Entering the Real Estate business

[BriMom2007]

Hi everyone! My name is Debbie and I am currently in a real estate course at the local college. I will be done this week, hopefully successfully. Final is this weekend. My brain is fried, but I've done well so far. I just need to pass the test! Then I get to sit for the state exam. I am excited and nervous.

I have actually thought about real estate for several years. But I was already in college and wanted to finish that up. Well I graduated last year with a degree in computer science/management. We moved out of state and had a baby. Even though the market is slow right now, I think this is the ideal time to get into it. It will give me time to really learn and gain some experience. By the time the market turns around, I will hopefully have some experience!

I do have one question! I was hoping to do this full time, but our finances are stretched beyond belief. We are seriously struggling to pay bills. Currently I am a SAHM to my 13 month old. We are looking into daycare for her now and I will need to get a full time job. So I will need to do real estate on a part time basis. But my goal is to be able to be at it full time by the time my girl starts elementary school.

So...my question....how feasible is it to do this part time? Advice for such?

Thanks! I look forward to being a part of this group!

:)

[StudioBabyLove]

Hello...I (too) am looking for advice on part-time real estate.  I noticed it has been awhile since you posted your question.  Have you obtained your license and have you started selling?  Do you have any advice to share for us?  Thank you and have a great day.

[DKellyU]

Working part-time is really only feasible if you have a large sphere of influence -- friends, family, acquaintances -- who'll throw business your way. It's nearly impossible to both build your business (prospect for clients) and work your business (showings, servicing listings, managing transactions) putting in an hour or two a day.

You need time (a lot of time!) to learn the business, time to prospect, time to do showings and listing appointments, time during business hours to manage transactions from offer to closing (mortgage reps, inspectors, title company people, etc., all work 9-5 and you need to be available when they are)... And time to parent. 

Your best bet might be to work as a licensed real estate assistant. That would allow you to earn a salary and perhaps commission, too, while learning the business.