After graduating high school and gaining the right post-secondary education, your career will be yours to decide. There are various routes to take concerning a profession. Some sectors could be more worthwhile to explore than others. For example, real estate is an industry that can take professionals to new heights.
For starters, many burgeoning professionals may choose to become real estate agents. It is a rewarding career, especially if you see yourself here for the long term. However, it is incumbent on you to know what is required before stepping foot into the role.
Use these tips to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Here is what to know before becoming a real estate agent.
1. Research the Role
Real estate agents comprise a large majority of professionals working in the sector. Generally speaking, you will be involved in this position as you begin your career. After picking up the right experience, you can get involved in other roles, such as being a broker. However, it is crucial to research what is required to be a real estate agent first.
You must look at specific aspects, such as what market you’d like to work in. Some markets, like luxury homes for sale, are highly lucrative. Other markets are niche and have less competition, allowing you to become an expert in the field.
Many markets offer more opportunities for newer agents than others, believe it or not. You will also have to ensure you have the right credentials before practicing. Doing your due diligence is important to prepare yourself for the road ahead!
2. Education and Certification
As mentioned, every practicing real estate professional will have to be licensed. To do that successfully, you must gain the right education and certification. Usually, these requirements vary from location to location. In Canada, for example, you will usually have to get a relevant degree or diploma related to real estate.
Then, you must study and pass a regulatory examination to receive your license. This process may take up most of your time, so be wary of that commitment. After passing your exams, you can apply for and receive your license in due time. Having these credentials in your toolkit ensures you will be successful in real estate.
3. Working Hours
One of the best benefits of working as a real estate agent is that you can decide how you wish to work. This means that many new real estate agents are offered flexibility in terms of scheduling. You could see yourself working part-time, or a full-time position may be offered at a firm.
Whatever the case may be, your workday is essentially yours to adjust. Working part-time hours in real estate may be best if you have outside commitments. That way, you do not have to worry about cancelling your other obligations. Newer real estate agents who study in a post-secondary institution may choose this option, provided they are licensed to practice.
4. Promoting Your Work
The traditional days of real estate marketing usually involved effective strategies, such as testimonials. However, you have many more tools to utilize in the current industry. One of the best ones includes social media, alongside a host of other digital marketing tools.
Social media, depending on your platform, can increase your traction tenfold. Promoting your real estate profile consistently means prospective clients may come to you for work. Remain constant with your posted content, and you will be good to go.
5. Extra Hours
New real estate agents who enter the field for the first time may have to work on their weekends. It may be a bit of a hindrance initially, but it can be helpful for long-term career prospects.
6. Secondary Plans
Working as a real estate agent is no small feat. Your entire week may be crowded with varying client needs at virtually all hours of the working day. Sometimes, it could be overbearing, wherein you may decide that the field is not for you. If this thought occurs to you, it may be best to have alternate plans.
While you do not necessarily have to leave the sector, you could work in a support role. Many real estate firms have a support team that allows them to stay on top of all operations. From working in human resources to administration, a role in these departments could be the best possible backup plan.
7. Set Yourself Apart
Regrettably, many traditional markets in real estate are saturated. Real estate agents will be around at every corner, which limits who you can work with. Make sure you stand out; clientele will eventually find you for work!
