Thinking About Becoming a Realtor

[Jennifer Sala]

Hi, all!

I am considering getting my real estate license and just want some input on starting off.

  1) What is one thing you wish you had known before you got started as a realtor?

   2) Can you "keep your day job" while you get started? I've heard it takes a couple of months to make any money.

   3) Thoughts on interest rates/real estate market in 2024? I'm in Maine if it helps, and not Portland/Lewiston but a rapidly growing city no less. All of the email blasts and YouTubers tell you devastation will prevail in 2024, but nobody would click the link if they projected easy sailing...

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Thanks,
Jen

[Brandon Hall]

Hi Jen,

I am an agent with BHG- The Masiello Group, but mostly just work as an investor in the southern/central Maine markets, but here are some answers to your questions.

1) Nothing in particular. But as I am sure it is somewhat obvious if you are getting it to work with clients, it can be difficult to find them at first. Also, while you have freedom of schedule, most clients tend to want things done around their timing so plan on having showings outside of regular working hours for sure.

2) Yes definitely. I am an investor and landlord first, I also run a general contracting company during the day, and then work as an agent with what time is left.

3) The best time to buy is always yesterday. Well not always, but there is no way to know whether a market is going up, down, sideways, etc. for sure. There might be indicators, but there will always be those that think it is going strong, and those that think the sky is falling. Depending on what your purchasing/market plan is, there probably isn't a bad time to buy. Especially if you can create some equity, and if it cash flows. Cash flow usually doesn't go away *assuming you can manage well*.