Realtor Realities

Just read a post by Greg Nino about a person who only lasted 62 days as a real estate agent. My first thoughts were "how sad to give up on your dreams so quickly", then after reading about his personality type I thought "how fortunate for him to realize he had made the wrong career choice so quickly". The lure of big paychecks and working your own hours brings a lot of newbie's into scrambling to get into our real estate world. Some will be a huge success but others will unfortunately find out the hard way this is not their future. Let me add that this is the best career choice I could have made and I love my job but it didn't just happen. You can't just say "Ok, I am here show me the money". Here are a few realities of the game we play.

1. If you offend easy think hard about being a Realtor. Family and friends will at some point buy from someone else and if you are the type to dwell on the negative be positive you will fail.

2. There is no express lane to the top. You can make large sums of money but usually it is a direct reflection of the time and commitment you put in.

3. If you can't afford to go 3 months without a paycheck, this might not be your game. Most agents experience lulls that can take a while to get through. Even when you make a sale it could be a month before you get your first check and most bills won't wait.

4. Having a back up plan would help. Either a savings account or low interest credit card you can borrow from will greatly increase you chances.

5. Having a spouse that works is a really great benefit for those down times. The longer you can go without needing a closing the better your chances.

6. Being a person who is technology savvy will increase your odds of survival. The ability to build and maintain a good website will help.

7. There is no guarantee that if you do your job perfectly you will be paid. In this business there are many things beyond our control that can kill a deal.

Wow...reading that it makes me wonder why we chose this profession. Here are a few reasons:

1. Where else can you chose your own hours of operation and when you will be available to work?

2. When you do finally get paid it is usually well worth the wait.

3. Every once in a while there is a smooth transaction that makes you want more.

4. Where else can you make a good living making dreams come true?

5. If you truly want to help people, this business gives you the chance to make a difference in other peoples lives.

6. This is a job where there is no ceiling. You are only limited by your efforts. With a good solid work ethic and the ability to become a self starter, there is no limit to the amount of money you can make.

Bottom line is not everyone is a good fit to be a real estate agent. Some who don't belong here will make it and some who are a perfect fit will fail. There is no one rule fits all but if you have a second income and have a good solid work ethic and don't mind putting in extra time and energy for perhaps no pay then maybe you will join me in having found the career you love. I have worked my business seven days a week since I became a Realtor. I became my own Broker my third year and while there have been some very dark times getting through I absolutely love where I am at today. There are no guarantees but you can tilt the odds in your favor. Best of luck in all you do.