Real estate is a growing industry and many are drawn to it! Let's take a look at 4 of the top expectations versus realities of being a real estate agent!
4: Real estate agents don't have/need training.
Real estate expectation: Universities do not offer a degree in real estate. Therefore, the job won't require training or extensive education.
Reality: Real estate agents are well-educated people. Agents must pass an intensive test and learn the ropes of all the unique situations that agents could need to guide clients through. Not to mention, agents need to have a strong understanding of the other businesses that tie into theirs, like mortgages for example.
For example, real estate agents must be familiar with the latest trends in the industry. Therefore, they need to master how the industry works for agents to keep up with the trends. The more agents learn, the more they earn!
3: Real estate agents live a life of comfort.
Real estate expectation: Real estate agents live in big houses, drive flashy cars, and wear fancy clothes.
Reality: Sure, like any profession, the most successful agents have nice things. Not to mention, dressing the part of savvy real estate agent is key. However, not all agents are able to make a large salary in the industry and as with any career, success often comes with sacrifice of time in other areas. Therefore, don't expect a life full of comfort as a real estate agent. Go into the industry for the right reasons and success will come.
Being a real estate agent is a 24/7 job!
Top 2: Real estate agent's schedules are super flexible.
Real estate expectation: Real estate agents have so much free time to relax, go on a vacation, and bond with clients!
Reality: Real estate agent schedules can sometimes be too demanding. Agents are expected to be responsive at all times and this can take a toll. That being said, agents do have a say in their day to day schedules and can always choose not to answer a phone call or inquiry - but it might cost them.
This is not a job with lots of free time. The real estate agent job is often related to glamour and comfort. However, this job actually needs a lot of time invested because being a real estate agent is a sales profession. Therefore, expect many phone calls to make, meetings to arrange, and random conversations to begin with strangers.
Top 1: This job is easy!
Real estate expectation: Real estate agents simply need to close a deal and impress clients to get paid.
Reality: The real estate agent is an underestimated job. It's not just about showing apartments, holding open house tours, explaining a contract, and getting paid for it. There are many tiring tasks to do to find new clients, close deals, and being a well-rounded agent.
It's a high-risk, high-reward profession.
If an agent fails to close a deal, they won't be paid no matter how much time and effort they have given a client. Now closing a deal is often a sweet-success so don't get discouraged. Real estate is just one of those jobs that every detail matters down to the wire.
Clients won't always be loyal to agents.
Getting clients is one thing but the real estate industry is highly competitive. Agents must create and maintain a good relationship with clients. Real estate agents need to know their own value and also be realistic about the nature of the game when it comes to client loyalty.
The truth is...
Being a real estate agent is fun, rewarding, and a fantastic career. However, it's important for future real estate agents to know that this industry is not always on top. As with any job, there will be times that challenges will arise and test every agent's patience and commitment to the job. Know someone who wants to be a real estate agent? Share this article now! Remember, this job is rewarding, but the road towards success is not easy!
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