Should I become a real estate agent?

Question

I’m considering a total career pivot and moving into real estate as an agent. I’m curious, what’s the worst part of the job? What do you love most about the job? What’s the first year like? Would you choose this profession again if you went back in time?

Abel Curiel · Answer

Hey Riley,

First off, I think its great that you're considering a career change. I worked for the city of NY for 8 years before getting into RE Sales almost 4 years ago. I don't regret it one bit.

Worst part- It typically takes at LEAST 3-6 months to close your first deal. Just to be clear: this means you're consistently hitting the phones, following-up with prospective clients, marketing on social media, contacting your sphere of influence, servicing clients, and negotiating deals for those 3-6 months. If you're passively and gradually 'putting yourself out there', you could wait up to a year to see results.

What I love most- Its exciting. Theres always something new to learn. You deal with rejection everyday but once you accept it as a part of the business, you can't wait to hear another "no". Its a numbers game so once you determine how many "no's" will lead to a "yes", you just have to do the work! I also enjoy building new relationships so meeting new people who become friends has been an amazing bonus.

First year- You're learning about yourself, the industry, the transaction process, and your local market. Year 1 is where you to go out and meet other RE professionals to build your 'team'. Finding the right lenders, attorneys, inspectors, etc to partner with will be a huge boost to your business.

Would I choose this profession again- Yes, and I would have started in this business sooner.

Best of luck to you moving forward!

Abel

Reilly Carpenter · Answer

Thanks @Abel Curiel! I appreciate the perspective. I’m weighing how good/passionate I’ll be about the drumming up business part you talk about. But there’s also something drawing me too it that I can’t get over so I think pursuing it may be the only way to find out.