So...You Want to be a Real Estate Agent-It Ain't Easy Money

So...You Want to be a Real Estate Agent-It Ain't Easy Money

In the past few months I have had folks that were looking to make more money in their lives just ask me off the cuff.."what does it take to become a Real Estate Agent?"  or just flat out tell me "I could do what you do".  I have also met up with a future client who is very interested in getting a license "because they like looking at homes".  Now this isn't the only reason they want to become an agent, but that was the initial comment.

Each of these scenarios got me to thinking that I need to write a post about becoming an agent.  There are many books out there to help one become a Real Estate Agent, but I think that there is an overall ignorance of what it means to BE a Real Estate Agent and just what it takes.  I remember reading something saying that just because you like looking at a lot of homes does not a Realtor® make and I remember thinking to myself, "why would anyone pursue a career just on that basis?"  I thought it odd and was completely surprised to find out that...well...people do think that.  That IS a reason people pursue a Real Estate license because they like "looking at homes".  

OK...whatever.  I don't think that's a prerequisite of becoming an agent, but I am sure it helps if you like looking at homes..because once you become a Real Estate Agent, you are going to need to look at A LOT of homes so that you know what you are doing, but I digress.

Let me first say that getting your Texas Real Estate License is probably pretty easy stuff.  If you have some previous college, it's probably even easier.  Just take a few classes and then take the darn test and then walla...you have your Texas Real Estate License.  

But being a Texas Realtor® (and earning a living) isn't that simple.  I remember the day I got my license and hung it with a Broker...I was looking at my phone and thinking...OK World...I am official now...start ringing...and of course nada...nothing.  It just doesn't work that way.  

I am not that naive to think that people want to become Realtors® to help the world find home.  People think becoming an agent is an easy way to make easy money and I am here to tell you that YEP, you can make some money...but EASY it AIN'T...It does take WORK and A LOT of your own Money believe it or not and this can be a shocker to those who get into this biz thinking all's gravy once you get the license.  

My advice, don't become a Realtor® just because you like looking at homes, or that you think it's easy money.  You need to understand that you are going to be educating and representing someone on the purchase and or sale of said homes you like looking at.  YOU are going to be the expert in helping them achieve their goals.  You are going to have to be a problem solver and a quick thinker and you are going to have to be able to get along with other people.  Your going to need to know how to read contracts and understand what they say and then EXPLAIN them to your buyers and sellers.  

You are going to need to learn how to judge whether someone is going to buy or not and if they are qualified.  You are going to need to be able to be direct with individuals and let them know that no way on God's green earth are they getting that much for their home and or no way on God's green earth are they going to be able to get all that home on their beer budget and champagne tastes..(and learn to say it tastefully).  You are going to need to learn how to answer a phone and learn how to get that phone to ring in the first place and you are going to have to learn how to successfully get a transaction to the closing table.

It's a lot to learn and DO and that's really just the tip of the ice berg.  I promise, there is much more to being a Realtor® then what I have just mentioned...AND you are going to need to LOVE doing it because ALL that FREE time you think you have because you just think you show 3 homes like on that popular TV show and your done, or you just stick that sign in the yard and money in the bank (MYTHS by the way)...is NON existent...you will most likely show more than 3 homes and you need to do something other than stick a sign in the yard to get that home exposure...AND

If you HAVE free time, then you need to be using that to get more buyers and sellers by blogging or advertising or social networking or something to get more clients in the door so that you can start all over again...No Clients...No Money....No Payee Bills...that you have because of Real Estate...(yep there's them dues you have to pay) and your normal living bills, unless you don't like to eat.

Remember what I said above, you will need to LOVE being a Texas Realtor® to gain any traction in this business...to Really be a Real Estate Agent and a good one at that, (you do want to be good at what you do, don't you?).  I LOVE it...I really do...but I am convinced that this is my calling.  I will tout the wonderfulness of being a Realtor® to anyone who will listen..but please, don't misunderstand...

It Ain't Easy Money....

Brenda Mullen – San Antonio Texas Real Estate Professional

Selling a San Antonio Texas area home involves many steps and having an experienced  San Antonio  Texas Real Estate Agent by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your San Antonio Texas Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the San Antonio Texas area with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.

As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent, I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home.

As your San Antonio Texas listing agent I am well versed on the local San Antonio Texas area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your home to be competitive in today’s market with an in depth comparative market analysis, and advice on staging. I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your San Antonio Texas area Realtor® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your San Antonio Texas area Realtor® is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Home” is my number one priority.

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Brenda Mullen
Realtor®, ACRE®, ABR®, ePro®

RE/MAX Access - Helping You Find Home
19115 FM 2252 STE 7

Garden Ridge, TX 78266
210-807-0819
brenda.mullen@sbcglobal.net
http://www.findurwayhome.com