Hello - my name is Jamie and I would love to become a real estate agent. It is a career that I have considered since high school. I have a degree in business and want to begin studying for the real estate licensing exam. My hubby is military and we're not sure where we are going next, which is why I have been putting off obtaining my license. Am I correct in thinking licenses are done state by state? Anyway, we are hoping to go to the east coast which is where we will probably stay permanantly.
I need to know how the market for agents is right now. I know how the market is for real estate- slow. That makes me think the demand for agents has lowered. Also, are the hours flexible? I have two young children and would like a job with flexible, maybe even part-time hours. What is the best way to get my foot into the door? I have retail sales and self-employment experience. How do I land a job with a real estate company? Where should I study for the licensing exam, and who do I take the exam through??
Thank you for your help!!!
-Jamie
Jamie, My name is Glena. I am a Realtor recruiter for ConnectREalty.com, Inc. Connect Realty.com, Inc is an ALL-VITURAL real estate company. We are new. The owner of this company is the very first CEO of Compaq Computers. If you know the history of Compaq Computers, it was the fastest company to reach the one-billion dollar mark in revenue and the fastest company to reach the fortune 500. It all happened when Rod Canion was the CEO. Well, the Canion brothers (Rod and Jim)has sold Compaq to Hewlett Packard as you know, and these two brothers have retired. Now, tired fo playing golf, they have come out of retirement and partnered with Ken Carlson, who is a CEO of 3 different airliens (Jet blue included...his wife is an heir to the Southwest fortune) and formed Connect Realty.
The reason why I am telling you this is because I work for them. It is one of the fastest growing RE companies. we have just started recruiting in November, and we are already fully-functional in 10 states with pending licenses in 15 more states. We have over 1500 agents and still growing. All of us work from home. I go out whenever I have to show homes or list a home and put up a sign. This the reason why I still have time to take care of my daughter, and get involved in other businesses.
I think that the best education that you can get is through Kaplan. I attended their two-week class - mornings only, but you can do it in one week - depending on your state. Kaplan also offers on-line classes which is cheaper. I have paid $498 for the two-week class.
Once you pass your exam, you will need a letter from your broker where you will be hanging your license. If we have a branch in the east Coast, I would welcome the opportunity to have you, but we are still growing and East coast is still in the plan. I have plenty to tell you about the company but this would be too long.
Anyway, other things that I do from home is being a loan officer for a direct lender. I can close deals in all 50 states. I am licensed with MLD in Nevada, but our company does not require that we do. We are W-2 employees and we are fully-trained via webinars. If this is something that you want to do...visit our website at www.bestloanquote.hightechlendingassociates.com. You may also choose to be a Loan Modification agent...also from home. Training materials are provided and there is no cost to join...you just have to find your clients. Our web site for that is www.ModifyUSLoans.com.
If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a message. I can also send you a copy of our compensation structure so that you will have an idea of how much you can make from these companies. Best of luck in your career.
Glena
Hi Jamie! I am a licensed real estate agent in Columbus, OH. I work with a team of three other agents, including my mother. It's a creative fun profession, but times are not easy. Actually, they've gotten much more difficult since your post. It's a very demanding job, and I often find myself working seven days a week.
Originally, I got my license so that I could assist with open houses and work with buyers. My children were very young, and I was able to work part time as an assistant. It was a terrific way to learn about the business and still be home with my children.
It would be a good idea to meet with a few brokers in your community and see if there are any agents looking for assistants. Thanks to the Internet, much of your work could be done on-line from home. Once you become more acclimated to the business, and the market conditions calm down, I think you'll find a great opportunity to build a rewarding career!
Good luck!
Kelly
Hi, I would suggest looking at the different companies and what they can offer you. I am able to work from my home and online. I am an independent contractor, not an employee. My company offers no desk fees, high commission splits, great training, and the opportunity for residual income, retirement income, and beneficiary income. I took my courses online at recampus. Good luck in your decision. There's a link to my site with more info on my company if you're interested.
Hey Jamie!
The current state of the real estate market seems to be tough. Home prices are down, foreclosures are increasing. My feeling is that many agents aren't making enough to survive at the moment. In fact, I just read a story about an agent who had taken to stealing from the homes she was showing because she was so broke! I was shocked, needless to say. Anyway, I digress...
I don't know if you've thought about this, but another option would be to start a home inspection business. That way, you could still work in the real estate field, but home inspection is a less saturated market in most areas. Plus, if you put together a well thought out business plan, you have a better chance of being recession proof. With the real estate market balking at the current economic conditions, it's just another idea to consider.
In fact, I found this website which offers information about starting your own home inspection business--this guy has been in business since the early 90s and gives you all the information you need to do it right. Just a thought! :)
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on Jul. 31, 2008 at 3:29 PM