Any realtors here?

[GlennandAnn]

Hi, everyone. I am currently looking into some different part time work opportunities and DH came up with the idea of getting my real estate license. I don't know too much about the process, how long is the schooling, how do you go about getting a job after getting a license, is there potential to make decent money doing this not on a full time basis? Any and all information would be welcome. TIA.


Ann

 

[Hillbeans]

Ann - I got my license in 2005. It took me 10 weeks for class (2x a week). I then sat for the NJ exam. Total cost was about $500.

I got my license primarily because DH and I were going to be buying and selling a house and I wanted to know more about the process and get a commission on the sales. I do not utilize my license, and only ever used it for referral purposes only.

PT Real Estate is very tough. The industry is very competitive, and unless you have friends who will list houses for sale with you, the name of the game is listings, and you need to hustle listings to make money.

Most customers want to only work with FT realtors.

Not trying to be negative or deter you from trying it out - best case scenario is that you can go to school, sit for your license, and see if you like it. Many people who have been doing RE for a while love the job, the flexibility, and the $.

Good luck.

 

[powellrj]

many of my friends have tried this, but unless you know lots and lots of people who want you to sell their house, its really hard. Good luck....

 

[lesroi]

I would have to agree with the pp. PT Real Estate is VERY hard. You really need to do it full-time to make any money at all. This is a very competitive market.

It is a fun job, but requires quite a bit of initial outlay. I paid $400 for my class, a couple hundred for the exam and license, a few hundred to become a member of my local Board, money for a Supra key, etc. I am certain that I have spent WELL over $1000, and that is just to get in. Keep in mind that the industry average is that it will take you about 6 months to be "up and running" (read - profitable), and that is for a full-timer.

I don't want to discourage you either, because it is a really fun career, but it is very tough to get started and being PT will only make it worse. Trust me that the fees aren't any less to do it PT than full, lol! If you can afford to take the class and try it out, you might as well. Otherwise you'll never know if you like it!

Good luck to you whatever you decide.

Tracy