Special offer

Real Estate is a good career choice for serious agents.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with CastNet Realty TREC#263257

So what is a serious agent?  No, not one that never laughs or smiles or has fun.  Of course, not. 

A serious agent is one that is ambitious and motivated and can focus on the job and not be constantly distracted by outside influences.

As a broker, I am always looking for these kind of individuals.  A person that knows they want to succeed and is willing to do whatever it takes legally and ethically to get there.  I love to train these kind of people.  The motivation has to be there.  Everything else can be learned but we must have people who will get up and go and get it done!                                                                                                                                      

I love real estate and everyone I meet wants to talk real estate when I tell them what I do for a living.  People want to know what is happening in their market, and what the value is of their property.  Folks have lots of questions.  The other night, my husband and I had dinner with a large group.   After I told them my occupation, the questions were coming in from every direction.  I even had two people talk to me about being an agent. 

 Everyone it seems, wants to be an agent.  That is, until they really find out what it takes to be successful.  I don't hesitate to tell them upfront.  They need to know it is not part time and all music and roses.  Where did this image come from?  Many brokers encourage people to go get a license without sharing the job duties and responsibilities of being an agent.  I see agents drop out of the industry every year that are disappointed and disillusioned that should never have gotten into this business to begin with.  Not everyone is cut out for commission sales and high pressure like we have to deal with on an almost daily basis.  Brokers should explain better what is expected and necessary for a successful career in real estate.

Of course, the rewards can be great but it does not happen overnight.  And it does not happen without hard work and strategic planning and education, and an investment in one's self.  If you think you've got what it takes, give me a call if you are in my area or find a broker that will train you one on one.  It is a fascinating and exciting career!

 

Ricki Eichler Real Estate, your Texas Hill Country connection                        www.reretx.com

511 Junction Hwy                                     Kerrville, TX                               (830)257-2520

 

Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Great sobering take of being very practical with a real estate profession Ricki.

Sep 25, 2010 11:02 AM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

"Everyone it seems, wants to be an agent.

So true Ricki and as you say, when they learn that this is a job and a full time business, the fantasy is lost. I just wish more people understood what GOOD agents do everyday and maybe we would have a better reputation!

Sep 25, 2010 11:03 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Thanks Gary,  IT is a rude awakening to many after a year or two.  I know you've seen that.

Hi Russell,   Yes, and a better reputation if the truth were known to begin with for many agents. 

Sep 25, 2010 11:09 AM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

I agree with Gary and Russel Ricki..great realistic and concise decription of what it really is.

Sep 25, 2010 03:20 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Thanks Trey,   We work hard and the public needs to know it and so do the new agents before they spend a year or two and lots of money to find out it is not for them.

Sep 25, 2010 04:39 PM
Tricia Hoffmann
Your Home Free - Highland Village, TX

I can agree with this Ricki completely!  I have had several clients say "I've always thought about getting into real estate.  What do you think?"  I tell them the truth.  Everyone knows at least two agents so what is going to set you apart from those agents who have more experience?  They like you more?  Doubt it!  

I do my absolute best to make myself available for my clients at a moment's notice but I have to set limits now with two kids and one that has to get up at 6:30 for the bus.  It's a hard transition since I have been like this for five years.  Oh well, clients will understand...at least you hope.  Another thing people don't consider with this career.  When you get a call to show a listing when you have a planned family function, do you drop your family or clients?  Tough decision to make if you are committed or set standards for your business.

Thanks Ricki!

Sep 26, 2010 05:02 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Tricia,  Thank you so much for your comments.  I'm glad you brought up the dilemma of choosing to go to the planned family function or serving your clients?  This is something we face every day. 

 IT is hard to balance a career in real estate and still have time for your family.  Every successful agent has family support or they are not successful.  Each person considering going into this career, needs to ask themselves these hard questions and the family needs to have a voice in the decision as well.

It is a tough business and that is why the rewards are good.

Sep 26, 2010 06:47 AM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

When I came back to real estate, it was great.  And, I loved being in class.  Especially with the people who wanted to be in real estate because "they loved looking at houses". 

Real estate even then was tough.  There is math involved, people.  Solid hard facts....legal stuff and enough regulations and rules to keep everyone wondering all the time. 

It's not looking at houses....it's working and getting the best deal for the client..buyer or seller. 

Thanks, Ricki.

Oct 02, 2010 05:14 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Suzanne,  You are so right.  It is all the things so many never thought they would have to do.  Many new agents have no idea what is really involved in selling a property until they are way involved and time and money has been spent.       Hope you are having a great weekend! :)

Oct 02, 2010 05:23 PM