Overview
of real estate career
What does a real estate agent do?
Real estate agents help buyers and sellers in the process
of selling or renting residential property. Agents rarely
represent both buyers and sellers; for property rentals,
almost all agents represent property owners.
How
does the job look?
Agents are mostly independent sales professionals who
contract their services to sponsoring real estate brokers
on a commission-based contract. The commission on a
home sale varies by market but is roughly 5-6%. This
is split four ways amongst the seller/buyer's agent
and associated brokers. Many agents work solely on commission
and do not receive much in the way of benefits. Agents
are expected to cover most of the overhead necessary
to perform their jobs.
A
little more detail...
One of the crucial elements in the real estate career
is prospecting. It can be done in a number of ways,
including cold calling, bulk mailing, influencing contacts,
handing out lots of business cards, working on the internet,
and so on. It is important to realize that this is not
an easy job, but it must be done if you're going to
succeed in real estate.
These
are some of the activities you will be doing if you
decide to go for a real estate career are: previewing
homes, constantly learning and keeping informed on what's
taking place in your market area. Staying informed on
developing real estate related laws and issues. Forgoing
market evaluations on homes and listing presentations
to prospective home sellers and introducing homes to
prospective home buyers. Preparing contracts for purchase
and presenting offers to buyers, or offers from others
to your sellers. Doing follow up work on contracts,
working with mortgage brokers and lenders, appraisers,
home inspectors, home warranty companies, and attorneys.
Attending closings with your clients.
|
High Income Potential |
Work From Home |
Flexible Hours |
Opportunity for Growth |
Be Your Own Boss |
Investment Opportunities |
| Each Day is
Different |
|
It can take a while to begin
earning money |
Income Can Be Irregular |
It Can Be Very Emotional |
It Is Hard Work |
|
You have to
find business yourself |
|
|
|
