In today’s fast-evolving global property market, whether you're purchasing a luxury apartment in New York or searching for a family-friendly home in the suburbs of London, choosing a trustworthy Real Estate Agent can make or break the entire transaction. Especially when financial stakes are high, an agent’s possession of a real estate license and record of professional training is no longer optional — it’s essential. After all, a real estate purchase impacts not only financial stability but also long-term health and wellness, especially when it involves one’s primary residence or future investment plan.
This industry isn’t merely about opening doors and showing houses. In countries like the U.S. and across Europe, real estate is a highly regulated profession with complex legal frameworks, contract systems, and shifting market dynamics. That’s why nearly all established markets require aspiring real estate agents to complete accredited coursework before entering the field. In the U.S., for instance, candidates must study property law, transaction procedures, real estate principles, and consumer rights through state-approved programs — followed by a rigorous licensing exam. Practicing without a license isn’t just illegal; it could expose clients to major financial risk.
There have been painful lessons in this regard. In 2018, a middle-class couple in New Jersey hired a self-proclaimed “veteran” agent for their first home purchase. The individual, operating without a valid license, failed to disclose serious foundational issues with the property and even advised the buyers to skip a professional home inspection. Months later, the couple discovered severe underground water damage, resulting in nearly $100,000 in repair costs. Legal action followed, and the unlicensed “agent” was sentenced and ordered to pay damages.
Contrast this with a very different kind of story — one that reflects what licensed, well-trained agents can truly offer. Brian Thompson, a seasoned agent based in New York’s Upper East Side, holds both a REALTOR® designation and a CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) credential issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). He once helped a high-net-worth client from the UK secure a Manhattan apartment during a competitive bidding period, managing to negotiate the price down by $150,000. His knowledge of negotiation strategy and market timing, paired with a trained eye that spotted an upcoming building fee increase, saved his client from hidden costs and unnecessary stress. This level of foresight and cultural competence doesn’t come from luck — it comes from training.
Indeed, in professional markets across the U.S. and Europe, top-tier agents typically hold more than just a basic real estate license. Many pursue advanced certifications such as ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), SRS (Seller Representative Specialist), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), and CIPS. These aren’t just résumé boosters — they represent specialized, verifiable skillsets that inspire trust and often influence whether a client chooses to work with someone long-term.
Most regions also mandate ongoing education through continuing education (CE) courses. Far from being a bureaucratic requirement, these courses cover valuable topics like legislative updates, tax law changes, market forecasting, negotiation psychology, and anti-money laundering protocols. Agents who don’t invest in continuous learning quickly fall behind in both service quality and legal compliance.
Beyond licenses and formal training, assessing a real estate agent’s trustworthiness also involves more nuanced soft skills. A reliable agent tends to possess strong market sensitivity and data literacy — they can explain why prices in a particular neighborhood have shifted over the past six months and alert you to future risks such as tax hikes or structural wear. Communication, too, is vital. The best agents are not just talkers — they’re skilled listeners. They simplify complex legal jargon and facilitate smooth conversations with mortgage brokers, attorneys, inspectors, and contractors. Much of this professional grace is, in fact, actively taught and reinforced through training programs.
Ultimately, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an international property investor, partnering with an agent who holds a recognized real estate license and has undergone comprehensive professional training isn’t a bonus — it’s the baseline. Don’t be misled by agents with flashy social media or anecdotal claims of “years of experience.” Experience is valuable, but without professionalism and credentials, it means very little.
As a prospective client, you should feel confident asking your agent about their background. Which certifications do they hold? Are they a REALTOR®? Have they completed continuing education in the last two years? Do they have case studies or testimonials from past clients? A truly reliable Real Estate Agent won’t hesitate to share these details — in fact, they’ll likely present them upfront.