Starting out in the Real Estate Industry

[Jacob Davis]

Hi, I'm looking to explore a career in real estate as an agent and maybe one day be involved in investing or land development. I'm from Dallas TX and recently got my Arkansas Real Estate License due to the fact that I'll be attending the University of Arkansas this fall. I'm 18 with little to no work experience and I don't know what path I should take in getting started. I have reviewed the options of working as an individual agent, working under an agent, and finding a job in development or investing. Does anyone have advice from past experience or recommendations of what they think would best fit my situation?

Thanks

[Bruce Lynn]

Personally I don't think being an agent is a great path to being a developer.

If you want to be a developer....you are in a great city....Dallas.  Lots of very smart, long lasting developers here.  I would start working for one of them...summers, holidays, spring break...and if possible remotely during school.

What can you do today to offer them value?

Take as many real estate, legal, civil engineering, structural engineering, and finance classes as you can.  I would also take some kind of political classes...as lots of development has to do with how well you fit into the vision of what the politicians want to see done for their city.   If you can't work for a developer during the school year, I would see if you can get some kind of internships with city government where you are.  Planning and zoning, city council members, economic development board, council of governments, homeless coalitions, etc.   You should do this all 3 years you plan to be there......go getters get college done in 3 years....dont be the average 4 year or slacker 5 year student.  Get busy and get it done.

Some of the top developers in DFW are Blue Star--Jerry Jones of Cowboy fame, Craig Hall, Jim Lake, Hillwood- Ross Perot, Jr...Hunt Real Estate....Jonas Wood...Trammel Crow Company...Monte Anderson and plenty others.

Maybe tough to do during school, but you might also see if you can write for REDNews and attend as many of their conferences and meetings as you can.

Good luck and best wishes.