If you want to switch careers and become a real estate agent, it is a good choice. One of the things that you enjoy is freedom and flexibility. You can have time for other jobs and also fulfill your role on the family front as a great father or mother to your children. When it comes to real estate business, you could be an independent contractor or work for an agency.
Whatever one you choose, you still have the freedom to set your hours and work at your own pace. However, succeeding in this profession is not exactly easy pickings. You are required to attend licensing classes and pass real estate exams. Are you interested in changing careers and becoming a real estate agent?
Here are some helpful tips you should consider before making that move.
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There are No Free Meals
It costs a sizable sum of money to become a realtor. You are required to pay anything between $1000-$2000 for relevant licensing classes and a real estate exam. This depends on your location or where you reside. Every province decides on the qualifications required for licensing. However, a general rule is that you must be at least 18 years old and not be in trouble with the law.
The classes focus on various aspects of the business including financials, appraisals, specialized law, rule and ethics. You will spend money on materials and research during this period. Furthermore, you will have to pay for additional training courses and the levies of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). The gas in your car when you drive to meet clients is also covered by you. This might amount to spending 100’s of dollars before your first sale. So ensure that you assess your situation critically before you act.
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Have a Money Stash
The income of an agent is not a monthly paycheck. It is largely unstable. If you are nursing the need of becoming a real estate agent, you should have savings that can last you at least 6 months. It is not all about working hard and closing deals quickly. The thing is even if you successfully close a deal, it might take you awhile before you get paid. The fact that you are a licensed agent or just closed a humongous deal hardly means much. Most agents usually get their money 5-15 days after closing a deal.
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Are You a People’s Person?
Do not be swayed by the freedom and profits that you can enjoy in this profession. It is a personality thing. It is about sales. It is about calling complete strangers or knocking on their door and having them listen to you instead of shutting the door in your face. It is about networking and having people send clients your way because you are just a nice person and a problem solver. You need strong people skills that can deal with issues quickly and decisively. This is what places you ahead of the pack and make people want to do business with you.
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Can You Motivate Yourself?
You already know that the real estate business means being your own boss and setting your own work hours. But can you work without supervision? Are you the type who finds it hard to work without someone telling you what to do and where to go? If you are more comfortable following than taking the lead, there is nothing wrong with that. It only means that a real estate gig is not for you.
The real estate industry is not for the faint-hearted. There are times that you would have a house for months and not have any good bids come in. You will get doors shut in your face. You will have people dropping the phone on you. It is crucial that you motivate yourself, stay positive and keep moving. One single deal can make up for all the mishaps or delays that you encounter and open the doors to better opportunities.
