If you love people, paperwork and touring homes, a job as a real estate agent might be for you. It’s a great job for motivated people who love to help others. However, as with any career, it does have its drawbacks. Here are a few cons of working as a realtor.
Realtors work evenings and weekends.
If you want an 8-5 job, this career choice is probably not for you. Realtors are expected to work evenings (sometimes late) and on Saturdays and Sundays. Since most people do not want to take off work to look at new homes (or discuss selling theirs), you’ll have to work around their schedule.
Realtors must cope with grouchy, irritable and obnoxious clients.
If you want a job where your customers are always cheerful and easy-going, this is not for you. While most clients are cordial, some can be easily agitated. For example, some home buyers will be upset that their offers are not accepted. Some sellers might become very agitated with low ball offers. Some sellers might be very demanding and expect you do more than your job description entails. It is essential that you be a “people person” to be a successful real estate agent.
Income is not guaranteed.
Some real estate agents might show a client twenty houses, spend hours with him/her, make numerous phone calls and more, only to have the buyer change his/her mind. In addition, the market varies, meaning your salary could change drastically from one year to the next. If you need a job with great job security, this is not the job for you.
Realtors are expected to have a nice vehicle.
Since realtors often transport clients, it is recommended they drive nice vehicles. If you enjoy driving old, used and cheap cars, your work could be affected. Many realtors drive luxury SUV’s. So, if you’re following the Dave Ramsey plan for staying out of debt, it might not work in this career field.
It will take time to start earning money.
Most realtors are married, and can depend on their spouse’s income until their business gets off the ground. If you need to start making a nice salary immediately, this is probably not the career choice for you. While some dynamic realtors will do great in their first year, many do not.
These are just five negative aspects of becoming a realtor. Still trying to decide on a career for you? Please read “10 Jobs Where You Don’t Sit at a Desk All Day” and “Jobs that Pay $50,000 to over $100,000 a Year.” Some other articles to read are “High Demand Jobs that Pay Well over $50,000 a Year” and “How to Decide on a College Major.” You might also check out “Jobs that Pay Over a Million Dollars a Year” and “Job Ideas for People Who Like to Help Others.” Best wishes as you make decisions for your future!
