So, You Want to Be a Real Estate Agent?
So, You Want to Be a Real Estate Agent?
Here's What to Consider Before Getting Your License
If you're reading this, chances are you’ve been thinking about a career in real estate. The appeal is undeniable: setting your own schedule, limitless earning potential, and the excitement of helping people find their dream homes. But before you jump into the world of open houses and property showings, there are a few crucial things to consider. Here’s a guide to help you decide if becoming a real estate agent is the right move for you.
1. Understand the Financial Investment and Risk
Getting your real estate license isn’t free. There are costs for pre-licensing courses, exam fees, and licensing costs, not to mention continuing education to keep your license active. Beyond that, you’ll need to budget for marketing, MLS dues, association memberships, and other business expenses.
Remember, you’re literally starting a business and that comes with significant start up costs.
Pro Tip: Save up at least six months’ worth of living expenses. Real estate is commission-based, and it may take a while to close your first deal.
2. Prepare for the Learning Curve
While the pre-licensing course teaches you the basics, it doesn’t cover the full scope of what being a real estate agent entails. You'll need to learn how to generate leads, market properties, negotiate deals, your state’s contract, and manage your time effectively. Be prepared to continue learning through experience, mentorship, and ongoing training.
Consider This: after getting your license, thoroughly interview brokerages to find a good fit for you! They will be the ones to teach you how to actually do your job. Training, mentorship, and experience will all matter greatly.
3. Know That It’s Not a 9-to-5 Job
The appeal of flexible hours often draws people into real estate, but the reality is that you'll need to be available when your clients are—which often means evenings, weekends, and even holidays. Success in real estate requires more than just putting in the hours; it demands being available and responsive when the opportunity arises.
Reality Check: Time management and setting boundaries are key. While it’s tempting to be “always on,” burnout is real and you have to find a balance between being there for your clients and saving time for yourself.
4. Sales Skills Are a Must
Even though it makes me feel icky to say, at its core, real estate is a sales job. Hear me out- you’ll need to be comfortable talking to people, networking, and, yes, handling rejection. The ability to listen to your clients’ needs, present solutions, and close deals is essential. If you don’t have a natural knack for sales , you’ll need to work on developing these skills.
Suggestion: Take a few sales or negotiation courses. Even experienced agents benefit from refreshing these skills regularly.
5. You’re Your Own Boss (for Better or Worse)
One of the perks of real estate is that you’re essentially running your own business. However, this also means you’re responsible for your success. There’s no guaranteed paycheck, no sick leave, and no one else to blame if things don’t go well. You’ll need to be disciplined, motivated, and organized to thrive.
Tip: Create a daily schedule that prioritizes connecting with people, client follow-up, and ongoing education. Consistency is key.
6. It’s All About Relationships
Success in real estate hinges on building and maintaining relationships. From clients to fellow agents, inspectors, lenders, and attorneys offices, the people you meet will become the backbone of your business. Building trust, providing excellent service, and staying in touch will keep your pipeline full.
Action Step: Start networking early. Join local business groups, attend community events, and get active on social media. The more connections you make, the easier it will be to grow your business.
7. The Emotional Rollercoaster
Real estate isn’t just about houses; it’s about people. You’ll be helping clients navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives, and emotions can run high. You’ll need to be patient, empathetic, and resilient when deals fall apart or clients are challenging.
Mental Note: Develop a thick skin and don’t take setbacks personally. Celebrate the wins, learn from the losses, and keep moving forward.
8. Technology and Marketing Are Non-Negotiable
Today’s real estate market is driven by technology. From online listings to social media marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. You’ll need to be comfortable using various tech tools, including CRM software, social media platforms, and virtual tour technology.
Advice: Invest in a strong online presence from the start. A professional website, active social media profiles, and high-quality listing photos can make all the difference.
9. It Takes Time to Build Your Brand
Instant success stories are rare in real estate. Building a reputation, a client base, and a steady stream of business takes time. Patience, persistence, and consistent effort are required to establish yourself in the market. It’s often said that it takes 3 to 5 years of working FULL TIME to start seeing consistent results.
Final Thought: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep nurturing your network, honing your skills, and delivering great service, and success will follow.
Ready to Take the Leap?
Becoming a real estate agent can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without challenges. If you’re willing to invest the time, money, and effort to build your business, the sky's the limit. Do your homework, prepare for the ups and downs, and dive in with your eyes wide open.
Are you ready to get started? Let’s connect and talk about your next steps—I’d be happy to guide you on your journey to becoming a successful real estate agent!
