Real estate professionals often boast rewarding and lucrative careers, but the initial period of starting out in any new field can be tricky. In fact, the first few years of working as a real estate agent are often the most difficult.
If you are thinking about starting a new career in real estate, you may be considering the pros and cons of doing so. Even if you have already begun to pursue real estate continuing education, you may be curious. These lists will help you establish expectations.
The Pros of Becoming a Real Estate Professional
Education – One of the most significant benefits of becoming a real estate professional is the opportunity to learn. Real estate continuing education is a requirement of maintaining your license, but this will encourage you to stay up to date with current trends and changing regulations. You are never lost in your industry.
Flexibility – When you are a real estate professional, you can set your own schedule. You do not have to work from 9 to 5, which can be difficult to do if you have other responsibilities. You can still take care of family members or go to school while you work.
Quick Start
– Depending on your state, it may take a matter of only a few weeks or months before you can begin working as a real estate agent. Once you take the required coursework and receive your license, you are eligible to work.
High Annual Earning Potential
– You are not limited to an hourly wage or specific salary when you work in real estate. You can often get back what you invest in your business. While most real estate agents earn a median salary of about $36,000, top producers can earn upwards of $100,000.
Emotional Rewards – One of the biggest perks of being a real estate agent is being able to help people buy new homes. For many people, this is the largest purchase they will ever make during their lifetime. You get to be a part of it.
Expertise – When you become a real estate agent, you must become an expert in your community. You learn about every nook and cranny of your environment, introducing you to some hidden gems.
The Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Professional
Difficult – Of course, becoming a real estate professional is no cake walk. You must be willing to put in work to enjoy the rewards of this industry. You are the person in charge of marketing your services.
If you want to become a real estate agent, you have to be willing to put in the work.
Isolation – Many new real estate agents express some feelings of isolation in the beginning. Some of these feelings are linked to being an independent contractor rather than an employee.
Social Expense – Long hours are often necessary for the new real estate agent. For instance, you will have to build your own lists of leads, which could mean meeting with potential clients regularly. You may be meeting several times each week.
Be Ready to Pursue a Real Estate Career
Whether you are first thinking about becoming a real estate agent or you are already working in the industry, looking into real estate continuing education options is never a bad idea. You can choose your state now to learn more about local requirements.
