Becoming a real estate agent?
By tklich
@tklich (391)
United States
November 16, 2008 6:34pm CST
I have worked for a successful real estate company for 1 1/2 years now and have been thinking about becoming a sales agent for about 6 months. I currently work as a staff member for the office and absolutely love it. I was originally hired as the front desk receptionist, and a couple months after that I was promoted to the Agent Services Representative, where I do all sorts of marketing and computer work for the agents. I really want to get my realtors license, but it is against policy to stay employed at the office and obtain my license at the same time. I know it is impossible to do it anytime in the near future since my husband just got laid off and is currently looking for a new job, but am thinking possibly in the next 6, 10, 12 months maybe. I won't know yet either how much money I will need saved up to make it possible also, it depends on how much my husband is making and how much he can support our family on just his income alone until I start earning commission checks. I want to be able to dedicate all of my time to building my real estate career. I believe it will be a great opportunity for me and my family. Does anyone have any relative experiences or any advice for my situation? Thanks!
2 people like this
1 response
@TheAgent (220)
• United States
25 Nov 08
I would get your license as soon as you can. I am in the military and have my license to make extra money on the side. When I get my commission checks, it is like receiving a bonus every month. I use that money to invest in rental properties or stocks. Anyway, depending on your area I would get the license soon. You are the best judge of your area, working in the office gives you the inside scoop on how well the current agents are doing.
Good luck and if you need any help send me a message.
@tklich (391)
• United States
25 Nov 08
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my discussion. I'm so glad I finally got some advice on this topic! I would love to be able to follow your advice and just go out and get my license, but I feel a little uncomfortable quitting my job at this point in time in my life, especially with my husband not working right now. Remember - I can't keep my job at my office and obtain an active realtors license. I just think I would feel more comfortable if I had more money saved up to live off of until I started getting commission checks. I've been working very hard and trying to save my money, but it's just impossible right now with my husband only receiving unemployment while he's looking for a new job, and with Christmas around the corner and unexpected expenses popping up left and right. I observe the agents in my office and it doesn't seem like most of them are hurting much. There has been pretty steady business up until about a week or two ago. I've been talking to a good friend of mine who is an agent from my office and she told me she lived off her 401K from her previous job while she was getting her real estate career going. That's a good idea, but I've only been at this job for a year and a half, so I only have about $1800 saved. I guess all I can really do is continue to work hard to achieve my goals. Let me know if you have any other suggestions! Thanks!!
