Expert: Jessica Bryan - 8/5/2011

Question
Hi Jessica - I have been a SAHM for 9 years and prior to that, was in sales (telecom, business info/marketing info sales). I was successful at both, loved sales but am looking for a career where I can set my own hours more since my children will be in school full day 7:30 to 3. I am excited about the prospect of having my own career again!

I live in northern VA - where real estate has continued to do well despite the economy. I am also blessed with a MIL who is a top producing R.E. Agent in a close-by state and has been for many years. I have researched some of the classroom courses for real estate and they are often 6-10 pm 3 nights per week. Not ideal with 2 young children in sports and with homework. I have taken online courses before in writing & publishing and done very well. I am disciplined, dedicated and bright and I am leaning toward doing my real estate classes online.

I have three questions : First, I was wondering what your opinion is regarding online vs. classroom. While it would be nice to have classroom buddies and a professor to answer questions, I have found a mentor at an agency locally that I may work for at some point who I am sure can answer questions I have. I also have my mother in law too.

My second question is regarding the hours: I plan on doing this part time to start. I hope to do the bulk of my "marketing", canvassing and hopefully some floor time during the day to maximize when my children are in school. I also have pets of my own to care for during the day (horse and dogs) and the ability to work from home is very attractive. I know some weekends and evenings are necessary, but one realtor I spoke with told me the days of driving families around for an entire day looking at homes as somewhat gone by the wayside due to technology, clients looking more online. So my question is, am I mistaken thinking I can maximize those daytime hours, show homes/do tours during that time? I am perfectly fine doing an open house on a Sunday (even for other agents to get my feet wet)

And finally, 3rd question: How/when can I start making money? I know listings are the obvious answer, but as an apprentice or starter, do agencies have programs where I can partner with an experienced agent, help them, and earn some commissions handling things they pass over to me? I know my MIL often has new agents handling her open houses which I would be fine doing. They then get a cut if the home sells as a result of an open house visitor.

Thank you so much! I hope this can become a wonderful career for me. Best regards, Linda

Answer
Dear Linda;
To answer your first question: In my opinion,the classes to get your license are not as important as the on-the-job learning you receive after you get your license.  They are the basics that cover the laws and the basics like terminology as well as all of the facets of the profession. Once putting these ideas in practice you will learn so much more though. (For example--local practices, and the 'how to's' of what you must do.) Taking those classes online actually is a good idea if you are the type of person who learns by reading and studying on their own.

Your second question is one that I am reluctant to answer.  Saying that you can start out part time or work certain hours is certainly a possibility but if you want to be successful at this it will require long hours.  Yes...gone are the days (mostly) where you have to drive people around all day.  However, when you are working with people things are different each and every time.  While most people do their shopping online and don't require much time driving around, that is not always the case.  I have been doing this job for a very long time and have seen a gradual change but I still have people who require a great deal of my time.  When I am working with someone from out of town (for example) with limited time to purchase a home, I spend entire days with that client.  I can even take them out to dinner and drop them off at the hotel.  Then I come home and work until midnight or later setting up appointments for the next day.  Having a back up plan for your children on those occasions is important. It is also a good idea to work with a partner if you have a situation like this so that your partner can handle things when you cannot.  

Your third question is one that you seemed to have already answered.  Yes...working an open house is an easy way to begin.  It will also get you potential clients. Also; serving on the duty desk will allow you to meet potential Buyers and Sellers.  Again, if you work with a partner or mentor you can double your chances of getting business quickly.  Make sure that you draw up an equitable agreement (in writing) that allows for a definite payment.  This should only last for as long as you feel that you need it.  Getting started only takes a few months if you are a quick learner.  Again; with a mentor it is easier than going it alone.  Once you are on your own though, please do consider a partner.  It is safer, easier, and more efficient.  While you split the profits, you actually end up increasing the amount of work you can do. The only draw back is finding someone who works as hard as you do so that there are no problems with one feeling like she is "carrying" the other. Again, once you get started and get to know people you may find someone with whom you 'click' and who has the same work ethic as you.  Try partnering with one person on one deal and someone else on another so that you aren't stuck with one partner.  That way you can see who you like to work with.

Best wishes,
Jessica Bryan