Is a Career in Real Estate Right for You?

real estate real estate salesperson salesperson Apr 17, 2023

Eager to find a new occupation or a part-time job? A career in real estate might just be the solution to all of your problems. Many people in the US are interested in finding a job that can be financially rewarding, has flexible working hours, and lets you hone your social skills. Yet, keep in mind that becoming a real estate agent has its own set of challenges. What you should think about when considering the following burning question – is a career in real estate right for you? Read on to find out.

Is becoming a real estate agent easy?

Nowadays, there are around 2 million registered real estate agents in the US with active licenses. What’s more, in comparison to other professions with similar earning potential, the preparations you have to go through to become a real estate agent are relatively simple. Particularly when you consider that you are essentially in charge of the amount of time you work and who you work with.

So, the perks of being your own boss while helping other people find the home of their dreams also makes this an attractive career for many. However, keep in mind that any career path requires you to commit to it, make certain sacrifices, and take risks to succeed.

In addition, you will also have to invest some amount of money initially so that you can obtain a license and start your real estate firm. The same applies to being a real estate agent – there are pros and cons you ought to consider before you decide to walk down this path.

Is a career in real estate right or wrong for you?

In this line of work, some people might observe some aspects of being a real estate agent as problematic, while others might perceive it as a benefit. So, as we mentioned, the very fact you decide when and how much you work can be a limit or an advantage depending on what you make of it. For some people, having a clear-cut, externally enforced schedule keeps them from wasting time or slacking off. For others, this kind of flexibility is a godsend in that they manage to achieve maximum productivity in the face of tight time frames.

However, regardless of the mentioned relativity problems, it helps to be a friendly, pleasant person to do this job successfully. If you are not exactly a social butterfly that thrives when you meet, network, and talk to new people, this job might not be the best career choice for you. If you are persuasive and people tend to trust you, then go for it – selling homes will be a breeze.

You need to be very organized

The fact that you will earn a commission can be a make-it-or-break-it factor for you. For some, taking a percentage of each sale they close motivates them to work harder. So, potentially, you can earn quite a fanciful sum once you spread your wings in this business. For others, not having a steady monthly income doesn’t work in their favor at all.

Be what it may, you are responsible for your own schedule, which means you have to be exceptionally well organized and systematic. You need to figure out how you are going to:

file the numerous legal documents
take care of a bunch of paperwork
fill out purchase agreements
organize meetings and showings
juggle multiple listings and clients
negotiate
research and compare listings
devise monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets and advertising campaigns

And all the while still attracting new serious clients with fresh marketing and a variety of services. You may also have to help your clients solve their problems alongside your own. So, for example, you may also have to spread your business network and find reliable contractors or moving companies such as U. Santini Moving and Storage NYC to keep client satisfaction at the desired level.

You also have to take into account that there will be times when you may be at a disadvantage due to the trends and changes in your local market. In other words, there will be rough patches on the road when nothing you do or try will make a huge difference. Essentially, there are many duties you will have to take care of on your own.

What do I have to do to become a real estate agent?

If everything sounds fine and dandy to you so far, then it is time to delve into the procedure of becoming a licensed real estate agent. Even though the process itself is straightforward, it is better not to underestimate the necessary effort, time, and money you will have to invest.

First, you will have to attend a pre-licensing course and study the legal code incumbent in your state. After that, you can take and luckily pass the licensing exam. Take into account that laws and regulations tend to change quite frequently, so learning and research essentially never stop. At least until you hire a good legal team, you will have to acquaint yourself with the legal intricacies related to real estate.

Once you activate your real estate license, you can join a real estate brokerage. Even though they have a great deal of independence, real estate agents rely on real estate brokers. You can then hire your own real estate agents with a broker license.

What does it take to become a real estate agent?

It often takes around four to six months to complete everything and become a licensed real estate agent. Yet, if you are not committed, it might take longer. And there are costs that you should take into account.

To pay off the courses, exam, and initial expenses such as MLS fees, website and social media presence, business cards, sale signs, etc., you will need anywhere from $1,000 to 3,000, depending on the state you are working in.