Even in the midst of a global pandemic, the real estate market continues to thrive. The demand for new homes remains high as people strive to adjust to a new normal. They try to find safer, more peaceful, and more beautiful places in which to live and work. Because of this, real estate is still a stable, fulfilling, and lucrative career path.
Being a successful real estate agent is a challenging but highly rewarding feat. You’ll be interacting with a wide variety of people and helping them make their dream homes a reality. However, building a successful career in real estate also entails certain skills and qualifications. To find out more about how to make a fruitful real estate career, here are some things you need to know:
The Requirements for a License in Real Estate
You can become a licensed real estate agent after around four to six months of fulfilling your licensing requirements. The requirements vary depending on the state, but most states share many similarities. That said, it’s best to check the laws in your state to clarify what you will need to acquire your real estate license.
Typically, you’ll have to undergo a real estate licensing course, a licensing examination, and license activation. Most states require at least a high school diploma or GED to qualify for a license, and many have age requirements as well. They may also require a criminal background check.
You must enroll at an accredited real estate school to take your licensing course. During the real course, you’ll be studying different real estate terminologies and learning essential skills that will help you in the realm of real estate. The number of class hours required before you’re qualified to take the licensing exam depends on the state. This can range from 75 to 135 hours.
How to Market Yourself
The real estate business is a competitive industry. As a beginner real estate agent, you should learn how to market yourself. To do so, you can advertise yourself by hiring a publicist, making calls, or building a reputable online presence.
Establishing an online presence is one of the most reliable ways to market yourself, especially because the world is steadily going digital. Many people search for homes, businesses, and real estate services online, and you’ll lose a significant market if you don’t make use of the internet to promote your services. By building an online presence and making social media accounts, you’ll be putting yourself on the map in the world of real estate.
To further set yourself up for success, it’s also important to establish a good reputation. Regularly answer real estate-related questions, voluntarily help people, and accept business calls as they come.
Working Alone vs. Working with a Team—Which Is Better?
Working solo as a real estate agent has its advantages, especially if you’re just planning to purchase and flip homes. As a beginner real estate agent, however, you’ll be gaining a lot of essential skills and knowledge if you work with a team of experienced realtors. You’ll have a solid support network and a solid foundation as you build the experience needed to fly high on your own.
Working with a real estate agency also allows you to compartmentalize tasks wherein you will only be assigned to handle a certain list of tasks instead of doing everything on your own. Your team’s shared knowledge will allow you to support each other, ensuring everyone in the team learns and grows.
Final Thoughts: Starting Your Fruitful Career in Real Estate
Real estate is undeniably one of the most fulfilling career choices one can make. It’s a competitive industry, and knowing the aspects that can help you build a successful real estate career is essential if you want to move up. Keep this information handy as you start your long and fulfilling journey in real estate.
Looking for real estate jobs in Lapeer County, MI? Join our real estate team at Smith Street Homes! We’re looking for highly motivated real estate agents to work, learn, and grow with our experienced team of professionals. Ready to jump-start your real estate career? Contact us today!