Real Estate Agents - The Basics. Thinking about becoming a real estate agent? There is more to being a real estate agent than showing up at closing and collecting your money. Below are four tips to consider before starting out:
1) Be Flexible. If you’re starting a new career as a real estate agent and this will be your only source of income, be expected to put plenty of hours in when starting out. This can include evening and weekend hours. You must be flexible. Most people want to look at houses during their off time and that usually falls during the evening and on weekends. Working as a part time agent is also possible, but once again, you have to be available for your clients if you want to make a sale. If you’re really dedicated to your work, you can allow people to contact you at home, but be sure to set a time limit. For example, if you have a family you may not want to be contacted after a certain time. Work out times that work best for you and your family. 2) Money. Be expected to spend quite a bit of it before you make your first sale. There are various fees that must be paid such as licensing exams, a business license and fees for joining a local board of realtors just to name a few. Then there are business expenses such as advertising, paper, computer, printer, postage and phone lines. If you’re going “cold turkey” into this, you need to have a back up plan for your living expenses. Be sure to have at least 6 months of savings available. 3) Safety. Real estate agents generally spend a lot of time with people they’ve never met. Therefore, safety is the most important tip to follow. Your safety comes above anything else. When showing a home, you will be meeting with people for the first time. There will be times that you may feel uneasy about showing a house alone. Therefore, make sure you have someone, who is available, that you can call to go with you during these predicaments. You should also carry a cell phone with you at all times. It’s a good idea to carry mace or pepper spray on your keychain for emergency situations. 4) Detective work. There is more to being a real estate agent than matching a house to a client. There is a lot of research included in the job. Remember, you’re focus isn’t solely to sell a house; your purpose is to find a house that meets the needs of your client. This includes getting to know the client. Ask plenty of questions and not just the standard questions such as how many bedroom or bathrooms they want. Ask detailed questions like what size garden do they want, what kind of exterior finish appeals to them, do they want tile or carpet? These are detailed questions that reveal the clients unique personal preference. They will appreciate your willingness to match a house with their likings. Being a real estate agent involves a lot of patience and endurance. Once you get passed the initial start up, it will be enjoyable. Be patient, in this business there are times of both famine and fest. | 
