Being a real estate agent has its perks. You don’t have a boss. You have a flexible time. You earn better (in some cases). You can easily transition to it. But with these perks also come the inevitable: you have to put in time, money, and resources into launching a successful real estate agent career.
Many times, the road will be challenging. You’ll have to compete with other realtors. It will take time before you get your first sale. It could be frustrating. If you are not prepared to get a real estate license online in South Carolina, that’s a first sign you’re not cut for this. Realtors must be duly licensed to operate. This will also give you the power to charge your clients with the right rate.
You Are Financially Prepared
The first thing you need to know about getting into this career is that it’s going to take time before you cash in your first paycheck. That paycheck may be in the thousands of dollars (much more than what you get for your job now), but that could be a few months down the road. You will have to be licensed first, and that costs around $60 for the test and $245 for the license. The costs will vary depending on the state.
You’ll have to take courses, too, that will teach you the basics of real estate. Most courses will cost $35, but you can apply for some free programs that the government offers. This means that you have to invest money into this new career.
Make sure that you are financially ready not to receive a paycheck for months. If you don’t have a backup, you’ll be pressured to make a sale immediately. You will either suggest the wrong property for your clients or cut your realtor’s fee. This could be a bad precedent for the future.
You Have Time in Your Hands
Selling a house will take time. Convincing the property owner to hire you as a realtor will take time. You’ll have to develop a relationship with the owner. You have to negotiate the terms and rates. After getting your first client, it is up to you to market the property for sale.
The hours may be flexible. It’s not exactly a nine-to-five job, but you’ll have to work even after office hours. If some potential homebuyers want to see the property after working hours, then you should be there to show them around. If you are not prepared to sacrifice your time, think long and hard before getting into this profession.
You Can Handle the Pressure
That first sale. That first client. That paycheck that never comes. The bills that pile up. These are just some of the pressure points of being a realtor. It’s not a walk in the park. It’s a lot of work and a lot of pressure. Can you handle it? If it becomes too stressful for you, do you have what it takes to shake it off?
Not having a steady income can be a real stressor. If you aren’t prepared to handle the pressure of closing deals, negotiating with different people, and convincing clients, this is not the career for you. Some realtors who are employed by real estate companies even have quotas to fulfill.
Being a realtor isn’t the easiest job in the world, but it’s fulfilling and profitable if you get the hang of it. Some realtors make big money—as much as $1 million a year—selling properties. Some have to make ends meet. The time and money you invest will be the difference.