If you think becoming a real estate agent seems like a good idea, you’re not alone. There are currently more than 1.2 million Realtors in the U.S., and for good reason. Realtors® enjoy flexible hours, the opportunity to be self-employed, a network of interesting people, and of course, the money. But how did all these people become agents? The fact is that most people who work in residential sales were in some other profession first.
Success as a Realtor® is determined by your personality. It doesn’t matter who you know. Your age doesn’t matter. Neither does your education. What does matter is that you are an optimistic, can-do type of person — someone who is caring and interested in others. Successful real estate agents enjoy working with people and are great problem solvers.
In day-to-day practice, there are three functions that real estate agents perform: representing buyers, representing sellers, and building their business. And it’s easy to get started, no matter what you are doing now.
So how does someone currently in another profession switch to a real estate career?
Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way.
- Take the NJ Real Estate 75-Hour Prelicensure Course
- Get licensed in your state
- Choose a brokerage
- Join the National Association of Realtors