Becoming a Real Estate Agent. Wendy Boone's Patton

      The real estate business can be very profitable. In a short period of time, you can be earning your way to success. In order to obtain a license, you can take courses online, via correspondence or at a local real estate school. The courses must be accredited by the state in which the license is granted.

      Practically anyone can become a real estate agent. If you are outgoing, you may be more ideally suited for real estate. Being a real estate agent involves meeting people, interacting and building relationships.

      Things to be aware of

      •Real estate agents often work evenings and weekends when home sellers and buyers are usually available.

      •Although the hours may be long and irregular, most agents have the freedom to determine their own schedule.

      •Although getting licensed may be relatively easy, beginning agents often face competition from experienced agents.

      •Real estate is subject to economic conditions and factors such as interest rates. During economic decline, real estate activity and demand for real estate agents may fall.

      •Real estate agents need to be sensitive to the fact that the purchase or sale of a home or investment property is one of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples’ lives. Consequently, patience is often required when dealing with people in this circumstance.

      •Real estate is sold in all areas, but is concentrated in large urban areas and in rapidly growing communities.

      •Most real estate firms are small - many are one-person offices. Some large real estate firms have several hundred agents operating out of numerous branch offices. Many brokers have franchise agreements with national or regional real estate organizations.

      •Ambitious people who enjoy selling, especially those with extensive social and business connections in their communities have the best chance for success.

      Typical real estate agent activities

      •Agents spend a significant amount of time prospecting and marketing themselves as well as looking for properties to buy or sell.

      •When agents obtain listing agreements with sellers, they must compare the listed property with similar properties that recently sold to determine a competitive market price for the property.

      •Before showing properties to potential buyers, agents should meet with them to assess their needs and get an idea of the type of home the buyers would like, and how much they can afford to spend.

      •Agents commonly spend time working out details of agreements between buyers and sellers and assisting them in the negotiation process.

      •Agents also follow up on terms of the purchase agreements such as financing, inspections and other documentation as needed.

      •Technological advances allow many real estate agents to work out of their homes instead of real estate offices, however, they spend much of their time away from their desks - showing properties, meeting prospective or existing clients and customers.

      •Many real estate brokers and sales agents work part time and combine their real estate activities with other careers.

      Getting paid on commission