Considering a real estate career? Take our quiz to see if it’s right for you
Unlike many careers, being a real estate agent really does provide you with unlimited possibilities. We’re not just talking about earning potential either, although that is certainly an appealing aspect. A career as a REALTOR® provides an opportunity for growth, continuing education, and building more relationships than you’ve ever dreamed, not to mention the various fields within real estate that you can pursue, such as property management or development. In addition, real estate affords a great deal of autonomy, and even flexibility. Unlike many careers, being a real estate agent really does provide you with unlimited possibilities. We’re not just talking about earning potential either, although that is certainly an appealing aspect. A career as a REALTOR® provides an opportunity for growth, continuing education, and building more relationships than you’ve ever dreamed, not to mention the various fields within real estate that you can pursue, such as property management or development. In addition, real estate affords a great deal of autonomy, and even flexibility.
With all of this at your fingertips, it’s no wonder so many people decide to become licensed agents each year. However, the majority of those who start a career in real estate don’t remain in real estate. The reason? Success in real estate requires a lot of hard work. Though the rewards can be immense, both financially, and from a personal gratification perspective, building a robust, and lasting career is no easy task.
Think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in real estate? Take our quiz to help you find out:
• Are you comfortable working on commission?
• Are you able to go without a paycheck for at least several weeks, if not months?
• Do you enjoy working with people?
• Do you like helping others?
• Are you willing to work long hours, including nights and weekends?
• Are you interested in continuing education for the rest of your career?
• Are you able to cope well and adapt when things don’t go as planned?
• Are you organized?
• Do you enjoy marketing?
• Can you handle rejection?
• Do you enjoy challenges?
• Do you feel comfortable starting conversations with people you don’t know?
• Are you interested in networking and attending events?
• Do you work well under stress?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, you’re going to want to determine if you’re willing to change your position on those questions. If not, realize that real estate may not be the ideal fit for you.
All successful real estate agents will attest that sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes, no matter how much you try to stick to a plan for the day, or even week, things come up. Financing can fall through, or appliances can break, or appraisals can come in lower than expected. Though it’s certainly natural to be temporarily irritated, or even flustered, if those types of obstacles seem overwhelming, real estate is probably not for you.
On the other hand, real estate may be a perfect career choice if you welcome the opportunity to:
• Meet new people
• Challenge yourself to set and exceed goals
• Learn something new every day
• Work hard
• Find solutions to problems
• Get to know others on a personal level
• Make other people happy
• Be responsible for your own success
If you’re unsure whether you have the right attitude, personality, and skill set to become a real estate agent, it’s a smart idea to take a test drive. Ask friends or family if they know of any local, successful real estate agents you may contact to “shadow.” REALTORS® are by and large incredibly helpful people by nature, and they are typically eager to see other young agents develop and thrive.The chances you’ll find an amazing example to follow around for a few days is very high.
Despite being a competitive industry, real estate agents are known for serving as mentors, and wonderful guides to those new to the career. Almost all agents can cite the person who helped them the most as they were getting started, and they welcome the opportunity to pay that gratitude forward.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to see for yourself just how fun, challenging, and rewarding a career in real estate can be, reach out and talk to an agent.You’ll be glad you did.