A much different opinion from those above. - Posted by Vic
Posted by Vic on May 02, 2000 at 24:16:56:
Larysa,
I would highly reccommend going to get your license. I’ve got my broker’s license in 2 states & can tell you that that broker’s license has enabled me to do far far more than if I hadn’t had it at all.
By going to school, you’ll become familiar with all of the terminology used in this business, and learn how things are generally done, plus you’ll learn many of the laws. Then once you get your license you should get out there and do a deal or two, with regular clients just to build up your confidence. Do not make the mistake of thinking that you will get rich quickly though working as an agent. I think the avg. first year earnings of a new real estate agent is something like $12,000/yr. But do not let this stop you. Read on!
For those (and there are many) who claim that people don’t want to deal with an agent or are afraid to, I say that is nothing but a bunch of bs! I’ve yet to ever sense any apprehension on the part of anyone I ever dealt with in any capacity because I was licensed & I’ve been doing it for 6 years with well over 100 transactions, under my belt. I think the many people who use that train of thought use it as an excuse because they don’t want to take the time or make the committment to go get their license. People will rationalize all kinds of things & make all kinds of excuses to get out of something that involves hard work.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are people who do not want to deal with a salesperson, but it has nothing to do with the fact that you are licensed. There’s a big difference between the two. It’s the fact that you are a salesperson & not the fact that you are licensed that some people will object to.
You’ll find that there are people in all industries, that would rather do it themselves than use a professional. If these people would rather do it all themselves, that’s fine. You don’t want to do business with these people as an agent anyway. People will always do their own auto repairs, build their own decks, etc. As an agent, you want the people who want help & there are many more who want your help than don’t.
Isn’t it funny how so many people tell you not to get your license, yet the first thing they tell you when you want to start looking for properties is to call an agent. Isn’t that a bit hypocritcal?
I can tell you for a fact that having your license will open more doors for you than not having it. Period! So go get it & don’t let the naysayers stop you from something that is sure to open many many doors for you in the future.
Imagine, being able to pull up listings at will. Comparing the sold properties with a few clicks of the mouse. Being the first to know about new properties before all "un"licensees ever find out about them. Having agents respect you more because you’re like one of them. Having clients/customers know that they can’t bs you, & on & on. I think you get the picture.
Good Luck! Hope you get your name in the NAR one day soon!
Vic
There are many successful agents earning $200-$300K/yr. These are people that know how to market, & have spent time going to seminars & ordering courses to learn how to properly market.