When I first started my career in real estate, the number one question I was asked was “how hard was the exam?” Everyone seems to have a secret desire to be in real estate. I have a great friend who says she just loves going to open houses, so she knows she’d love being in real estate. As with every job in the world, there’s more to it than that.
One great thing about this job is the flexibility I have. When I’m sick, I answer to myself and rearrange my own schedule. If the kids are out of school, I work from home. That flexibility works the other way, too. I consider myself “on duty” pretty much every weekend and I’ve spent all day showing homes with a kidney infection because my clients had flown in from out of state. Most agents I know work more than 40 hours each week.
You have to complete a pre-licensing course (75 hours at last check) and pass a class exam. Finally, you must be able to pass the State Examination. You can find out about this on any school website; I went to Mingle. I found the class difficult, much more difficult than the State Exam. My class prepared me for the mounds of contracts we have to know, legal terms, real estate terms, marketing, HUD settlement statements, taxes and figuring out my commission.
Now, here is what they won’t tell you: You must be able to take criticism with grace. Buying and selling a home is often an emotional undertaking; tempers flare and emotions boil and the person in front of the customer takes the brunt of most of these eruptions(psssst….that’s you!).
You must know when to provide guidance, yet know when to step back and give your customer’s space. Above all, an agent must return any phone calls promptly! You have to be available!!
A real estate agent has to be disciplined. If you are inclined to procrastinate, this may not be the job for you. No one will hang over your shoulder, you have to hustle to get your customers. You have to wake up, get dressed and get out the door. You have to knock on a few doors if business is slow.
Believe me when I tell you it’s more than just listing a house in MLS and then picking up your check when it magically sells. It’s work, sometimes very hard work. But it is the most fun I’ve ever had while doing it!
