| Sep 18 @ 9:49 AM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there?
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luneib
Posts: 652
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I was considering becoming a realtor and now that the market is soft,I wonder if I should bother or not. I know the market will pick up eventually, but I want to know more about getting into this field. How long is the real estate course, how difficult is it or did you find it easy, what types of things do I need to know, how much math etc. since I am not exactly a math wiz, it isn't my strong suit. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanx guys! 
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| Sep 18 @ 10:15 AM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there? |
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Loreli
Posts: 20,307
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There is an address by the President on in a few minutes on that very subject....(market)
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| Sep 18 @ 10:23 AM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there?
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luneib
Posts: 652
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Thanx Loreli, I will turn on my TV.
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| Sep 18 @ 10:31 AM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there? |
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tahoma
Posts: 10,526
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There are some agencies that will pay for your schooling and test if you agree to work for their firm once you get your license. I believe Century 21 is one of them... if you have them out your way
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| Sep 18 @ 10:54 AM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there?
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luneib
Posts: 652
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Yes we do have Century 21, thanx for the info!
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| Sep 18 @ 11:08 AM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there? |
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tahoma
Posts: 10,526
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| Sep 18 @ 11:27 AM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there?
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missliss78
Posts: 1,858
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Of course, the market varies from location to location.
With that said, more importantly, the laws, rules & regulations vary greatly from state to state. The time & costs for education will vary as well. In NC, it ain't easy. In fact, I maintain my license just because they weren't easy to get...and mainly because of all the math. Another reason I've lost interest is that it is becoming soooo technical in NC....better be sure to dot all those "i's" and cross all those "t's" or you could easily be heading for a lawsuit. No thanks, too much red tape for me....how many times could you possibly have to "cya" in one transaction~
Also, keep in mind, it takes money to make money. No one is going to compensate you for your gas & time that it takes hauling clients all over timbucktwo looking. Nope, you aren't gonna draw a red cent until you close a deal. Meanwhile, depending on the set up of the firm you work for you've got plenty of expenses....office, assistants, advertising. Oh yeah...if you want to be a success, don't even consider it being a "9 to 5" type of career!
I don't mean to be sound so negative, but just giving you some things to think about.
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| Sep 18 @ 11:47 AM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there? |
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SunBabe
Posts: 12,251
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I know that Cinnecticut community colleges offer the real estate course, Lune. It prepares you for taking the state test (which is an additional fee). Some town Parks and Rec departments may still be offering the courses, too. I know it's x# of hours, covering a set syllabus, but it depends on the schedule whether you need a matter of weeks of intensive study or a a semester at one or two days/week.
I'd probably opt for a Real Estate company-sponsored course these days. As MissLiss says, the focus has changed over the years and finance $$$ and CYA laws are a big deal now, unfortunately.
I was thinking the Jackson-Hewitt or H&R Block Income Tax Prep courses might be an idea for you, too. While it's mostly seasonal work, there also a need for year-round advice. You're good with detail and know how to listen, which seems like it'd be an asset in either the tax or real estate profession. 
PS The math part is easy with a computer or calculator. It's knowing what to enter and when that you need to learn. 
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| Sep 18 @ 12:03 PM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there?
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mailorderannie
Posts: 5,923
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I saw in another thread that you were considering real estate as a weekend job....I really don't think you'd make any sales just working it weekends. An established agent may be able to do it, but I think a newbie in the field would have to work EXTRA hours to get the deals. JMO
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| Sep 18 @ 12:26 PM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there? |
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SallyF
Posts: 298
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Good advice you are receiving here. When I went back to a full time benefited job, I maintained my realtor's license for several years---thinking I could do it nights and weekends. This meant that I was on someone else's 'clock' during the hours that banks, lenders, title companies, appraisers, inspectors, etc., were open for business. It was necessary to find a full time realtor partner to handle those functions. Once everyone else was paid---broker, partner, sign rental, ads....---there was little profit for me.
I don't know about your state, but in OR one can no longer simply become a realtor. It is a requirement that all new agents also take the next course of study and become a broker. (and yes, there are a lot of math problems on the exams)
However, if you have a passion for this....DO IT! The current soft market (declining in some areas) won't last forever.
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| Sep 18 @ 12:30 PM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there?
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painter007
Posts: 15,990
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If you get your license.......check out the office fees.....to have a desk...They vary between different companies.
Yes, there are math questions but you can use a calculator if needed. They really were not that bad.......
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| Sep 18 @ 8:53 PM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there? |
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missliss78
Posts: 1,858
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luneib, You are getting some good advice here.
I'm with Annie & Sally on doing real estate part time & to give you a scenario from another angle on that....it is annoying as hell to an agent in the middle of a deal not to be able to contact the other agent, because they are at work on their "full time" job & can't do real estate business. There's so much additional business that goes along with making a sale.
As for using the calculator...oh yeah....no problem...it's just imperative that you have or can obtain the important information to put IN the calculator to make it work for you.
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| Sep 18 @ 9:10 PM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there?
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redhairNfreckles
Posts: 2,818
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My daughter is an agent with ReMax here in town and has been for a little over a year. School was very tough, meaning lots and lots to learn, and taking her final test was even tougher......she had to take it 3 times before passing it, and she's no dummy. She flew thru college and never had a problem, but real estate school was quite a challenge. I think a lot had to do with being a mom to 3 active kids, everyone of them doing dance or sports, where while she was in college, it was just her and her husband. Anyway, her first sale was a whole, friggin, mountain here in NC so that commission has carried her thru these lean times. If you are going to try real estate right now, it might be good to have something else to fall back on if you have to. My daughter is on the substitute teacher approval list if she needs a little extra money.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
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| Sep 18 @ 9:17 PM |
Is real estate still a good field to go into, any realtors out there? |
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painter007
Posts: 15,990
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You can also challenge the test to get a feel for it. I did....and the only part I didnt pass was the practical part......Then I just needed the hours on that section and redid the test.......Also the market goes in cycles.....and having a part time job to get you thru is great advice...
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