Hi I am not yet started in real estate but I have been interested for some time. I recently went to school for court reporting and decided it wasn't for me so I quit the program. I am looking for a career that doesn't take much preperation. I know that this field takes a lot of work but I just had a few questions for those of you who are more experienced in real estate. If I am just starting is it better to go to say reece and nichols to get my education or would you recommend a different way? Did it take long for you to sell your first home? How much commission did you make in your first year of selling? I hope my questions aren't too personal. I am not married and I live on my income only. I also have a 20,000 dollar school debt that I have to start paying for. I just want to know if I can make the money I need to make just starting out. I live in Kansas, I dont know if anyone on this forum is from Kansas or not. I would really appriciate your responses and any other advice you have for someone in my postion. Thanks alot.

You need to be able to afford to live without any income for 6 months. Many will get a check before that, but many don't. Also make sure to have at least a few thousand for licensing, mls dues, nar dues, signs, lock boxes, adv., .......

Can you make money at this? Yes. Do most? No.

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My thoughts on the Sarasota Association of REALTORS actions.

It's not easy getting started, you have to find a good broker who is willing to support you and give you leads to get you started. It's a tough road ahead, but if you are aggressive and a go-getter you will make it.
Good luck...

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Preparation is the key to success in real estate mixed with consistency. Not an easy career choice for some. I love it. If you aspire to greatness you will attain it. Go interview with a broker and find out what kind of strategy and support they are selling and actual costs for getting up and running. Make sure you get real numbers.

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See all Orange county real estate and orange county homes on the Orange county mls by Virtual Realty

Welcome to the forum, Quincy. Real estate is like anything else - if you develop a passion for it you can become very successful. In addition to talking to brokers, find an agent or two willing to let you tag along for a few days to give you a hands-on idea of the process. Know anyone in the business?

Best of luck to you.

What you have to realize is that this isn't just a career, it's like running your own business. If you don't sell/close you don't bring any income in. It takes money to make money. As Ken stated it will cost just to get licensed, dues & start-up expenses. Also, you need to pay for your own health/life insurance & no taxes are deducted from your commission check.

You will be an independent contractor, not an employee.

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Southwest Chicago Suburbs Real Estate is an affordable area with close access to downtown Chicago. Money Magazine says that Orland Park real estate is one of the best places to live in the U.S. Next door you can find Tinley Park homes for sale and get Orland Park amenities at a more affordable price.

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Like everyone else has said, it is a tough business to break into. Your sphere of influence can help (friends and family).

If you are living in rural Kansas hat is even tougher. My wife and I have a great deal of experience in rural Missouri real estate (not a very HOT market) which may be similar to your situation. Research your local market conditions before you take the plunge.

What hasn’t been explained is that after you get your first contract it is generally 30 -90 before it actually closes. You do not get a commission check until closing.

Your expenses will continue run rather you have closings or not.

Unless you have a spouse that can support the family for 6 months to a year or a fat bank account you might consider going part time to get your feet wet and concentrate on getting listings.

Just my 2¢ worth,

~VegasMack