7 answers
Arianna
Student
Eugene, Oregon
1
Question
Updated
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when should i start a real estate career?
when should i start a real estate career?
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7 answers
Carrie Schmid
Tech Support
4
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
Hi Arianna, great idea. Like any business, building a real estate practice takes time. Maybe you could find a mentor to show you the ropes?
Frank Saucedo
Forms Administration
14
Answers
Simi Valley, California
Updated
Frank’s Answer
A real estate career, as has been mentioned by others on this thread, has many facets. I started my real estate career at 21. When I became a licensed residential real estate agent I was a very shy, and looked like I was in high school so it was a bit hard to gain the trust of homebuyers at first. I got into the real estate business primarily to build my communication skills. When one thinks of a real estate agent, its easy to think of a person who sells multi-million dollar properties, drives a big fancy car and is dressed like a celebrity. There are many real estate agents making quite a bit of money. But the average income of a real estate agent in the United States, which you can confirm with an Internet search, is less than $50,000 in 2023. It's somewhat like an acting career, some actors make a lot of money but the vast majority of actors are not making much money in their field, they have other jobs while hoping to land a good acting part.
So I say all that, to encourage you to pursue a real estate career for the purpose of helping people with their real estate needs whether to help people purchase or sell a home, a commercial building, get a home loan etc. I would dissuade you or anyone from seeking a career solely based on the amount of money they could make. You can eventually make a good wage in most careers by having a good work ethic. Once you find a career you enjoy and are passionate about, the money will eventually come. Serving others and a love for your industry is a key to a successful career.
As for me, I eventually found that a sales job did not fit my personality, but in administration and detail work was where I excelled. I did overcome most of my shyness by selling real estate and I did help many people with their real estate needs, and even sold a home to a television actress. That was exciting. But I realized that a sales job was not my true passion. I tended to gravitate towards details and paper work of a real estate transaction. I eventually used my real estate experience to work for a national home loan company and moved up to became a senior technical writer at that company. Today I work for a nationwide insurance company managing the hundreds of forms required for the insurance business. I love what I do and look forward to starting my day each morning.
So Arianna, I say, study what you enjoy, what you're passionate about, and let that direct you in your career path, whether in the real estate sector or another type of industry. I would recommend, if you don't know already, that you research what your personality type is. You may find that a real estate job would fit your personality perfectly or perhaps you might find that another career would be better suited. Don't feel rushed. Consider what the daily demands of a particular career require then decide if you're ready to pursue that path. Don't be afraid to step out and test certain options, that is how we learn. I wish you all the best in your future career plans. It can be an exciting time of discovery.
You may want to start by searching for a personality test such as can be found on YouTube. You will get an idea if your career choices are matching up to your personality type..
I would also suggest you check online job boards to find out what skills companies are looking for in any prospective jobs you are considering.
You may also want to look up YouTube videos of "the day in the life of a real estate agent" or whatever career you would like to consider, to get some perspectives.
So I say all that, to encourage you to pursue a real estate career for the purpose of helping people with their real estate needs whether to help people purchase or sell a home, a commercial building, get a home loan etc. I would dissuade you or anyone from seeking a career solely based on the amount of money they could make. You can eventually make a good wage in most careers by having a good work ethic. Once you find a career you enjoy and are passionate about, the money will eventually come. Serving others and a love for your industry is a key to a successful career.
As for me, I eventually found that a sales job did not fit my personality, but in administration and detail work was where I excelled. I did overcome most of my shyness by selling real estate and I did help many people with their real estate needs, and even sold a home to a television actress. That was exciting. But I realized that a sales job was not my true passion. I tended to gravitate towards details and paper work of a real estate transaction. I eventually used my real estate experience to work for a national home loan company and moved up to became a senior technical writer at that company. Today I work for a nationwide insurance company managing the hundreds of forms required for the insurance business. I love what I do and look forward to starting my day each morning.
So Arianna, I say, study what you enjoy, what you're passionate about, and let that direct you in your career path, whether in the real estate sector or another type of industry. I would recommend, if you don't know already, that you research what your personality type is. You may find that a real estate job would fit your personality perfectly or perhaps you might find that another career would be better suited. Don't feel rushed. Consider what the daily demands of a particular career require then decide if you're ready to pursue that path. Don't be afraid to step out and test certain options, that is how we learn. I wish you all the best in your future career plans. It can be an exciting time of discovery.
Frank recommends the following next steps:
Mauro Serrano
Cloud Engineering
5
Answers
Anaheim, California
Updated
Mauro’s Answer
Once you've geared up mentally and grasped that real estate isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, you'll realize it's a long-term commitment. It requires investing your time and effort for at least a year, possibly without any significant pay, before you start seeing substantial progress. Once you've accepted this, seek out exceptional mentors or teams who are willing to spend time training you. This way, you can learn from the top performers in your area, which is an encouraging step towards success.
Oluwapelumi Alade
Entrepreneur
1
Answer
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Oluwapelumi’s Answer
Hi Ariana, you're free to kickstart your journey in the real estate sector whenever you're ready, as long as your passion for it is strong.
Ensure you conduct thorough research to better understand the real estate business.
I trust this advice will be beneficial to you.
Ensure you conduct thorough research to better understand the real estate business.
I trust this advice will be beneficial to you.
Sheri Conger
Loaned Professional
4
Answers
Ocean Shores, Washington
Updated
Sheri’s Answer
My good friend received his real estate license at age 18. When you want to obtain it is up to you. You are able to start whenever you decide to go for it.
Know that it takes at least a year before you will make any money in real estate. I have colleagues that were working a full-time job when starting their real estate agency and it took two years before they didn't need the extra jobs anymore.
Know that it takes at least a year before you will make any money in real estate. I have colleagues that were working a full-time job when starting their real estate agency and it took two years before they didn't need the extra jobs anymore.
Daniel Brennan
84
Answers
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
I think the best time to start a real estate career is directly after you graduate college. Use that first summer back home to get the license, and then immediately start your career. At this time, not only will you still have a ton of connections from high school and college, but you will also have that whole crop of people looking to buy and rent homes, a lot of them in the area you grew up. This will give you a leg up on your competitors, since your friends and associates would be willing to work with an agent they know, rather than a random agent.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Arianna !
It's wonderful to know that you have an interest in such a fabulous field of work, but Real Estate is more than a job, it is a business, so you will have to obtain some basic education about real estate, business management as well as licensing requirements.
A college degree is not necessary but you may want to give yourself the training and knowledge that a college degree would provide. If you do not go the college route, you will still need 60 to 90 hours of training, depending on which state you live in and what they require. But getting the Bachelors Degree will help you in your competitive job search and give you a special edge. There are a few specialties in real estate. They are Property Management, Sales, Development, Finance, and Appraiser. I am sure you will learn about more segments of the field, too, but once you get a solid knowledge background and licensure, you are on your way.
Not sure if you are in high school now or in college, but I would suggest reading many books and websites about Real Estate in your state. Keep up with statistics and call agents to see if you can attend any Open Houses and go to as many as you can to observe the Real Estate Agent showing homes or apartments. Observe how they speak and the things they highlight to tell prospective tenants and buyers.
If your curiosity has you wanting to break the ice now, a website called Class Central has some free Real Estate courses on line with various subjects. This may be a good way to begin, depending on your current situation. I have provided the link to the website list of courses below.
With a wealth of information and know-how, you will determine when you are ready to begin your career. I have personally known real estate people who have had rich careers with an Associates Degree, so you will have to decide which route you want to take for education.
I hope that this is a bit helpful for you in figuring out which steps to take and how to fulfill some short term goals. Each step is important and I wish you all the best !
https://www.classcentral.com/subject/real-estate FREE REAL ESTATE COURSES ON LINE
It's wonderful to know that you have an interest in such a fabulous field of work, but Real Estate is more than a job, it is a business, so you will have to obtain some basic education about real estate, business management as well as licensing requirements.
A college degree is not necessary but you may want to give yourself the training and knowledge that a college degree would provide. If you do not go the college route, you will still need 60 to 90 hours of training, depending on which state you live in and what they require. But getting the Bachelors Degree will help you in your competitive job search and give you a special edge. There are a few specialties in real estate. They are Property Management, Sales, Development, Finance, and Appraiser. I am sure you will learn about more segments of the field, too, but once you get a solid knowledge background and licensure, you are on your way.
Not sure if you are in high school now or in college, but I would suggest reading many books and websites about Real Estate in your state. Keep up with statistics and call agents to see if you can attend any Open Houses and go to as many as you can to observe the Real Estate Agent showing homes or apartments. Observe how they speak and the things they highlight to tell prospective tenants and buyers.
If your curiosity has you wanting to break the ice now, a website called Class Central has some free Real Estate courses on line with various subjects. This may be a good way to begin, depending on your current situation. I have provided the link to the website list of courses below.
With a wealth of information and know-how, you will determine when you are ready to begin your career. I have personally known real estate people who have had rich careers with an Associates Degree, so you will have to decide which route you want to take for education.
I hope that this is a bit helpful for you in figuring out which steps to take and how to fulfill some short term goals. Each step is important and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: