Becoming an agent

[Adrienne Crawford]

Hi All,

I've been reading some old threads from 2014 and gathered some info on what it takes to be in real estate. I currently work a full time job as does my husband and have three children. While this in itself is a full plate it's really hard living paycheck to paycheck and I feel like my options are limited to getting a leg up financially. I have a very good friend who has been in the business for just 9 months and has made the million dollar club; granted she does not already have a full time job. However, she told me I have the personality and intelligence to do it too. If I decided to proceed I would join with her at Century21 and would have to pay the $90 a month due to partake of the perks of that office which sounds like someone new would need especially part time. I'm still very much on the fence though. With so many people saying it's all or nothing when it comes to real estate I'm afraid of failure. It's natural to be afraid but at the same time I have so many reasons why I need to succeed. What can you tell me about this and is there anyone that's been in my shoes and has succeeded? Thanks in advance!

[Jake Thomas]

@Adrienne Crawford First, it's a good thing you want to supplement or replace your current income with real estate as its a great way to build wealth. Personally, I am a part time agent and still hold my day job currently. Last year I sold almost $3 Million in Real Estate while working my day job. I do not suggest a sudden career change but more of a gradual one if your job allows it. Leaving the comfort of the consistent paycheck to be a Realtor is a scary idea. I only sold one house in my first 7 months but after that things started to move and I was able to get listings. Without that day job I wouldn't have been able to afford my bills and went deeper into debt. Now that I have been doing this for a while and I have figured out my system to generate leads and buyers I can leave the comfort of my day job which I plan to do this year at some point. You might get some training at Century 21 but they won't teach you how to stand out and be unique as an agent. They will likely give you a list of numbers to call for expired listings or FSBO's and say good luck. It takes time to figure it out, you need to go through a few transaction till you feel really comfortable.