How To Get A Job As A Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agents are salesmen, but they must be super salesmen, as a single sale can earn them many thousands of dollars. As purchasers want to see properties at their convenience, Real Estate Agents must be ready to occasionally work long hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Real Estate Agents work for Real Estate Brokers, who are licensed to manage real estate offices. Agents usually work on a commission basis, being paid a percentage of the profit from the sale, with the rest going to the broker.
To be a successful Real Estate Agent, a person must be mature, hard working, detail oriented, honest, have excellent people skills, and a good memory. They must have a pleasant personality, be enthusiastic about their job, and have detailed knowledge of the area in which they work. Real Estate Agents must treat clients with respect, and be prepared to show properties repeatedly, with unflagging optimism, until a sale is made.
Although it is relatively easy to become a Real Estate Agent, there is considerable competition in the field and hard work and dedication are needed in order to become successful. Successful Real Estate Agents can advance to become Office and Sales Managers. After obtaining the appropriate license, they can also become Real Estate Brokers and establish offices of their own or become Estate Appraisers and Property Managers. Agents must have good math and computer skills, and an excellent command of the English Language. A second language is also an asset. Most Real Estate Agents sell family homes.
Real Estate Agents meet with prospective clients to ascertain their needs and then, using their knowledge of properties in the area, relate these needs to properties available. The process of finding the appropriate property may be a long one but the Agent must know and reveal all aspects of the properties he shows, both positive and negative. Honesty is vital. Although Real Estate Agents may earn more selling properties that they themselves have listed, the needs and concerns of the client must always come first.
Once a client has decided on a property, the Real Estate Agent acts as a negotiator between buyer and seller. He/she must be able to assist with financing arrangements, draw up contracts, see that all inspections and permits are in place, and ensure that deadlines are met.
Education
Although some Real Estate Agents begin their employment with only a high school diploma, the complexity of modern Real Estate negotiations is making this increasingly difficult. Employers prefer those with advanced education. It is wise to get a College degree if possible. Advanced education also equips you to relate better to a variety of clients as well as to Agents with greater experience.
College courses in Business Administration, Accounting, Law, Economics and Marketing would give prospective Real Estate Agents a decided edge.
All Real Estate Agents in the United States must be at least eighteen years of age, have at least a high school diploma, and take an approved training courses, the length of which may vary from state to state. Training courses for Real Estate Agents are available from colleges, community colleges, and universities. After completing required training, applicants must then pass a licensing exam which covers all the basics of real estate procedures as well as the legal ramifications. Real Estate licenses must be renewed periodically.
Once they become part of a Real Estate Agency, Agents will receive additional on-the-job training.
Although the competition is tough, employment opportunities for qualified Real Estate Agents are excellent.
