Finding an apartment in your favorite town within your resources is not as easy as it may seem. However, there are some professionals who can help you.
What do Realtors Do?
Also known as real estate brokers and sales agents, realtors help clients find a home that meets their accommodation needs. Here are some of the things that these professionals do:
-
Advise clients on prices, mortgages, market conditions, and related information
-
Solicit potential clients to buy, sell, and rent properties
-
Generate lists of properties for sale
-
Take prospective buyers or renters to see properties
-
Mediate negotiations between the buyer and seller
-
Promote properties through advertisements
-
Prepare paperwork, such as purchase agreements, and deeds
Because of the complexity of buying or selling of properties, people often seek help from realtors who can guide them in making the right decisions.
Realtor - The Happiest Job
If you are thinking about a career and want one that would make you happy too, you must know that the happiest employees of all are not the commonly thought veterinarians or kindergarten teachers. In fact, they are realtors. These professionals were ranked on top as the happiest by Forbes in 2012. Being a realtor means enjoying what you do, and sharing a positive relationship with your peers and also benefiting from growth and a decent income. In other words, high Commissions equal to happy times!
How to Become a Realtor
Becoming a realtor does not necessarily require a college degree. Many real estate brokers and sales agents just hold a high school diploma. However pursuing undergraduate programs or certificates in property management, real estate and related fields can be useful to acquire the necessary skills to enter this field.
You can work toward an associate or bachelor’s program offered at colleges and universities. These programs will help you study a variety of courses ranging from finance to economics and business administration.
Licenses and Certifications
You must obtain a license in order to work as a realtor. The requirements for licensing vary by state, but mostly you need to:
-
be at least 18 years old
-
complete real estate courses
-
clear the exam
-
go through background checks
Important Skills
-
Business Skills. Aspiring realtors must have good business skills as many of them are self-employed and need to manage their own businesses, handling their finances, and advertising their services.
-
Interpersonal Skills. As this work involves dealing with lots of people, realtors must possessstrong interpersonal skills. The better you can deal with people the more successful you will be in your profession.
-
Problem-Solving Skills. Realtors should also be able to manage issues and address concerns of clients or potential customers regarding properties.
Continuing Education
Realtors need to participate in continuing education programs in order to renew their licenses every 2 to 4 years. Going through continuing education programs will also help you stay informed about the developments and changes in the field.
How Much Can You Make?
According to O* Net Online, the median annual wage for realtors was $39,800 in 2013. These professionals earn most of their income from commissions on sales. The commission varies by the type of property and its value.
What Are The Working Conditions?
As a realtor, you may have to work over 40 hours a week. You may often have to work evenings and weekends to accommodate clients' schedules. Besides, you will be required to spend time networking and attending community events to meet potential clients. You may choose to work part time in case you wish to pursue another job.
While some realtors work in a typical office environment, others may telecommute and work out of their homes. It means you will have to spend lot of time away from your desks meeting with prospective clients, showing properties to customers and traveling to inspect properties for sale.
It means you need to deal with people, lots of people and then some more people.
What Is The Career Outlook?
Deciding upon a field such as real estate can be a suitable option as employment prospects for this profession looks bright. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for realtors is expected to grow 11% from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
What Are The Factors That Will Lead To An Increased Demand For Realtors?
There are a number of factors that have spurred the demand for realtors:
-
People are increasingly using the services of realtors when purchasing homes
-
Real estate is perceived as a good long-term investment so many people want to own their homes, which in turn will result in an increased demand for realtors
-
An improving job market and rising consumer spending will also drive demand for these professionals
-
Population growth and relocation will also continue to fuel the need for new realtors
Where Can You Work?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012, there were about 422,000 job openings. Half of these professionals were self-employed while the other half worked in:
-
Brokerage offices
-
Leasing offices
-
Other real estate establishments
To Be A Realtor Or Not To Be A Realtor, That Is The Question…
According to The Chicago Tribune, realtor can be a suitable profession for result oriented individuals. These professionals love to connect with others and help them buy and sell their single largest asset. It means that if you are somewhat shy and retiring, this perhaps in not where you would like to land.
Real estate is a 24/7/365 business. You should explore this career if you have stress management and organizational skills as you can be expected to spend a chunk of your week working, and working hard. Your client may give you a call and tell you to show him property at 7 p.m. So you should consider being a realtor if you do not mind working long hours (after all you will get your reward!)
Take the Plunge!
Hanging around with people from all walks of life, understanding their needs and helping them reach the right decision can be both fun and rewarding. A career in real estate can be exciting and challenging too. If you are smart enough you can certainly enjoy this profession, make money and be content helping people realize their dreams of having a piece of their own personal heaven.
How to Become a Realtor in Texas?
To become a Realtor in Texas, you must fulfill all legal requirements of the Texas real estate sector and fully understand all the regulations. You must be at least 18 years of age and have passed your high school diploma in order to be eligible to work as a realtor. You will then have to complete the Texas pre-license educational requirements and pass the Texas real estate license exam. You can then find work with a real estate brokerage.
How to Become a Realtor in California?
In order to become a Realtor in California, you need to have proper understanding of the California real estate industry and fulfill all legal requirements needed to work. You need to be at least 18 and hold a high school diploma. After that, you must complete pre-license real estate educational requirements of California and pass your licensing examination. You can then find employment with a real estate brokerage firm to start your career.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Q:How to become real estate agent, is there any demand for them?
A:In order to become a real estate agent, you must meet the minimum education and licensing requirements. In most states, you will need to have a high school diploma and may also have to complete a course in real estate management. Apart from this, you must be over 18 and must clear the licensing examination. The exact requirements will vary from state to state.
(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Q:Can you tell me how to become a successful realtor and get a certification?
A:All realtors must meet the minimum licensing requirements in their states. To apply for a license, you need to be at least eighteen years old and must have completed you high school diploma and a professional training course. To take your career to the next level, getting a professional certification can be helpful. The National Association of Realtors offers a wide range of certifications such as the Accredited Land Consultant Certification and the Accredited Buyers Representative certification. The requirements for each certification will vary.
(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Association of Realtors)
Q:How long does it take to become a realtor?
A:To become a realtor, the first thing you need to do is check your state’s requirements. On a general note, prospective brokers are required to invest one to three years of time in working as real estate sales agents. After this, they would be eligible to apply for licensure. Besides this, it may take an additional few weeks or months to complete the required training program and pass the broker licensing exam.
Q:Why become a realtor?
A:Working as a realtor may lead to many benefits. To acquire the title of a realtor, one must become a member of the National Association of Realtors. This association provides its members with benefits such as such as personal insurance, education tools, e-products, and more. The career is also flexible and will give you professional freedom to an extent. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate agents made a median annual income of $41,990 in 2012.
(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Association of Realtors)
Q:What are the requirements to become a realtor?
A:You must complete your high school diploma after which you can pursue various real estate courses. Apart from this, you must over the age of 18 years of age to become a realtor. Most states require real estate agents to acquire a professional license. You can check with the state’s licensing authority to find out what requirements you must meet to qualify for a license. On the other hand, becoming a member of the National Association of Realtors is necessary to acquire the title of a realtor.
(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Association of Realtors)
Q:What degree do you need to become a realtor?
A:The minimum education you need to become a realtor is a high school diploma. Most students pursue professional real estate courses before entering the field. It is important that you have a thorough understanding of the real estate industry and become a member of the National Association of Realtors. There are many vocational schools and colleges offering courses in this field.
(Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Ask your Question
* All Fields are Required