Thinking about Becoming a Real Estate Salesperson?

Your personal network will likely think of you when they need a real estate agent, but as there are many other agents out there, you need to have something that sets you apart. Ultimately, sellers are going to choose someone they trust to get them the best outcome possible, so it’s key that you work on your personal brand and reputation. Put in time to develop an edge- are you a strong negotiator? Do you have great market knowledge and awareness? Get your name out there in your community (especially when you don’t have a long-standing reputation to back you) so that when someone goes to sell their property, your name is top of mind.

Real estate is different to a typical business structure where you have a boss telling you what your responsibilities and goals are. While the agency you work for will have some interest in your performance, your success is ultimately up to you. This means self-discipline and planning are going to be your best tools- you’re solely in charge of how successful you become. So, be prepared to give yourself the pep-talks and motivation you’ll need to achieve what you want. You’ll get out what you put in.

If you’re coming from a job where you’re getting regular and consistent income, one of the biggest adjustments coming into real estate is likely to be the pay. In real estate, you may have fantastic months where you’re putting away a lot, and other months that are a bit slower. So, at all times in your real estate career, but especially at the when it takes time to build your reputation and network, it’s important that you build yourself a safety net. A good general rule is to have 3-6 months’ worth of expenses set aside as a buffer, but really, the more you have, the more comfortable you’ll feel.