Working in your own time and being the boss of yourself is the dream job of almost everyone. And probably, those who want such a job, are considering becoming a real estate agent. However, it is a common misconception that real estate agents have it easy, just sitting around waiting for your client's call and not being ordered around by some authority. There's always two sides of a coin. Here's a list of the Pros and Cons that you might want to consider first before you leap into the professional real estate world.
Getting Started.
Pros: You can complete training and start your career as a licensed real estate agent in just a couple of weeks or in a few months in some states. You can attend online training courses from your home or do the traditional classroom setting.
Cons: Being a licensed real estate agent is rather costly. In California, you need to pay $60 for the test and $245 for the license. Trainings also require a lot of time and effort.
You're the Employer of Yourself.
Pros: No more awkward work environment with colleagues. You are in-charge of your own decisions.
Cons: You are in-charge, yes. But it also means that you are the one that will do all the job, from listings to client needs. These are the times that you challenge yourself to the limits of multi-tasking. Many beginners in the real estate industry fail to realize how much work is needed to build up your name.
You Can Earn Good Income.
Pros: Real estate agents are not limited to an hourly wage or a monthly salary. They can also earn in commissions based on the number of properties they sell.
Cons: If the market is not steady, so is your income. It is a feast or famine depending on how many homes you can sell in a month.
You Work at Your Own Time.
Pros: You don't have to report or be bored in an office for five to nine hours a day. You set up your own schedules and most of the time, you are just out socializing, meeting up clients, and forging affiliative relationships.
Cons: You should always be available to meet your client's need. When a client calls, you must drop everything that you are doing and attend to their needs. Yes, you have lots of free time, but you don't have a day-off. You must always be on-the-go too, even on days that everyone around you is resting.
Being a real estate agent is not as easy as others may think. It requires a lot of passion and dedication if you really want to succeed in this kind of profession.
