Some questions.

[Haley_627]

Hello everyone. I am thinking about getting into real estate, but I have a ton of questions. I am just trying to be sure that this is a career path that would be good for me. I live in North Carolina, and I know that in this state, there are no R.E. Agents, just R.E. Brokers. So I know that some things may be different than the generalized information I find on the net. I apologize if some of these questions sound absolutely ignorant, but I really don't know much about the career.

1. Can someone give me a run through on daily duties of a broker?

2. Will I be able to still work part-time at my current job? I am a receptionist, but only work Thursday-Sunday. If I schedule my appointments with clients right, will this be possible? If it took me months to sell my first house, and had absolutely no income, of course I wouldn't be able to pay my bills.

3. With the Real Estate market where it is right now, how long would it take a new broker to sell their first house? I know nobody knows for sure, but a roundabout of a time period would be great. (3mos? 6 mos? a year?)

That's all for now... I'm sure I'll come back with more as I think of them. Thanks.

[StGeorgeUTproperty]

Wow, where to begin?? I see why no replies yet. It's a difficult business to get going. There are no real answers to any of your questions, anything is possible. The real question is how bad do you want it. I do not know of an agent who has failed, who was willing to make success happen. This is the key, making your own success. It's not a 9-5 job where you wait for the phone to ring. There is no waiting room for clients. There are no daily "duties" only what you choose to do every day that may produce business. You must be proactive in obtaining your own business (no one will tell you "how to do it").

You can still keep your job, however if a client wants to see a home when you are at work, chances are good they will move on. (instant gratification). Can you make it work? That is up to you. Selling your "first" home can be days or months, however if you are going to need a steady income, there are no guarantees.

Best of luck to you.

[deekelly]

Hi Haley - I'm a fairly new agent in NC, too, and this is a tough time to get into real estate. My opinion (for what it's worth) is don't quit your job unless you have enough savings to support you for at least 6-12 months. Several new agents in my office haven't sold anything after 7 or 8 months in the business. Good luck!

[Haley_627]

Thank you both for the advice!
I have decided to still go to school to get my license, but just not start working real estate right away. I need to save money first, so I'll be able to support myself. In the meantime I will just take whatever courses I need and then when I'm ready, I'll already be several steps ahead.

[StGeorgeUTproperty]

Well the best of luck to you. You should consider starting a website as well (if you've not already done so). Cant be up until you are an agent, but you can secure a domain and begin to plan the pages, write the content etc...once you've got a license-launch it. You'll probably get some activity! Just get a GOOD one to start! (I wasted a year on a crappy one that did nothing for me).

[Nola Realty]

Hello Haley, I am currently a certified real estate instructor. I tell students all the time, "think of this, if ever there is a time to invest in yourself and get educated and experienced, while still working your current job, it is now. The market will turn and begin to climb once again, and when that happens you will be in place licensed and experienced making revenue.

In closing, it does not cost alot to invest getting licensed these days and you will be ready when the time does and it will come. This is my opinion only, you have to make that decision....