How hard is it to get started in San Diego?

[mswartz]

I'm 21 years old going to college in Wisconsin. I still have at least 2 more years of undergrad before I can get my bachelor's degree...I've been switching majors for the past 3 years and can't find anything I like. I also took some time away from school to start a business retailing sports supplements online, and 8 months later I realized I was in over my head, cut my losses and dissolved that business. Then I got this crazy idea to get a real estate sales (and eventually broker) license.

1) Assuming I can complete the required course(s) and pass the licensing exam, how hard will it be for me to find a job without a bachelor's degree?

2) Will anyone take me seriously at 21 years old? I like to think I act mature/professional and look like I'm in my late twenties, as far as visual appearance/presentation goes.

3) On top of this, I would like to relocate to San Diego and get my license there instead of Wisconsin. Will that make things harder?

4) For entry level real estate salespersons, are earnings 100% commission based or are you paid a wage?

Basically I'd be planning on moving to San Diego, then getting my real estate sales license, and then finding work with a broker who can offer me training, a team, etc.

And lastly, if it makes a difference I have very strong computer skills and have been involved in online affiliate marketing, search engine optimization, website development, etc for 4 years now. Developing a professional looking, database-driven website and optimizing it for search engines is something I could do on my own.

What do you think? Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

[minnesota-mls]

Though I do not know the San Diego real estate market very well, I thought I would at least share some thoughts on being a real estate agent with you.

First, no real "degree" of any sort is needed. As long as you take the necesssary classes and pass the state and federal tests, you will get licensed.

I should say, age unfortunately can play a roll as life as an agent. When I started, I too was younger, and it was tough. People just naturally assumed because I was younger, and looked young, that I had no idea what I was doing. With that being said, I am a firm believer if you feel "called" to a certain profession, you should just go for it!

Give a shot! Work hard, find a good mentor at a real estate office to learn from, and show up every day. With a positive attitude, the sky is the limit!

[OregonLO]

The market in San Diego isn't the hottest but I do know some very successful agents down there who are making it just fine. The problem you'll have is that you will be completely new to the area and won't know anyone. At least back home in Wisconsin you have friends, family, business associates....etc that you can get referrals from to make things easier on you.

[RE Consulting Services]

I want to have two different conversations with you:

1. Getting a real estate license in any state is fine and does not require a degree whatsoever. You can even become licensed in multiple states if you wish. Moving to a new area is also just fine, even if you want to start a real estate career. It's a little more challenging in that you don't know the neighborhoods or any part of the local areas but you can can pick that up quickly. When I first moved to NY, it took me about three months to become familiar with the market, neighborhoods, prices, etc. Being young has nothing to do with anything. When I started I was 20 and looked 15... seriously. Yes, I got objections but I was always able to overcome them. Being a good speaker, being professional, being able to warm quickly to others, knowing your marketing... these all come into presenting yourself as a knowledgable professional. Sometimes being young can be a positive... you're on the cutting edge and that can give you an advantage over the older ones that have been around and are doing the same old thing they've been doing for years.

2. I'm worried about all these changes you're making. You're having trouble deciding on a major, whether or not to stay in school, you're looing to move across the country, start in a whole new field, you've been in and out of business... and all by the time you're 21. Part of my job as a coach is pulling blocks from people that are struggling. It's very common for someone your age to be searching for themselves and it's normal to try new things but you seem to be taking it to the extreme and going very quickly from one thing to the next. My question for you would be what is it that you are truly looking for? If you can tell me more about what you like and what attracts you (what is it about real estate and san diego for instance) then I can help you make a better decision... if you want my help that is... I'd be happy to help you if you'd like.

-Angela