Is becoming a realtor worth it?

[Brett Mason]

Hello, I am currently a Sophomore in College and I am studying computer science. I am thinking about getting my Real-estate license this summer online because I have always wanted to become a realtor as well. And who knows if I enjoy realest more then my computer job I might decide to do real estate full time.

The reason I am posting this is because I want to know what mistakes most realtors make that causes them to be unsuccessful?

Is being a realtor as difficult as people say it is?

What tips do you have to become a successful agent?

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Brett Mason, I've been doing software development for ~25 years now, a real estate agent for ~12 years, and a real estate investor for ~8 years.

There is no 1 way to do well for yourself. There are lots of ways to mix and match and get what you want. The other posters are right, that working as an agent is 100% commission based. You will likely be "self employed" as opposed to a w-2 type employee. If you don't understand the difference, go learn about that.

Go read some classic books like "Rich Dad Poor Dad" and "Cashflow Quadrant". If you are up to it, you are at an age where you can take an unconventional path and avoid ending up in the rat race that typical w-2 employment puts you into.

Go talk to some local agents and investors, especially if you can find one who does both actively!

Also, never feel your education would be a waste if you don't end up with a career in your area of study. You are there for an education not training. The kind of analytical thinking you learn studying computer science plays well in lots of fields. If anything take advantage of more broad educational opportunities while you can. Communication, writing, making presentations, soft skills, project management those are all things that although not directly related to your major are in high demand these days and work to your advantage in almost any environment.