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Rainmaker
152,661
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

There is no typical day, sometimes it's feast or famine, there will be disappointments and you have to get used to them, keep a positive attitude at all times, work hard for your client and their best interests, and expect to put in alot of work with little to no return at first (hopefully not!) And...good luck! It's also alot of fun and can be very rewarding!

Mar 09, 2016 03:18 AM
Rainmaker
556,690
DEANNA C. SMITH CERTIFIED MOBILE NOTARY
Certified Mobile Notary Signing Agent - Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Highest Ranked Certified Mobile Notary in Virginia

I'm a lender so perhaps, not your target audience but allow me two responses

First of all. "Persistence and Commitment".  If this is going to be your chosen career, put everything you have into it and give it your best. 

Second   "Be A Professional"   That has been my motto for over 30 years in the business and following it has served me well  

Finally, congratulations "newbie" and best of luck to you in the future !  

 

Mar 09, 2016 03:07 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

6 months-1 year saving in you bank as 70-80% new agents do not have 1 transaction closed during 1st year.

Don't quit your day time job until you are well established..... 

 

Mar 09, 2016 02:58 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

I professionally advise people on life changing events. I have a license to thrill and do so....What I do today brings equity and appreciation tomorrow

Mar 09, 2016 09:28 AM
Rainer
223,831
LUXURYSOCALREALTY COMPASS La Jolla
Compass - La Jolla, CA
San Diego Partner - The Private Client Network

60 hours a week.  If you aren't in the car with a client you had better be on the computer.  Not on Facebook or Twitter reading feeds either.  Building web pages and learning your market for a PHD in your market.

Mar 09, 2016 08:48 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

 Eagle Mountain Utah. Wow! The imagination goes wild!

Alex Stephens what it will be like for will is directly related to how you start. 90% of those who start will not celebrate their 2nd year anniversary. 80% of those who do survive can not live on their real estate earnings. 10% will net more that $100,000 a year. The remaining 10% are the thought leaders and of those 2% are the innovators.

Where do you think you are going to fit? If you knew that, you would not be asking the question. So what you must do now is buy my book "5 Steps Before Real Estate School - Breaking the Failure System" (lulu.com) or 'Get on the Right Track.' After you have done your homework, then a valid 'What's it going to be like' conversation can be had. Until then. you will be thrown into the deep end and every one will WATCH to see if you sink or swim.

What I would challenge you with in understanding what draws you to real estate? Is it heart centered? Is it expertise centered? Social conscience centered? Know where you are and you will be better able to attract those predisposed to doing business with you. 

When you see your real estate business as one that opens possibility to those seeking a transformation, you will be in the  right place to define exactly what being a real estate sales agent or broker means to you. That will be the burning ember leading you to walking towards as opposed to walking away.

In the short version. it will be exactly what YOU make it.

Mar 09, 2016 04:51 AM
Rainmaker
797,457
Liz Wallace
Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY
Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

I'm the Broker and the best I can tell you is that it is never boring.

Mar 09, 2016 02:50 AM
Ambassador
6,392,889
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

For me it is more about running the business and coaching others.

Jun 07, 2019 09:37 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Alex, there is a book, The Irreverent Guide to Real Estate, available on Amazon that answers this.  Oh, and I wrote it!

Mar 09, 2016 02:51 PM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

You have gotten many great answers.  Long hours, headaches with lots of ups and downs.  Rewarding! I definitely believe this career is a way of life. One either loves or hates it.  Good luck.

Mar 09, 2016 01:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I've been a selling agent for years, than switched to be a listing agent. I prefer a listing side now. 

Mar 09, 2016 12:43 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

It's a lot of work, but it can be very rewarding as well. No one day is ever the same. 

Mar 09, 2016 11:49 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Do you like roller coaster rides? I would say that is what a career in real estate is al about. I love the control over my income and being able to choose who I work with and when.

Mar 09, 2016 11:43 AM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Every day is different.  

If something goes awry, if a client is not satisified, you the Broker bear the responsibility and must face the consequences.

On the flip side, when there is Glory, you get it all.

Knowledge - the amount of knowledge you need is mind-numbing.  Market data. Construction.  Financial calculations.  Tech, tech, and more tech.  Laws and legality.  Insurance.  How do well pumps work?  How do septic tanks work?  Do I need a building permit to do this or that; where do I get it?  How much does this cost, how much does that cost?  Do I need personal liability insurance (E&O among others).  How do I join a Board or MLS?  And on and on the list goes.

Mar 09, 2016 10:58 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Alex Stephens This business is a lot harder than it looks from the outside. Find a broker who has a good training and mentoring program so you can get off on the right foot in this business.

Mar 09, 2016 05:41 AM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

I'm a newbie realtor myself Alex Stephens, and work with Roger (my husband) as 'Team Angeloni'.  I have found my work as a realtor interesting because of the people, both Buyers and Sellers, and the different ways you will do Marketing for Sellers.  It is hard work, can be 7 days a week, and you do need funds to tide you over for an extended period of time, as you build your business - never give up!!!  Joining the ActiveRain Family is wonderful, as you will learn alot on this site from others, and meet professional people who have a passion for real estate - Best of Luck to you!!

Mar 09, 2016 04:16 AM
Ambassador
5,048,708
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I could write a very long post about this! It's a tough job, and you need to have significant savings when you start to hold you over til you have some closings (or be with someone who makes a great salary). Don't expect it to be a 9 - 5 job either. I'd spend a lot of time learning from others as you get started, perhaps with a good mentor. Ask LOTS of questions

Mar 09, 2016 04:10 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

It's a lot of hard work.  Ask yourself if you are ready to do that.

Mar 09, 2016 03:26 AM