Help a real estate n00bie out.

**fp_23** · 11-30-2011, 04:26 PM

Ok im in my early 20s and currently enrolled in a local JC/community college. I havent taken any classes other than general ed thats needed for an AA/AS, etc.

Im strongly considering the real estate route. Not maybe as a salesperson (the concept of getting paid mostly on commission isn't that great of an idea for me) however I noticed there were other "niche" careers within the real estate courses needed for an AS in real estate (ie. broker courses, property management, etc).

I was wondering how wise of a move would it be to try one of these real estate related fields.

property management seemed interesting as i researched local ads and seen offers of 35K all the way up to 55-60K plus free rent on a 2 (some offers were for 3) bedroom apts. Seemed like quite a nice deal considering 45K (middle ground) is considered a good salary plus i save 1000+ a month on rent.

Im looking for something reliable long term. Looking for a career of sorts.

Any advice on which route to go? Im open to all ideas.

**Greg** · 12-01-2011, 05:00 AM

I will take commissioned sales over property management any day of the week. Property management is a 24/7 job with a high turnover rate, as evidenced by the all the help wanted ads with perks.

**fp_23** · 12-01-2011, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Greg

I will take commissioned sales over property management any day of the week. Property management is a 24/7 job with a high turnover rate, as evidenced by the all the help wanted ads with perks.

commissioned sales doesn't interest me. too many variables to live well. Sure there are success stories where people net 50-100K a year easily but for every "winner" there are many more losers that follow.

Commissioned sales would be great if i were 16, living at home, without children or a wife to think about/provide for.

Im seeking something stable. Or at least a sales agent job that pays a decent salary (ie. not solely commissioned based). however most of what ive seen/heard is that its 100% commission only OR its minimum wage plus commission.

**fp_23** · 12-01-2011, 10:55 AM

Also if property management is a 24/7 job then why in the ads ive seen does it say full time (which i would interpret as 40 hrs a wk) versus oncall which i would take as a 24/7 job.

if its an "on call" job then are you paid "on the clock" when the phone rings at 3:30am?

It doesnt seem "legal" to not guarantee someone any time/days off (even in property management)...is that what property management is? no guarantee of time off other than scheduled vacations?

**Greg** · 12-08-2011, 06:15 AM

Since the ads are quoting a base salary figure and not an hourly wage these jobs are most likely salary paid. When you go on salary it is legal for your employer to make you work 100 hours a week without any overtime pay if they so choose. So, when the renter calls you at 3:00 am to complain about something you take the call for no extra pay or risk losing your job.

Employment laws regarding time worked and overtime do not apply to management positions and salaried jobs are management positions.

Commission sales don't work for those who don't want to work. If you only want to work 40 hours a week stay away from commission sales and stay away from property management.

**rpollard86** · 12-08-2011, 06:30 AM

Where to begin here. I'm in my mid 20's and a Real Estate Agent. I understand where your coming from about the commission part is scary to think. However, thousands of Agents do this full time support and raise a family everyday. It's just like any other career what you put into it. I would suggest you read the Red Book. Go to any Keller Williams Office and tell them you are interested in getting into the Real Estate business and ask if you can get a copy of the Red Book. Its a direct business plan to a successful career. Many people think being a Real Estate Agent is just a salesman job. Let me tell you real quick, it is not. Being a Real Estate Agent is having your own business. Yes you hang your license up under a Broker. With Keller Williams, they let you Brand your own name and not the company itself.

With being a Real Estate Agent/Broker, you are out there getting your own listings and your own buyers. You work on your time. Weather it be 3 days a week, 5 days a week, or so forth. Some Agents work the typical 9-5 hours. It all depends on the business model you create for yourself.

With property management, I agree with the above poster. Not in a million years would I would to do that. I went for a listing appointment yesterday with a property owner and she has tenants on bottom floor of her property. She looked like she has been to hell and back. The Full-time job my friend is a 24/7 job. I think you really need to do a little more research in what you are thinking about getting yourself into. Go talk to some Brokers at their offices, ask questions and really think about what you want to do. Sounds from your posts you really don't understand what these careers really consist of.

**rpollard86** · 12-08-2011, 06:33 AM

Originally Posted by fp_23

It doesnt seem "legal" to not guarantee someone any time/days off (even in property management)

I really don't think property management is really for you with this comment.

**markbrian** · 12-08-2011, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by rpollard86

I really don't think property management is really for you with this comment.

Or being a real estate agent.....

As rpollard86 pointed out, this is more akin to owning your own business than being a salesperson.

**rpollard86** · 12-15-2011, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by markbrian

Or being a real estate agent.....

As rpollard86 pointed out, this is more akin to owning your own business than being a salesperson.

I was trying to put it in a polite way

**markbrian** · 12-15-2011, 07:45 AM

I didn't intend my reply appear impolite, rather straight to the point. Too many get into real estate not realizing the harsh reality of what it takes to succeed.