If you ask someone what they feel is a dangerous profession, you are likely to get responses that include firefighters, police officers, loggers, or roofers. While your initial thoughts may not veer towards the real estate industry, real estate agents need to navigate numerous hazardous situations almost daily. Keep reading to discover the rarely discussed perils of working in real estate.

Unpredictable Income

Real estate can be a lucrative profession, but most successful agents are far from overnight successes. It can take years of networking, advertising, and following market trends before a person working in real estate experiences a booming trade. Even then, factors such as a significant employer moving out of town or a worldwide pandemic can bring a roaring business to a crashing halt.

In addition, most real estate agents work predominantly on commission, which means that they only see a paycheck once the deal is finalized. Until that point, any work put in is pro bono, and they might even need to pay for advertising out of pocket.

Stress

Not having a guaranteed monthly income can be a massive cause for anxiety. If a regular salary is something you need, it might be best to look for an alternative profession; however, even competent real estate agents will start to stress when months go by without a sale.

Real estate agents often keep unsociable hours as they are needed to show a home convenient for potential buyers. This means they could frequently miss dinner with their family, their child’s sports games, or socializing with friends. When a last-minute phone call comes in, it can be challenging to weigh whether to cancel plans or chase a potential sale.

People and Pets

Real estate agents regularly work alone and can be required to meet people in remote locations. While it is integral to take every precaution possible, there are still times where real estate agents have been the victim of violent crimes. For example, open houses are publicly advertised, and anyone can walk in without the need for a criminal record check or necessarily even showing identification. What’s more, sometimes homes are being sold and the sitting tenant is far from pleased. As such, real estate agents can be subjected to unexpected abuse.

Dog bites are a peril of the real estate business that can cause serious injury. Homeowners might remember to warn agents or potential buyers when they own a large animal; however, even small pets can showcase guarding behavior when an unknown intruder enters their territory.

Car Crashes

Real estate agents often joke that their vehicle is their office. Nevertheless, they indeed spend a lot of their day chauffeuring potential buyers and driving from one house to the next. The more time you spend in a car, the more likely you are to get in a crash, even if it isn’t your fault. Not only is a car crash a serious risk to your wellbeing, but it could incur a loss of earnings if you can’t fulfill your responsibilities at work.

Legal Issues

Real estate agents can potentially be sued by their clients if they are found to have omitted information or made false statements about a property. If a deal goes poorly, people often try to find someone to blame, so it is integral to cover all of your bases as a real estate agent. For example, when showing a property to a buyer, you are best to advise of any hazards such as broken steps or slippery floors before you find yourself at the receiving end of a personal injury claim.

A real estate career can be satisfying, flexible, and lucrative. However, it is best to understand and acknowledge the pitfalls and perils from the beginning so that you can take the appropriate measures to mitigate any potential causes of harm.