Finance Guide Center

real estate??

what do you have to do to become a real estate agent or what do you need to be successful in real estate???

Public Comments

1. Two very different things. First, to become an agent, it's different in every state. Here in CA you have to take a couple classes, take a test and get licensed and hang your license with a broker. Being successful is all in how much you want to put into it. It's expensive to start out. Takes money to make money in this business.
2. You have to know the rules, pass an exam, and then work for a broker for a while. With enough experience (a couple of years), you can get your own broker's license.
3. Every state has different guidelines to becoming a real estate agent. In most cases you will take a pre-licensing course (classroom and often offered online.) After doing the required hours (varies from state to state) you must then take an exam, comprised of a national and state portion, and pass. Then affiliate with a company/brokerage. Make sure to do your homework on them first, ask what fees they have what the payouts are, what is expected of you, what assistance they offer new agents and anything else that may concern you. Larger companies have seminars offering information to people considering making a move into real estate; I strongly suggest attending them, with as many different companies as possible. You will get a lot of similar examples, but then can asked the questions you want. To become a successful agent it takes the same things it takes to be successful at anything else. HARD WORK. Just like a pro athlete has to work out and study the play book and learn new/better techniques so does a professional at anything. Many people just getting in the business think, "I have my license now all I do is sit back and wait for the phone to ring." WRONG! Study, learn, try and then DO. And don't be afraid of failing a few times or a few hundred times. Remember Edison failed over and over again when trying to make a light bulb, but through that he found a better way to DO it. Ask the brokers in your area about detailed things you can do as a new agent. Get training on selling & buying practices ASAP. And continue to study as much and as often as possible. Network with people that you know, don’t know, organizations/clubs, other agents and let them all know that you are in real estate and keep reminding them on a regular basis. Also try to network with people in other areas. Referrals are a great way to make money. Good luck to you.
4. Make sure everybody you talk to knows you sell real estate. Advertise even if you have to borrow listings from other agents. Always answer your phone alot of people don't like voice mail. Think outside the box remember "Only dead fish swim with the current". When I checkout at a supermarket and I am asked how I am doing I always say "Fantastic another exciting day selling homes" That way I just told about 4 people that I am a Realtor and I always get asked how the market is doing. If you are shy talking to people you must get over it just know you are the professional and people need your help and advise
5. I think its different everywhere. Im from Australia and i did a traineeship for 1 year to secure my certificate. Now i can do all Real Estate sector fields! Contact your local tafe or university!