Considering a Real Estate Career?

If you are looking for a career that allows you to help and interact with people, then you may want to consider a real estate career. The real estate industry offers a wide range of possible real estate career paths, enough to satisfy most levels of interest. That said most people end up as real estate salespeople in the residential arena. Research has shown that real estate careers offer many advantages not found in most other career paths. Foremost is the ability to earn an income, which is not limited by hourly wages or offices hours. Secondly as real estate agents almost always work as independent contractors for the real estate broker who holds their real estate license, they also enjoy high levels of creative freedom to pursue what they think will work for them in their real estate career.

What does a Career in Real Estate entail?

A real estate career allows for flexible working hours. How much money a real estate agent makes depends on how ambitious they are and the effort and time they put in. Real estate agents need to be open to meet with clients at their convenience, but ultimately, they are the one who calls the shots. Many real estate agents begin their real estate career part-time although this is not ideal. Part-time effort invariably leads to part-time results. The number of hours you work a week on your real estate career usually affects the amount of money you will make. Income is earned upon commission on closed transactions, so the more you list or sell, the more you earn.

In a real estate career there is no income ceiling. A career in real estate can be an extremely lucrative for those people who are willing to take the time to learn how to succeed. The National Association of Realtors® Members Profile report says that real estate agents who have been in the field for six to ten years average about $48,000 annually. However many real estate agents make far more than that and top producers make over a $1,000,000 a year.

What Types of People Succeed in a Real Estate Career?

According to a National Association of Realtors® nearly 70% of real estate sales agents came to the industry from a non-related field such as teaching, nursing, communications, government, retail and the armed forces. Only about 25% had previously worked in a management or a sales position. Although a college degree is not required, most states do require a high school diploma or equivalency certificate. It does however appear that previous education contributes to the success of a real estate agent, but it is not critical.

What Characteristics are important in a Real Estate Career?

Although many different personality types have succeeded with a career in real estate, there are a few major characteristics that make the chances of success far higher. People-orientation is widely recognized as the most important characteristic that improves the real estate agent's probability of success. Real estate agents must have good communication skills and be able to understand people and be sensitive to their needs.

A second important decisive factor for a career in real estate is that detail-orientation will improve the real estate agent's chances for success. Every home buying transaction involves numerous legal contracts that must be completed correctly. The third quality trait that is important in a real estate career is to be enthusiastic. This is a typical sales job and there will be days that every real estate agent will become depressed. It is important to be able to remain positive and full of enthusiasm. Real estate agents must continue to believe in the importance of the job or their job will suffer, resulting in decreased sales and lower earnings.

To Start Your Career in Real Estate

To succeed in a realty career, you must gain more knowledge, acquire new skills, work smarter, be more creative, and manage your time better. Contact a local RealtyU® real estate school near you or take a real estate course online. It requires effort but the financial rewards can be substantial.

To speak with a RealtyU Career Counselor call us between 8:00AM and 5:00PM (Pacific) at (949) 600-7176.