How to Begin a Career as a Real Estate Agent

A career as a real estate agent can be lucrative and exciting, for the right candidate. Real estate sales are very cyclical, meaning they go up and down depending on various market conditions. Nevertheless, real estate agents can make a decent living--some even make a great living. Learn more about beginning your career as a real estate agent.

Instructions

Acquiring Your License

1. Review the requirements to obtain a real estate license in your state. You can find specific guidelines by contacting your state's real estate commission.

2. Enroll in a state-approved pre-licensing course. Most states require you to take 40 to 60 hours of education and training before you can apply for your real estate license. Some states offer distance education programs.

3. Register with your state's real estate commission to take your exam. Most states offer a real estate exam at least once per month. Allow yourself a few weeks to study before taking the exam. It can be a very difficult test.

4. Find a sponsoring broker. Once you pass the test, you'll need to find a sponsoring broker to acquire your license. All real estate agents must sell under a licensed broker or broker agency.

Successful Selling

1. Network with other real estate professionals. You'll find most to be encouraging and helpful. Learn tips and tricks from successful agents.

2. Study your market. A successful real estate agent knows the good, the bad, and the ugly for each section or neighborhood of a city or town. Study the average home prices and the average DOM (Days On Market).

3. Dress professionally and be courteous. A real estate agent is an agent, not a true "salesperson." Your job is to help your clients buy or sell homes. They must be able to trust you and take you seriously.

4. Learn the technical aspects of a home. Learn what the benefits and selling points are for certain amenities. Real estate school won't teach you this.

5. Be patient and persistent. The average buyer spends 10 weeks shopping for a house, and views 10 different properties, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Tips & Warnings

• Use modern technology to expand your business. Every agent should have a professional website. A profile on social-networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter can be helpful, but be mindful of your posts. Only use the account for business and marketing purposes.

• Most (82 percent) of real estate agents are independent contractors, according to the National Association of Realtors. Independent contractors are paid via commission only. If you're looking to earn the same amount of money each month, you might want to consider a different career.

References

• National Association of Realtors
• Cerritos College