NAEBA provides resources and training that can be beneficial for all real estate professionals, including vacation and second home agents.
  • International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) – FIABCI, the global real estate association, connects real estate professionals across borders, offering international market insights and networking opportunities.