How to Become a Real Estate Agent
What is involved in being a real estate agent
Many people at some point or another consider becoming a real estate agent as a good career choice. They think it will be easy to become a real estate agent, since in most states all they will need to do is take the necessary licensing classes and pass the real estate exam. However, there is a lot more to becoming a real estate agent that many people do not realize until they’ve already become a real estate agent.
Here are some factors to consider if you are thinking of becoming a real estate agent:
1. Cost: It costs money to become a real estate agent. First you will pay anywhere between $300-$600 to take the necessary licensing classes and the real estate exam. Since licensing requirements vary by state and country, it could cost more depending on where you live. The costs associated with becoming a real estate agent do not end here however. Depending on your real estate broker you may have to pay errors and omissions insurance, marketing materials, postage, additional training courses, and National Association of Realtor dues. You will also have to pay for gas for driving to tour houses, meet with clients, and show listings. Before long it can amount to thousands of dollars to become a real estate agent before you have even made your first sale.
2. Income: The income for a real estate agent is not steady. If you are thinking of becoming a real estate agent, you should have at least 6 months of income saved up as it can usually take awhile before you are paid. Even if you made a sale on your first day of becoming a licensed real estate agent, it could be 30, 60, or even 90 days before you get your first real estate paycheck. Realistically many agents do not make their first sale until months later unless they are very determined to succeed.
3. People Skills: Real estate is sales and to be successful, you will need very strong people skills. You will need to be willing to call complete strangers on the phone or even knock on their door. You must also enjoy networking. Real estate clients will not just magically appear – you have to have the people skills to convert everyone you know into referrals and clients. Strong people skills will also help you deal with real estate problems professionally and quickly.
4. Motivation: Since you are your own boss and no one will be controlling what you do, it is very important that when becoming a real estate agent you are able to keep yourself motivated to work. Without someone telling you where to be and what to do it can be hard for many people to actually work.
5. Patience: It can be a long time after you become a real estate agent before you become a successful real estate agent. You may go to open houses and have no one show up. You might call clients only to be hung up on repeatedly. You might sell a home but have to wait four months for it to close and to be paid. Being patient will help you stay motivated.
If you’re serious about becoming a real estate agent and starting a career in real estate, you should also do as much research as you can about your market area. You should find out how many agents you will be competing with, how many homes are for sale and how long it is before they sell. You should also be very careful in choosing a broker who will give you the best start as possible in becoming a real estate agent.
If you’d like to read more articles about becoming a real estate agent and the things real estate agents deal with on a daily basis, you may be interested in visiting my website UpstartAgent.com. Becoming a real estate agent may not be easy, but could be the rewarding career you’ve been looking for.
