I am considering a future job in real estate. Im still young and have the opportunity to go to school and this field definetly interests me. The only thing is I dont know is where to start and where I should look into going to school at. Should I go to a company and get my feet wet or should I go to school first. I understand that this is a comm based job but are their other job opportunites that do require pay w/o being a real estate agent first. Just to see if this is right for me it would be great if I could get some info on this matter. Also if anyone can give me some ideas on schools in san diego and even recommend any companies I would greatly appreciate it, thanks!
To get an idea of the market; I would definitely consider going into new homes sales. This is something you can do without having a real estate license and at the same time it will give you an idea of what your income will be if you are on commission only. The only difference is that in new home sales; leads will come to you and in selling real estate you will have to look for leads.
I'M A REAL ESTATE AGENT HERE'S SOME HELPFUL INFO. research companies you want to work for before you take your class. find out what companies will sponsor you for your test. For instance Coldwell vs Prudential. They have employees do their training program after you complete licensing and they can tell u upfront about fees they require. If is about a $1500 investment to start your career. Usually 350 for class, 50 for licensing (u need a broker to sponsor you so you can receive your license) You have to pay desk fees, business cards, sometime ur company charges y ou for their training program also joining board of Realtors and state board of Realtors. Joining MLS, multi listing system and having access to those listings. I would recommend that you take your time and realize that this is s business where no one is your friend. They will steal your listings and your client so fast. SO don't think that anyone will be sincere in training you. That is what I have encountered. People are fake in this industry. Realize if it isn't right for you there are other outlets such as working in management offices, mortgages, being a rental agent. There different aspects of this industry that can help get your feet wet. Good luck and dont be afraid to take chance bc u will be surprised in yourself.
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!
I am a former Realtor (this is slightly different than being a real estate agent...you have to join a board of Realtors). Anyway, here's the deal... 1. You have to get licensed. Many states have recipocal agreements (you can get your licenses in Alabama and transfer it to Mississippi and so forth). One state with the strictist standards is Texas. This is probably the best state to get licensed in as almost every other state will allow you to practice real estate if you are licensed here. 2. You can take many of your courses online. 3. Do not expect to make any real money at real estate for 3 years. This is not a myth! It takes several years to establish your business. It typically takes 6 weeks (if nothing goes wrong...and something always does) from writing a contract to signing the closing papers. You do not make a dime until all the checks have been distributed. Real Estate is NOT a quick way to make a $$. 4. Choose a larger real estate company that will train you in the business. Prudential Real Estate is a pretty good choice. They have training programs to help new agents. otherwise, you maybe on your own to learn the ropes. 5. Everything cost money. Joining the local board of realtors (monthly fee), advertising (monthly fees), gas to drive clients around, signs to put in yards, etc. Everything is out of pocket. Some real estate companies even charge a desk fee (basically you rent space at thier office).
Also, licensing typically costs $$$. 2. Choosing an Office Once you have a license you need to choose an office to work with. As a new Realtor the #1 thing to ask about is what sort of support system they have in place for new agents. Do they have mentor programs? Sales courses? Issues such as commission split (how much of each sale you get to keep) matter more when you are experienced, less when you are starting out. Go with the office that gives you the BEST support. 3. Board of Realtors You typically need to be the member of the local board of realtors. The office you join can help with this.
