How To Pursue a Real Estate Career
If you like to browse Zillow listings in your spare time and you’re good at sales, a career in real estate could be ideal for you. Realtors enjoy flexible hours, the chance to be their own boss and the potential to make substantial earnings. If you’re interested in getting started in real estate, these steps will help you on your way.
Select a Brokerage
While one of the draws of being a real estate agent may be working for yourself, even real estate moguls such as Steven Taylor Los Angeles needed some help along the way. Affiliating with a well-known brand can make your marketing efforts easier. You will also have a managing broker to help you with your career. Major brokerages such as RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker and Century 21 usually provide tools and training that will help you. You also get access to business cards, signage, a website and a contract to use.
Get Licensed
Most states require real estate agents to be licensed. Requirements vary by state but usually involve completing specific coursework and passing one or more exams. These courses are often available online, but there are also in-person classes. Expect to spend between one and eight weeks training with a cost that should be under $1,000.
Join the National Association of Realtors
Your state license makes it legal for you to sell real estate, but to call yourself a realtor, you first need to join the National Association of Realtors and agree to follow their rules. You can still sell real estate without joining, but it can be beneficial to do so and many brokerages require it. You may also need to join to gain access to your state’s Multiple Listing Services, which is the database that contains all of the homes for sale in the state.
Get Training
You will get some training while preparing for your license, but that won’t fully prepare you for the actual work you will be doing. A coach, mentor or training program can be very helpful for learning the ins and outs of the job.
Build Your Contacts
When you are starting, most of your contacts will probably be friends, family and perhaps former coworkers. Utilize them to start making other connections. Compile a list of all your contacts and make sure you encourage them to get the word out about your business.
A career as a real estate agent can be extremely rewarding. However, it is important to take the right steps to set yourself up for success from the start.
