Menu
So you’ve just sold your house—and, moreover, you did a darned good job of it, if you do say so yourself. Either on your own or with the able aid of an experienced Realtor, you’ve just scored an honest, profitable, and successful home sale.
Did you, much to your surprise, actually manage to enjoy the process? Now we’re not talking about the process of cleaning the place in preparation for open houses, moving to a new home, etc. (which, in all honesty, virtually no sane person enjoys); we’re referencing the actual procedure for marketing and selling your home.
If the answer is yes, then you yourself may want to consider becoming a licensed real estate agent. Real estate is a lucrative profession that can open up a whole new world of wealth and opportunity for the confident, committed agent. Yet before you stroll in to the nearest real estate office, demanding a job and a smart off tan blazer (the kind you often see Realtors wear), ask yourself if you are ready to tackle a career in real estate:
1. Are you ready to go back to school? In order to become a real estate agent, you will be required to undergo training; taking classes either online or at a brick and mortar learning institution. The amount of time you spend in the classroom will depend on the requirements of your state; with your education session culminating in a test. Ultimately you can earn a real estate sales license that will set your career in motion; and if you like, you can seek additional training to become a real estate broker.
2. Are you ready to have a very full schedule? During the course of your educational process, you might find yourself continuing your usual day job while attending real estate school at night or over the weekends. And once your sales career is underway, you might just find yourself showing and selling morning, noon and night!
3. How is the housing market in your area? We as a nation are currently undergoing a very difficult and uncertain time in terms of economics; at the same time, the housing market is on the upswing. Before you decide on a real estate career, take the time to investigate the housing market in your area.
4. How are your math skills? In setting the price for and selling any home, you will have to consider numerically based factors such as taxes, interest, commissions, etc. You will need to have a head for figures in order to make it in this business.
5. Are you a people person? In order to make it as a successful Realtor, you will find yourself dealing with all types and varieties of people; and at times, you might find yourself acting the role of mediator between buyer and seller. It will be important at all times to exude an air of calm, friendliness and professionalism.
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then a career in real estate just might be for you. So stop reading and start selling!
