Like many agents, being a real estate agent is actually my second career. Prior to getting into real estate, I worked for the federal government as a program expert in using technology to design and build commerical buildings. In order to get into that position, I have a PhD in Civil Engineering from Stanford University.
While I don't advertise I have a PhD, many of my clients have already Googled me beforehand and already know and ask why I got into real estate. Long story, short - while I enjoyed my work in the government, I felt I made a greater impact on people's lives by helping them buy and sell homes. For many, buying and selling their home is one of the largest purchases/investments they will make and it is very satisfying to help guide them through the process.
While you don't need a PhD to become a real estate agent, the skills I learned while getting my degree have certainly helped my real estate business and clients. Here are a few examples:
I am a self-starter and proactive for all my clients
Even though you have an academic advisor, he or she is not going to push you to finish your degree. You have to be self-motivated in order to finish. I have found that this is an essential skill in real estate in order to anticipate problems and resolve them even before they become issues. There is no sitting back and hoping it all works out at the closing table!
I know how to solve problems, even if I've never seen it before
The whole point of a PhD is to solve a problem that no one else has solved before. While experience is certainly an asset in real estate, no agent has "seen it all". You want to have an agent that know how to get answers and solve problems for ANY situation that might come up.
I know how to explain difficult concepts and guide my clients
In my previous job for the government, I was constantly asked questions from people who were just starting in my field of expertise. I found one of the most rewarding aspects of my previous job was to boil difficult concepts down to simple explanations and tell them what to expect and the challenges that lie ahead. This is no different that guiding a buyer or seller through a real estate transaction.
I am detail-oriented
When you get a PhD, you obviosuly need to be detail oriented. This translates well in my ability to make sure every detail of a real estate transaction is running smoothly and that I understand every aspect of real estate contracts and regulations. My engineering background also is an added bous since I LOVE market analysis, doing comps, and crunching all those numbers!
I have found that many of my clients see my PhD as an asset. While I certainly didn't anticipate becoming a real estate agent when I was in graduate school, becoming a real estate agent has been one of the best decisions in my life. On that same note, I don't ever regret getting all of that education because I am putting those skills to use everyday for my clients.
Let me put my PhD skills to work for you!
Whether you are buying or selling, call/text/email me today to see how I can help you achieve your real estate goals!
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