3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Hi Jim - it all depends on what you mean by "get into" real estate, and what you mean by "real estate".
Do you want to sell real estate? Build it? Manage it? Invest in it?
Do you want to work at a small company, mid-size, large, or massive?
Do you have geographic preferences? Are you interested in residential, commercial, or industrial?
Are there other aspects that might be important to you, like sustainability, historical preservation, or architectural innovation?
Like any big industry, there are a lot of different sub-industries and functional roles. All of the questions above will affect your path. Your job is to start answering these questions through education, experience, and exposure.
Find five people who work in "real estate" and ask to interview them. Ask about their personal journey, their jobs, and the industry overall.
When you finish each interview, ask for a concrete next step - what should I read next? Who should I talk to?
Do the homework they assign to you.
Set a goal for sometime in the next 12 months to do a mini-internship in your chosen area of real estate.
Do you want to sell real estate? Build it? Manage it? Invest in it?
Do you want to work at a small company, mid-size, large, or massive?
Do you have geographic preferences? Are you interested in residential, commercial, or industrial?
Are there other aspects that might be important to you, like sustainability, historical preservation, or architectural innovation?
Like any big industry, there are a lot of different sub-industries and functional roles. All of the questions above will affect your path. Your job is to start answering these questions through education, experience, and exposure.
Joe recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jim to work as a real estate agent, you must obtain a state license. While exact requirements for licensure vary by state, the most common requirements include completing a set number of real estate courses, being 18 or older, and passing a state real estate exam.
There are two options to choose from when studying for real estate licensure: online or classroom. Length of study time and cost are two factors to consider when choosing which option best fits your needs.The first pathway is taking online real estate courses. Some colleges, other organizations, and real estate associations offer online state-accredited pre-licensing courses that could touch on such subjects as contracts, loan financing, record-keeping, closings, and specific state laws and legal issues. Each state requires a different number of courses, so it's best to check with the state you plan to work in for the exact number of courses that you need to apply for licensure. In California, you will be required to complete approximately 135 hours of course work. If you choose to do your studying online, you will need to select an accredited online real estate school. This route could significantly shorten your length of study time, especially if you are motivated and learn quickly.
Another educational pathway for becoming a real estate agent is earning an online bachelor's or associate degree that provides the proper real estate courses you need for licensure. You have several options for the type of online degree you can earn, including a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Real Estate degree and an Associate of Arts in Real Estate Studies degree. The main reason you would want to choose an online real estate degree program over online courses is that many real estate companies now prefer that potential hires have a college degree. Also, some states may waive the pre-licensing course requirements if you have taken college-level courses in real estate.
In order to become a real estate agent and legally practice real estate, you must work under a supervising broker. Brokers are licensed by the state to oversee real estate transactions and ensure that real estate salespeople (you) are adhering to the required legal and ethical standards. Don’t expect to waltz in and collect an hourly salary: Most brokerages pay their agents only by commission. In other words, you get paid only when you complete a transaction, and you typically won’t receive benefits. Due to this pay structure, brokerages are typically eager to welcome new agents, since it comes at no cost to the company. So be sure to find a brokerage you like, one that is open to taking you on so you can receive some on-the-job training.
Hope this helpful Jim
There are two options to choose from when studying for real estate licensure: online or classroom. Length of study time and cost are two factors to consider when choosing which option best fits your needs.The first pathway is taking online real estate courses. Some colleges, other organizations, and real estate associations offer online state-accredited pre-licensing courses that could touch on such subjects as contracts, loan financing, record-keeping, closings, and specific state laws and legal issues. Each state requires a different number of courses, so it's best to check with the state you plan to work in for the exact number of courses that you need to apply for licensure. In California, you will be required to complete approximately 135 hours of course work. If you choose to do your studying online, you will need to select an accredited online real estate school. This route could significantly shorten your length of study time, especially if you are motivated and learn quickly.
Another educational pathway for becoming a real estate agent is earning an online bachelor's or associate degree that provides the proper real estate courses you need for licensure. You have several options for the type of online degree you can earn, including a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Real Estate degree and an Associate of Arts in Real Estate Studies degree. The main reason you would want to choose an online real estate degree program over online courses is that many real estate companies now prefer that potential hires have a college degree. Also, some states may waive the pre-licensing course requirements if you have taken college-level courses in real estate.
In order to become a real estate agent and legally practice real estate, you must work under a supervising broker. Brokers are licensed by the state to oversee real estate transactions and ensure that real estate salespeople (you) are adhering to the required legal and ethical standards. Don’t expect to waltz in and collect an hourly salary: Most brokerages pay their agents only by commission. In other words, you get paid only when you complete a transaction, and you typically won’t receive benefits. Due to this pay structure, brokerages are typically eager to welcome new agents, since it comes at no cost to the company. So be sure to find a brokerage you like, one that is open to taking you on so you can receive some on-the-job training.
Hope this helpful Jim
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Jim,
It depends in which area of real estate you want to get into. However, if you want to become a real estate agent, the first thing you need is to search the requirements in your state and search for online or in person courses to get your license as a realtor. You can research more information on the National Association of Realtors. They have chapters and associations by state. It is a great place to start and understand the role of a real estate agent.
I would definitely say that in today's market a real estate agent is quite important. You are helping people to become homeowners and find the place they want to be. Also, you can become an advisor for future real estate investments. It is an exciting career as you always meet different clients and your network keeps expanding. You can manage your own time and pace and it all depends on your passion and commitment to make your own path of success!
It depends in which area of real estate you want to get into. However, if you want to become a real estate agent, the first thing you need is to search the requirements in your state and search for online or in person courses to get your license as a realtor. You can research more information on the National Association of Realtors. They have chapters and associations by state. It is a great place to start and understand the role of a real estate agent.
I would definitely say that in today's market a real estate agent is quite important. You are helping people to become homeowners and find the place they want to be. Also, you can become an advisor for future real estate investments. It is an exciting career as you always meet different clients and your network keeps expanding. You can manage your own time and pace and it all depends on your passion and commitment to make your own path of success!