Real Estate Agents?
 

Just wondering if anyone on here was a real estate agent :).

I'm thinking of going back to school and switching my major to that. I'm debating online courses or my local community college.

Any pros and cons of the business?

I like the flexibility of the job, and I also don't necessarily need a steady income since DH works and at the time we are living on one income.

Most of my money would be going towards savings and trips, ect.

Any info is so appreciated!

I am not a realtor. But I know a LOT of them and my dh has considered getting his license. My dad is a broker (on the side, he's usually an attorney), but right now is not a very good time to be a realtor. Although, I will say, that things always change and it's a really good thing to have in your back pocket. If you intend to make money, intend to be available almost 24/7 for your clients. Where we live, there is SO MUCH money to be made (or maybe, USED to be....it was like a feeding frenzy here for a LONG time, but now, I'd hate to rely on that as my livliehoood), and if you work at it ALL the time, it's really amazing how successful some people are. But when you look at how many people have their real estate license and how many people are really making a lot of money, it's a big chasm. So I would say, get your license, know what you're doing and go for it....just be aware, that you're probably going to be a little slow for a year or two (or three....you know how the economy goes). Good luck to you....it's a great thing to know how to do when the time is right and I know tons of people who they and their spouse work as a team. Must be a good deal!

im not a realtor, but good luck to you. the thought had crossed my mind before I started working in a vets office.

Thank you! That was really helpful! I'm so undecided on what I want to do, and I'd love to go back to school but the area I live in is not big with many kinds of jobs you can find in bigger cities.

Plus, the only college here is a 2 year community college and we only have one car at the moment that we share. So, going to a college further away would be my only real option, which at this point isnt much of an option LOL.

Plus, I have my fur babies to think about. With 4, I can't be gone all day so it needs to be something that I can work into being able to run home, and let the "kids" out to run.

I think it will be hard in the beginning like you were mentioning to make a profit, and I'm sure the market always goes back up and down so that's also a concern.

I'm going to call an online school that is NYS approved for licensing and see how much they are asking for the course!

Thanks so much! I haven't been working for almost 2 years now and I've been getting really bored.

Working in a vets office must be so fun!

I got my real estate license right out of high school..thought it was what I wanted to do.. changed my mind.. It is really a cut throat business..and a lot of hours to make good money.. A lot of nights and weekends when "normal" people can go and look..and meet. And in my area there are a TON of real estate.. agencies and tons of agents.

Hi I have my real estate license but I am not currently practicing real estate on my own at the time. The market here was CRAZY for a while and the money and business was GREAT. Now I work for a homebuilder in sales which is pretty much the same thing but it is nice because they get the business for you when it is slow. I guess what I am trying to say is you always have the option of using it with someone who is larger than a single agent would be when times are slow. You do have pros and cons when it comes to working on your own versus working for a company but all in all it is a great business to be in IF You love sales, people and also understand you have to be available 24/7.

Like I always say - it can not hurt you to have your license...if you do it and do not like it than just move on.

Bets wishes for you and your decisions. You can always email me if you have questions!

Thanks so much for all of that info! I have worked in retail since I started working, so I do love sales and interacting with customers (minus the odd, terrible customer that comes along once in a while, lol).

I will definitely pm you once I find out more about these schools! I'm wondering what the tuition will be :)

That does worry me. I am not a really competitive person, so I feel that could hurt me because I don't fight with people like that and really dislike confrontation.

I have seen a lot of shows on tv that it seems sooo competitive!

My father is into real estate (buying/renting/selling) and he and his friends/partners are noticing a rapid slowing in the business. There is alway growth from having your license though. You can go into appraising, which, in my opinion is where there is consistent money at. When I get out of the military, that is what I am planning on doing. Having that license is always a good thing.

I think it would be a great job for you, because the hours are flexible.

I was a real estate agent years ago and still work for a large real estate company in my area, but in the accounting dept. It was not for me as I just don't have the personality to go up to friends and ask if they know anyone who wants to buy or sell and that type of thing. You really have to be able to "sell" yourself as an agent. If you're the type of person who is not afraid to hand a stranger your business card and ask for their business and also to ask for it from family and friends then I say go for it.