How to Become a Real Estate Agent? | George Schiaffino

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How to Become a Real Estate Agent?
George Schiaffino
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Introduction
Becoming a successful real estate agent is a
combination of getting the right education,
finding an established broker who can help you
get your first clients, and passing state and
national licensing exams. But that's not all
there is to the craft. Read on to find out some
of the more overlooked aspects of getting into
the real estate business.
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Get Educated
No matter in which state you live, you must take
pre-licensing courses. However, state
requirements differ greatly. For instance,
California requires three college-level courses.
Others require a set number of hours of
education. Contact your state's real estate
commission for your state's requirements for
licensing. Some real estate agencies have
specific education requirements, so you may have
to take an additional course after being hired on
with an agency.
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Choose a Brokerage
A real estate brokerage is the agency or office
from which real estate agents and brokers work.
Since working with a broker is a requirement in
order to practice as a real estate agent, you
will need to contact a broker before graduating
from your training course. Brokers have at least
three years additional real estate training, and
can guide you through the questions you have when
it comes to working in the field, as well as
listing and selling homes. When you look for a
broker, think about the size of the brokerage,
its reputation and additional training offered.
Check broker reputations by reading online
comments, asking friends and neighbors who
they've had experiences with and getting advice
from your instructor on choosing a broker.
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Get Licensed
Real estate licenses require the passing of state
and national exams. In addition, you may have to
provide a criminal background check. Between the
courses, exam and license fees for a real estate
salesperson, you can expect to pay at least 200
(usually more), though prices vary from
state-to-state.
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Develop a Real Estate Agent Budget
While becoming a real estate agent isn't cheap,
it's cheaper than entering many professions.
Start-up fees are estimated between 1,500-2,000,
which should be divided between licensing
courses, business cards, signs and advertising
and association fees not counting additional
exam fees. Since real estate is a
commission-based business, you'll also need
enough money set aside for you to get by for a
few months. These are approximations of actual
costs because they can vary based on individual
choices and state-by-state costs.
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Make the Realtor/Real Estate Agent Decision
In order to utilize the title "realtor," you must
join the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
This is done by choosing an affiliated brokerage
as well as attending a set number of meetings
designated by your local chapter.
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Build Your Client/Referral Portfolio
The best way to build your portfolio is twofold
get a mentor, and use your personal network. The
best arrangement for a new agent is to find a
mentor in the real estate agency you choose who
guides you towards buyer/seller contacts and
splits commission. You'll learn the profession
from your mentor, while gaining your first
commission checks. Also, asking your friends and
family for referrals of people who are
considering buying or selling a home is a great
way to begin networking. Someone's always looking
for a new home, and that referral may get you
started in your new business.
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Conclusion
Becoming a real estate agent is similar to
starting a small business. Even though you'll
work within a brokerage of established realtors
or real estate agents, you need a startup fund
for business expenses and to cover several months
of personal expenses while you build your client
base. Take every step seriously, and you'll have
your first "sold" sign up with your savings
account still intact.
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Contact Us
George Schiaffino
10220 S Dolfield Rd, Suite 106, Owings Mills, MD
21117 http//www.rebaterealtyusa.com/
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