need advise regarding career change

**CarolinaGal** · 06-12-2007, 12:27 PM

Hello,

I'm so glad to have found a forum like this. This is my first post.

I am considering making a move into real estate. I am researching the industry, trying to get in touch with local agents, and asking lots of questions regarding the profession. I would most like to know what it is like in the first few years of getting started, and what people feel are the pros and cons about the job.

The reason I am considering being an agent is mostly b/c of the flexible schedule and that it would offer daily variety - new faces and places. I currently feel trapped in the corporate world and sit in front of a computer all day. I crave interaction with people on a more personal level. I would also like the opportunity for a flexible schedule for when I eventually start a family. I have about 3 or 4 years before that will probably happen, so I think this is the right time to get going.

I live in a healthy real estate market - Charlotte, NC - and our city is vibrant and growing. My husband just completed his licensing in which to buy investment properties on the side, but my goals would be to begin as a residential agent and eventually the opportunity may arise for us to work together, but not really planning on that right now. I understand what is involved as far as licensing in my state, but am unsure of what it would be like to work as an agent with a company.

Please share the good, the bad and the ugly with me so that I may make a better decision on if this is the right profession for me. Thank you!

- Katie

**RealEstatePromos** · 06-18-2007, 09:01 AM

Every agency is different. I think it is smart to join a bigger agency with a big name and some education for new agents when you first start out. Once you are experienced then you can go on your own and go to a smaller agency with better commissision splits.

You might want to consider joining an agency on a part time basis to see how you like it before jumping in with booth feet.

You will need money to start out with for marketing plus living expenses until you make your first deal. I would say something like $5,000 for marketing would probably be about right for the first year.

**joe harris** · 06-18-2007, 05:26 PM

I am a loan officer not a realtor, however, I currently work with over 30 different realtors, and have seen what works and what doesn't. If you are looking to work less, and earn more, than you are not going into the right field. It will take you lots of hard hours and work to get to the point where you are happy with you business. If you are looking for a more flexible schedule, than you are also looking in the wrong place. Realtors work 24/7. They work weekends, nights, basically whenever their customers need them. So is there an upside? After you put in the hard hours, work around the clock, and build your business, then you can begin to reap the benifits. There will also be big paydays, however, you must make a plan, evolve your plan, and stick with it. Do not get discouraged! That first year will be tough.