My fiance is interested in becoming a real estate agent. He has a highschool diploma, but not a college degree. He is wondering how he would go about doing this? How long do you take classes for and do you know what the cost is? Also-what is the average salary per year (I know they pay on commision..just wondering the average). We live in Maryland/Baltimore. Any info on this would be great! Thank You!
I'm in the DC metro area. You don't need a college degree to become a realtor. It helps, but if you are smart then it's not a problem. Most people think that being a realtor means showing houses. It really involves finance, marketing, sales management, time management, personal management, some knowledge of construction and law. I would look at the weichert or Long and Foster websites. They offer training classes for the real estate exam. I don't know the cost, but it's not much. It can take 2 weeks to 4 months to do the classes. NOTE: Do the classes in person, NOT ONLINE. There is a lot to learn and the only BEST way is in person with a live teacher. These classes help you pass the test. After you have passed the test, Long and Foster has a 2 week training period to help show how to do paperwork, and the other basic information. If he is 100% committed to doing this, he should earn around $35,000-$50,000 a year the first year or so. As he becomes more experienced and has more contact, then the income should be over 6 figures. It may take 3-6 months before the first check is received. It is a hard time now for realtors. HOWEVER, its also the best time. If he can become successful in this market, when the market turns (and it WILL), he will be VERY successful. Things are selling, if you work hard. Some agents have more work then they can do. Good luck. Email me with more questions.
that is MD's real estate commission they are who you will have to go through to get licensed. Hope this helps feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Your fiance needs to contact his local area Realtor's Association in order to have his questions answered properly. The Associations in Maryland/Baltimore area are plentiful and he should first decide which area he would like to sell in. Usually one is schooled in the county in which they plan on working since R.E. laws differ from place to place and from state to state. He must then join the Association he plans on working under and the Real Estate company who will hold his license. The Association will advise him as to class scheduling which can be done over weeks or months and days or nights, depending on his present work schedule. The cost of schooling is marginal and should be under $500.00 including books. He then has to pass the State exam which is also has a marginal cost. His earnings will depend on what type of R.E. he sells, homes or commercial and will vary greatly. You can make from $12,000.00 for very little work up to $100,000.00 for much more work! No one but he can decide the effort he wishes to put into his career. Good luck!
Attend open houses. Also, pick up the local real estate books that they give out for free. Find a few houses you like and call the listing agent and ask to see the house. That will give you a chance to meet a few local agents and see if there is anyone you mesh well with. We used Remax with our last purchase/and sell. However, I would not base my decision on a specific company name....each realtor is different and unique. Try to stick with a company that has a more well known name (none of those discounted fees places or tiny companies) so you know you are getting the most accurate information possible. If possible, it would be nice if the agent was close to your age, so that they can relate to why you are looking for certain features or locations, and can better foresee other homes that may be perfect for you that maybe you are overlooking as being somewhat unfamiliar with the area. Good luck! Look at several houses before making any offers!
