So you’re thinking about a new career as a real estate agent.
Congrats!
You’re in for a very fulfilling career that can help you earn even more than you might expect, all through dedication and hard work.
But you might have some worry.
What’s it really in for you to be a real estate agent?
Well, to help you out, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to being a real estate agent. In this guide, we’ll discuss the job entails, the pros and cons, and whether or not it’s the right career for you.
So let’s get started!
The Business of Selling Real Estate
Before we dig deeper, let’s define a real estate agent first.
A real estate agent is a person who is authorized to act as a middleman between parties seeking to buy or sell properties, such as houses, land, or buildings. They negotiate on behalf of their client.
Now, instead of fixed salaries, an agent earns through commissions, which are usually a percentage of the sales price of properties sold.
In movies, you may have seen real estate agents meet with clients and give house tours. But that’s just part of it. Their jobs include other tasks, such as completing paperwork, coordinating with other agents, and developing marketing plans.
A good real estate agent also keeps up with industry trends. They should have up-to-date knowledge of the business and market activity not only to provide the best service to clients but to widen their expertise.
Another thing you should note is that in the real estate business, you are not only selling homes or properties. You’re marketing yourself, too.
Networking and communication are essential in the business because everyone is a prospect. A house is a necessity, and as long as you have the skills and the proper connections, you can turn every prospect into a client.
The Pros and Cons of Being a Real Estate Agent
Like any job, being a real estate agent has its pros and cons.
Check out this summary chart:
Pros | cons |
|---|---|
High-income potential | Start-up costs |
Quick start-up | Requires patience |
You have an opportunity to be your own boss | Involves rejection |
You help other people achieve their dreams | Highly competitive |
The number one pro of being a real estate agent is its high-income potential. The money you make is not limited to a monthly figure. Your hard work determines your earnings, and your growth potential in the real estate business is huge.
Before that, however, you will require start-up costs, which may be expensive, especially for undergraduates who are seeking an entry-level career in real estate. You will need to enroll in a mandatory real estate pre-licensing course and pay various fees for exams, license application costs, and other requirements.
Unlike other careers, though, becoming a real estate agent takes a rather quick start-up time.
For one, you don’t need a college degree. As long as you are at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and have completed the required real estate courses, you are eligible to take the licensing exam. It only takes about six months to one year to launch your career.
Once you become a real estate agent, however, you will require patience. The amount of time it will take to earn your first client is variable and may range from a few weeks to several months. You will also experience rejection.
But don’t quit. Try harder. Remember, hard work always pays off.
And remember, the other pros are that you have an opportunity to be your own boss and you’ll be able to help people achieve their dreams. What’s not to like about that?
Is Being a Real Estate Agent the Career for You?
Well, you’re the only one who can answer that.
Now that you know what the job entails are, as well as the pros and cons, is it still something you want to try your hands on?
Are you willing to put on the work and even investment?
Are you interested in working with clients and doing paperwork?
If so, then it doesn’t matter if you know nothing about real estate at the moment. If you’re determined, then yes, being a real estate agent is the career for you.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent
As we mentioned, the basic requirements are:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED (not applicable for some states)
Be a US citizen or legal alien
That’s it!
The next step is your real estate pre-licensing course. How many hours you should study will depend on your state’s requirements.
Now, if you’re looking for a reliable online real estate school, we highly recommend Colibri Real Estate.
They are available and approved in almost all states. Plus, they are one of America’s best real estate education providers with cost-effective packages that include review materials and other professional development tools.
Once you’re done with your educational requirements, you’ll need to pass an official real estate exam. From there, you can get a sponsoring broker to work with and apply for your real estate license.
As easy as that!
For a more detailed explanation of how to get a real estate license for each state, you can visit our website.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you now know what being a real estate agent means. You understand what a real estate agent does, as well as the pros and cons.
So is it a career for you?
That’s a decision for you and you alone to make.
And if you decide that it is, then you can get started right away with a real estate pre-licensing course!
We hope that this article has been a great help to you!