Expert: Jessica Bryan - 2/7/2006

Question
I am satisfied with my day job doing policy research in New York City, but it doesn't pay very well and I'd like to make some extra money on nights and weekends.  I have excellent people and analytical skills and have always been interested in real estate--but have no real-estate training and no extra time and money to take courses.  

Is it possible to work in real estate as a part-time gig?  What sorts of real estate offices should I approach for part-time work?  Any advice on breaking in?  What will the work tend to be like, and what should I expect in terms of pay and incentives?

Thanks for your time!
Carl

Answer
Hi Carl;
Look for a large company with lots of agents.  There are bound to be some top producers looking for assistants and the office manager may need some help as well.  Part time is usually minimum wage and there is nothing you can do to get a portion of commission until you are licensed--it is illegal to earn referrals or commissions without a license.  However, it is the best way to break in to the biz and will help you decide if this is really what you want to do.  In addition, some larger companies will pay for your schooling as you work there.  You might speak to the broker in charge and ask what they can do for you, strike a deal--perhaps a lower split once you get your license for the first few sales and that will pay off the company's expense to send you to school.  However, since you said that you have no extra time for classes, independant study and then taking the state exam is probably the only other option. You might borrow a manual from one of the agents and read at night--every night to get familiar with the laws, then take the test and see what happens.  Talking to a recently licensed person can help.  Often they save their practice tests and will share with you.

Good luck and best wishes.

Sincerely,
Jessica Bryan
Managing Broker
House to Home Realty Services