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Ala W (Agent Professor)

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Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

As with all things in life... real estate is what we make of it.  A pro for one person may well be a con to another.  

Oct 07, 2018 09:50 AM
Ambassador
5,230,102
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I believe the cons are also the reasons I love the business -

  • Shifts are tough but, I love that in our profession, no day, week, month, year is ever the same, keeping the challenge alive! 
  • Parental involvement to the extreme with first-time homebuyers...but, every time I have one of those, I learn a new way of handling them with future clients.
  • Long hours - but, that bodes well for this workahloic!

Pros -

  • Self-employment
  • Self-scheduling
  • The ability to build a business beyond your wildest expectations.

Best of luck, Brandi!

Oct 07, 2018 09:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,751,129
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Congratulations, Brandi. I wish you a great deal of success.

Pros:

Freedom

Unlimited income potential

Personal Accountability (I see this as a pro because many will not be accountable without a reward.)

You chose who you want to work with. 

 

Cons:

Can be long hours.

You may work with others who are less than professional (but it shouldn't affect your professionalism).

Beginners can feel lost (even within a good brokerage).

You will be responsible for all of your expenses, taxes and accounting (there is no clock to punch and check to collect every Friday).

Start up can be expensive.

You've got to learn to say no when everything in you wants to say yes.

Oct 07, 2018 09:20 AM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

The Pros are the ones who sell real estate, the cons are the ones who steal it. 

Oct 07, 2018 01:58 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Pros = independence and unlimited income potential.

Cons = independent contractor no guarantee monthly income.

Oct 07, 2018 09:45 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Brandi,

Each one of us reacts differently.  If I were you, I would make a list of the pros and cons for me, and use that as my guide.  Opinions are nice and helpful but do not necessariy apply to YOU.  A

Oct 07, 2018 09:39 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Pro: The freedom of self employment

Con: The fear of self employment

Good luck in your new venture.

Oct 07, 2018 09:15 AM
Rainmaker
564,494
Maria Sapio
Keller Williams of Central PA - Carlisle, PA
Real Estate Agent- Carlisle, PA. Mariasapio.com

If you enjoy what you do - the pros always outweigh the cons.  

Oct 07, 2018 02:13 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

advice: don't spend your commissions until you have deposited your commission check and it cleared!! budget your money and learn to market...you'll have no cons....

Oct 07, 2018 01:08 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

The incentive is to create a successful business.

The cons are failures to meet your own expectations.

Oct 07, 2018 12:05 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I see more pros than cons.

Oct 07, 2018 10:00 AM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

In the beginning you are going to get many people who will waste your time and you probably can't tell.  Also if you are married, make sure that your partner supports the decision or it's going to be a nightmare. 

Oct 07, 2018 05:52 PM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Great answers. 

Congratulation, good luck.

Oct 07, 2018 01:35 PM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

It's a great game - freedoms, goals and barriers (challenges). The "cons" are not really cons but learning opportunities or areas in need of improvement. Enjoy your adventure - prepare the best you can, lead generate everyday and you'll have a blast and make an excellent living.

Oct 07, 2018 01:10 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

I will look for answers and will know it.

Oct 07, 2018 12:19 PM
Rainmaker
961,773
Eagle Ridge Real Estate Agents
Eagle Ridge Realty - Gilroy, CA
Representing Buyers and Sellers in Eagle Ridge

Pro is you get to work as hard, or as little, as you want to.  Con is there will be times with no steady income.  Keep your pipeline full.  Good luck.

Oct 07, 2018 10:38 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

My pro is the enjoyment i get from making people happy, making dreams come true. Making a living at something i love. You have to learn to balance live and work and always make time for family time

Oct 07, 2018 10:36 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I have to second what Debe Maxwell, CRS said.

Oct 07, 2018 10:13 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

The ups and downs of life?

 

 

 

Oct 07, 2018 09:45 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

The Pros far outweight the cons if you can build a successful pipeline of businesss & keep it filled. 

Oct 07, 2018 08:36 PM
Rainer
92,082
Jon K. Judd
Keller Williams Realty - Central Delaware - Dover, DE
GRI, e-PRO, SFR, Delaware Homes

Reading through the other responses, I can't really add to either the pro or con side... they have about covered it all.  There are IMO more pro's than con's... Do enjoy your new career...

Oct 07, 2018 08:02 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Nothing is perfect so ask yourself, does this seem like a fit?

Oct 07, 2018 04:33 PM
Rainer
4,798
Donald Norris
Donald Norris - Indian Harbor Beach, FL
Transaction Coordinator and Licensed Realtor

The pros and cons of Real Estate is a very subjective question and answer.  From a very high "altitude" perspective, one of the Pros is that you have the opportunity and position to become a vital part of one of the biggest decisions and transactions of a person's life.  Assisting them through all stages of purchasing a property and ensuring that their best interests are your primary focus.  

The cons can be interpreted and twisted to seem and appear as minimal or as formidable as one may choose.  There are no standard set hours.  Your office has no real walls, as you are often working "in the field".  You have to be able to work with many different and sometimes quite challenging personalities.  All of your hardwork and long hours are not compensated until the final signature and initials at the closing table...and sometimes, after weeks of working to close a transaction, it falls apart at the last minute.  It is in that moment you have to remain a positive professional for your client, despite your own personal frustrations and realization that you are not going to be paid.  

Oct 07, 2018 04:07 PM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Best of luck in your new career, Brandi Wadman 

Oct 07, 2018 03:20 PM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Real Estate is no different than any other business.

Within two years new 'real estate agent' businesses just like all new businesses, 90% will fail.

And they fail for the same reasons.

The newbie did not invest sufficient mental energy BEFORE they spent their first dollar, BEFORE enrolling in school. As a result they were unaware of the commitment required.

CONS: Everybody is lying.

PROS: Now you know it.

 

Oct 07, 2018 02:01 PM
Rainer
427,257
J.R. Schloemer
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

You get to set your own schedule. A windfall of money for not doing much work, paychecks may be a couple a week or every couple of years, and nights and weekends are enjoyable.

 

Oct 07, 2018 11:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

There are way too many pros and cons and they will be different for each person for each personality and your personal view of life etc.
if you are doubting if its right for you already its probably not a good fit though I wish you luck either way Brandi Wadman 

Oct 13, 2018 03:21 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Pro: you're in business for yourself.

Con: you're in business for yourself.

Oct 07, 2018 11:03 PM
Ambassador
6,393,494
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Pros and cons depend on what your goals are.

  • for some investments it is best to not be licensed
  • for most things it is a neutral
  • but if you work it and work it well the license can be a big pro.
Oct 07, 2018 07:25 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

You are representing buyers and sellers handling huge amounts of money. When people got a good deal they are pleased. Often in this sellers market the buyers overpaid and do not feel they got their money worth.

 

Oct 07, 2018 09:27 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   Pros:  you can help people achieve their life goals, and make a lot of money in the process.

  Con:   You are walking into a legal minefield.   You must be an expert on contracts and forms, you must have liability insurance, you need a good real estate attorney on speed dial.

 Another con:  emotions run high.  You will hear the saying "Buyers are liars and Sellers are yellers"; you must be prepared to deal with those kind of people when it happens.

Oct 07, 2018 11:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

So, Realtor or Real Estate? 

Oct 07, 2018 10:04 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Its a living...Being such, it is what YOU make it to be....

Oct 07, 2018 05:03 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

There are way more pros than cons in this industry.  The feeling of helping a buyer or seller is amazing.   The cons is maybe the hours we must work to be successful.    

Oct 11, 2018 07:27 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Getting started and having money for marketing

Oct 10, 2018 07:50 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I don't have any real cons, no time to think about any

Oct 09, 2018 08:40 PM
Rainer
140,560
Richard L. McKinney P.A.
Atlantic Shores Realty Expertise - Port St Lucie, FL
For Results that MOVE you on the Treasure Coast!

 Pros -

1. the money. If you know the business and are good at it then your income potential has no limit. 

2. You are your own boss. 

3. rewarding career. I take great pride in helping people. the closing is both the reward and celabration of helping someone achieve their goal. 

 

cons

1. Time - although you are your own boss and can make your own schedule, you are still at the mercy of the customer. If you are not available, they may contact someone that is can help them now. 

2. other agents. most agents are clueless about the business (like you) and a lot of my time is correcting, training and overcoming problems caused by other agents. 

3. loyalty. very few customers are loyal. you can spend a week showing homes and they buyer ends up buying a fsbo or ends up working with another agent. 

4. rejection. there is constant rejection in this business. Every single day customers and other industry affiliates / agents tell me why they will not, cannot or have not done what you need or want them to do. this can be very over welming and in my opinion is the real reason most folks leave the business. 

 

Oct 08, 2018 06:17 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Pro - nearly unlimited upside

Some Cons - competitive, time-consuming, no guarantees (salary or beny's)

Oct 08, 2018 03:59 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

PRO's - When you retire you will have thousands of $$$ of Equity as opposed to Renting (paying other people's mortgage) and having very few accumulated $$$$ !!!

Oct 08, 2018 06:17 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

A rewarding profession for those that work hard and smart.  It requires lots of work.

Oct 08, 2018 05:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,374,373
Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes

There are many good responses here for you. Real estate is what you make it. It can be extremely rewarding but requires a great deal of hard work and dedication. Good luck to you in your career. 

Feb 13, 2019 09:44 PM