Tips for a Successful Real Estate Career

Begin with the end in mind

Whether you are beginning your real estate career as a 22 year old or a 52 year old, embarking on and developing your career takes a significant investment of time and effort.

Part-time Agents

Based on my years of experience, I find that individuals who attempt to engage in real estate while working another job do not have the adequate time for prospecting and professional activities required for success in real estate. Even with all the pre-license and post-license training, you simply cannot become competent and learn the business as a "part-time" agent.

Timing

Are you at a point in your life where a transition to a real estate career makes sense? Will you be available to work nights and weekends? Do you have small children at home who require a lot of time and attention? If so, do you have a strong circle of support to assist you with child care? What about financial staying power? Since you will not be receiving a salary but a percentage of the brokerage fees you generate, how long will you be able to meet your financial obligations without a paycheck? As with any other new business, it will take time to get "in the black". Having another income to rely on while beginning your real estate career is ideal; such as spousal income or retirement income. Even though getting started takes time, the rewards are great. I do not know of another profession where you can have access to Billions of dollars of inventory to sell for such a minimal initial investment.

A Family Affair

Selling real estate is a family affair. Your entire family has to be in the customer service business! Every phone call is potentially $3000 for your family. You will find that your flexible schedule will free you to participate in mid-week and mid-day functions, balancing the time you may be away on evenings and weekends. Top producers set production goals with their families, planning special family vacations once the goals are met. For example, you can post a "tote board" of sorts on your frig with a photo of your destination (let's say Disney) at the top. As your production progresses upward, the family becomes more interested because you are all working toward a common goal.

Join a Winning Team

Starting out with the right company can make or break your career success. Make sure you select a company with a good reputation in the community, and one that has the tools to help you succeed such as: Training (post license); Business Plan Assistance. Tools: Web site, Email, contact manager and address book, buyer and seller presentations, marketing template library, E-cards, E-newsletter, showing manager, On-line and live help desk.

Lastly, you MUST dedicate yourself to constant education and improvement. Our society as a whole is changing rapidly. To communicate with and service the consumer to their expectation, you must adapt to the latest technology trends as well as market changes.

The greatest thing about the real estate business is that no two days are alike - you never get bored - and the people you meet and work with will become lifelong friends! Beginning your career with a reasonable expectation will help ensure your long term career success. Call me today about getting started in Real Estate!

Copyright2010KarenPannell