If you think you have what it takes here’s what you need to know before you get started in real estate.

Working for Yourself

As a real estate agent, you’re essentially working for yourself. Though there may be a few jobs available that pay an hourly rate, a typical real estate agent works strictly on commissions generated from the sale or rental of a residential or commercial property. Just as you would before starting any business, you should make sure you have the right character traits to work for yourself before becoming a real estate agent. You should be:

• Ethical
• Ambitious
• Organized
• Dedicated
• Persevering
• Friendly
• Goal-oriented
• Obey Fair Housing Rules
• A good teacher or advisor

A career in real estate means that you’ll set your own schedule, but you’ll need to be organized and ambitious enough to actually work at your business every day. Organization skills are important because you’ll be dealing with contract deadlines, client appointments and follow-ups with other professionals in the field. 

Most real estate agents don’t make huge commissions during their first year. It takes time to build a client base and get accustomed to how the business works. If you go in thinking that it’s something you’ll try out for a few months, then give up if you aren’t earning lots of money, real estate might not be for you. Before you get started as a real estate agent, you should ideally have 6 months to 1 year’s worth of living expenses in the bank, which provides a cushion while you build your business.

You’ll need to like working closely with people, because real estate sales is all about helping people buy or sell their homes, so you’ll be in frequent contact with clients every day. 

“You need to be comfortable dealing with people. You need to have a customer service mindset and be ready to help them when they need you. Whether you’re helping a young couple find their first home, or representing a family who is selling their home and relocating, you have to be confident, knowledgeable and above all, absolutely willing to go the extra mile for people.”

Working with a Broker

As a new agent, you’ll work under a real estate broker. Brokers have typically been in the business for several years and have additional training, knowledge and a separate license. They are required to carry insurance that protects buying and selling clients, as well as real estate agents. Brokers oversee agents and review purchase contracts for errors. If you make an error during a transaction and the case goes to court, your broker’s insurance covers legal fees and settlement costs. In short, the broker is ultimately the responsible party in a transaction. In return for carrying this responsibility, your broker will take a portion of your sales commissions and may charge you other fees.

The “Split”

The broker carries the responsibility for every transaction, and spends money on insurance. He also provides branding and often marketing.  The broker must cover his costs, so he takes a portion of each commission that a real estate agent earns. This is called a “split.”

Your "split," with the broker can vary based on experience.

How Much Money Can You Make?

Most real estate agents are paid completely on commission. In residential real estate transactions, the home seller pays a variable percentage of the sales price to the agent(s) who handle the sale.  The two agents split the commission, then that amount is split with the broker. Here’s an example:

The amount of money you’ll make depends on two factors:

1) The housing market, including the availability of homes for sale and the availability of home loans for prospective buyers.

2) Your ambition. The more you work, the more money you’ll make.

“There are so many possibilities. Your income isn’t limited. It depends on how hard you want to work and what you want to put into it. How many jobs exist where you can earn a six-figure income without a college degree? That doesn’t mean that you don’t need an education, though. You’ll have to put in lots of time learning about the business, about the real estate market and about techniques like marketing and networking. It’s an education… just not on a college campus!”

What You Need to Get Started

Entering into a real estate career is relatively inexpensive, compared to other businesses. Here’s what you’ll need to start:

Real Estate License: Though requirements vary from state-to-state, all require licensing. 

MLS Access: The MLS (Multiple Listing Service), is a comprehensive online tool that allows agents to find properties for buying clients, and list properties for selling clients. The MLS charges a monthly fee for access.  In the Twin Cities metro area we use NorthStarMLS.

Board of Realtor Dues:  It is recommended to join the Board of REALTORS®, you’ll pay annual dues. Though it’s not mandatory that you join, most real estate professionals do. Visit theNational Association of Realtors site for more information on the benefits of becoming a Realtor®.

Computer: Ideally, a laptop that you can take with you to the office and to client meetings.

Smart Phone: You’ll be on the phone a lot as a real estate agent, taking calls from clients, getting updates from appraisers, home inspectors and loan officers, and setting appointments with potential new clients. Get a model with GPS so that you can easily find addresses when taking buyer clients to look at homes. You’ll also be able to stay in contact via email and text, and can look up properties in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).

Car: While you don’t need a fancy car, it should be in reasonable working condition. Keep it clean and clutter-free; you’ll drive clients around occasionally.

Business Cards: While many people don’t use these any more, they’re still a staple for real estate agents.

Signage: You’ll need signs to advertise homes for sale, open houses and other events. Design your own signs using your broker’s logo 

Invest in a mix of signage: directional signs to help people find your listings, vinyl banners for larger-format advertising and car magnets to alert people that you are a real estate agent. Some signs can be designed to work for every property

Clothing: Dressing professionally is important in the real estate business. 

Get Started!

If you think that a career in real estate is a good fit for you, get started! Contact Us!