With the growing number of real estate shows on TV, many viewers are leaning towards real estate careers to satisfy their interest. This exciting and flourishing line of work can help underpaid workers get out of their cubicle job and into a career they will enjoy.

However, don’t assume this career is as easy as it looks on TV. It’s a fast-paced, yet rewarding profession that doesn’t suit just anybody. But, having the ability to find someone their dream home can be well worth the hassle. So, let’s go ahead and see if you have what it takes to enter the real estate industry.

1. Ask yourself if becoming a real estate agent is the right decision.

People who thrive in social interaction are usually drawn to the real estate industry since it suits their style of job. However, driving around and showing people their potential home is only a part of the job itself.

Real estate agents have to make a brand for themselves which involve advertising, locating clients, renewing licensing, and updating their education. After all, being a real estate agent is more than just being a pretty face.

You also have to be comfortable in a setting talking to bankers, lawyers, home inspectors, town officials, and that’s just scraping the barrel. If you do not find yourself dealing with stress well, this may not be the best career for you.

2. Do research before you start anything.

Although there’s plenty of content online that describes the life of a real estate agent, it’s important that you do more in-depth research and talk to a real estate agent first hand. Ask questions such as what it’s like to do their job and how difficult it may be for beginners such as yourself. However, don’t let this discourage you, everyone experiences their job differently.

While you stop by your local real estate office, you should also talk to a broker as well. This may be another potential job choice, so be sure to ask them about certifications and required education. Plus, it’s never a bad idea to ask if they have any open positions at their branch. Planning out your career ahead will only help you get hired quicker.

3. Focus on the start-up costs.

It’s important to remember that as a real estate agent you will only be working on a commission, instead of a salary. This can clearly be an issue if you’re more focused on the money aspect of the job and do not have sufficient savings to start working. Keep in mind that the full start-up costs of starting your real estate career can range anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000, and cost nearly $1,000 annually to keep up your profession. Plus, it can take up to a full month to close your first house.

You also have to remember that there is some stiff competition in the real estate world with other agents and even homeowners. Many people benefit from choosing to sell their house as a for sale by owner. This is a common practice as most people do not need to pay for the service of an agent or broker. While this may be alright for the homeowner, the more people who choose this, the more the real estate misses out on opportunities.

4. Hours

As mentioned before, working as a real estate isn’t like working at an office. Your work hours will be constantly changing and may not even generate enough income as first that your office job may be offering you. Unfortunately, there are no “set days” in the real estate life and you could be working on weekends, birthdays, and holidays.

Especially since weekends and nights are more convenient for your clients, you may find yourself working at midnight on a Sunday night. It’s important that you take these facts seriously before you continue your path to a real estate career since they can pose real problems for most people.

5. Get a full understanding of the licensing process

The last thing to consider when thinking of becoming a real estate is the licensing process. Although they vary by state, they usually require up to 90 hours of education, followed by an exam to legally license you to start working as a real estate agent. The best way to get a full understanding is by visiting your state’s real estate commission site for more detailed information on where to take your required courses, exam requirements, and fees.

After the exam, you will need to apply for a state license. This will require a completely separate cost, have different requirements, and includes background checks.

Conclusion

Becoming a real estate agent is more than meets the eye when watching your favorite real estate TV shows. It’s much more than flashing a fancy suit and showing top-of-the-line houses. However, don’t let this prevent your interest in the industry. Any career you embark on will pose a variety of challenges, it’s up to you to decide whether or not they’re worth it.