Entry Level Job

[David White]

I live in the Baltimore metro area. Does anyone know of any entry level real estate jobs/internships?

[George Hermann]

in my view the best entry level position to learn real estate is to become an agent. You work real estate every day and if you're good at it you can make a living. Then, invest in your own properties as your long term plan.

[Peter MacKercher]

@David White If you're planning on investing I think that working for a property manager is a great way to start since it gives you hands on experience learning to maintain a property and deal with tenants. There are a lot of places weird stories and situations can come up in this industry, so anything that will help you learn to deal with and manage people professionally will be very valuable.

[David White]

@George HermannI'm not in the position to leave my job just yet. I still have financial obligations that need to be addressed. I was more so looking for a part time job or maybe even a full time job that I can work around my current schedule (6-2:30 pm or 2-10:30 pm). Isn't a realtor a full time job?

@Peter MacKercherI actually did apply for a part time (to start out) entry level property manager position. I'm still waiting to hear back from them. I also applied for a part time real estate assistant position. I'm waiting for my interview to be scheduled.

[JD Martin]

Realtor can definitely be part time or full time. I know a lot of people who work real estate as a part time job. If you have to work around a regular "day" job, it is not a bad strategy, especially since a lot of real estate happens on the weekend. 

[George Hermann]

David,

It's very hard to be a part time real estate agent. When you have clients, whether buyers, sellers, or renters you have to be available when they are. You won't last long if you can't be responsive. I think Peter had good advice if you can be available on both jobs.

[Jacqueline Carrington]

Real estate assistant

Leasing consultant

Property manager

Property manager assistant

Concierge in residential building

[David White]

Originally posted by @Jacqueline Carrington:

Real estate assistant

Leasing consultant

Property manager

Property manager assistant

Concierge in residential building

2 out of 3 isn't bad lol. I'll have to keep a look out for the other positions. 

[David White]

Originally posted by @George Hermann:

David,

It's very hard to be a part time real estate agent. When you have clients, whether buyers, sellers, or renters you have to be available when they are. You won't last long if you can't be responsive. I think Peter had good advice if you can be available on both jobs.

So I shouldn't get licensed if I'm not in the position to be full time (in your opinion)?

[Peter MacKercher]

Depending on your local laws you may have to become licensed either way if you pursue property management. Here in MO we're required to be licensed to manage as a third party for owners, but you may not be required depending on what your job's duties are.

Since you're just starting you might want to get your feet wet before you decide to pursue your license, unless you're already certain you'll stay in the industry. There are associated fees with education, applications, continuing education and renewals that don't make sense unless you're sure you'll get value from the license. Some property management companies reimburse if you pursue your license too, and of course it would make you more marketable if you stay in the biz.

Cheers!

[George Hermann]

you don't just "get a license". You take classes, take the state exam, get a license to be an agent. Once you have the license you may not participate in any real estate transaction. You need to have your license associated with a licensed Broker. The broker will expect you to pay for your desk, phone, marketing material, etc. Then, when you close a deal you will owe 50% of it to your broker. Now, you still have to pay for your MLS access, PropertyShark, and any other software you use. Do you use a car to show properties? You get to pay for that too.

So, maybe this helps you see why I said it's very hard to be a part time agent.

I hope this helps you in your decision making process.

[David White]

Originally posted by @George Hermann:

you don't just "get a license". You take classes, take the state exam, get a license to be an agent. Once you have the license you may not participate in any real estate transaction. You need to have your license associated with a licensed Broker. The broker will expect you to pay for your desk, phone, marketing material, etc. Then, when you close a deal you will owe 50% of it to your broker. Now, you still have to pay for your MLS access, PropertyShark, and any other software you use. Do you use a car to show properties? You get to pay for that too.

So, maybe this helps you see why I said it's very hard to be a part time agent.

I hope this helps you in your decision making process.

Thanks for breaking all that down for me. 

[David Dachtera]

@David White,

Depending on your state, leasing agent may be a separate license, also. Worth looking into, if only just for clarity.