Expert: Hans Weber, Licensed Broker Associate - 3/23/2006

Question
Hello, my name is Tishaenah Lewis. I am a junior at Bodine High School for International Affairs. In the future it is my dream to be a real estate agent. I would love for some information on how to achieve my goal. Please can you give me advice on what my short-term goals should be as well as my long-term goals. I would also like if you could tell me what things I should look out for both positive and negative in this career. I would greatly appreciate if you could respond to my e-mail. Thank You!

Answer
Hi Tishaenah,

Thank you for your question.

Real estate sales is an exciting career, but not for everyone.  Income is not on a steady basis and if you don't work or are not good at working with people you will not have an income since income is commission based on sales dollar volume.

Being a real estate agent is somewhat like being a detective.  You have to seek out buyer customers and match them with a home that fits their needs and abilities to pay and seller customers who need you to help find the right buyer for their home.  

Leads come from all kinds of sources.  Sales office foor duty, advertisements, signs, personal referrals, mailings or just overhearing someone in a supermarket line talking about buying or selling a home.  That is where you need to jump in and offer your services.

Your best bet is to visit a local Realtor, Coldwell Banker is great, and ask what the local regulations are as far as licensing and education go.  The manager should be able to explain in more detail what is involved.

I can tell you if you get started young and can be successful you will make a lot of money and hopefully enjoy the process and the satisfaction of being able to help people with the real estate needs.

Good luck,


Hans