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<p>Ready for a second career? In the wake of the pandemic, many professionals are reconsidering how they want to work. Working from home has become the new norm, and people are thinking of new careers and side hustles that don't require a commute.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you’re thinking about a career in real estate, you’re not alone. Approximately 17,000 people google “how to become a real estate agent” in a month. Compared to careers in other fields with similar earnings potential, becoming a real estate agent isn’t as hard as you might think. It just requires a giant leap of faith and, of course, some time and money.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So, what does it actually take to become a real estate agent? Here’s a closer look at the job to help you decide whether a career in <a href="https://www.rentspree.com/blog/real-estate-agents/real-estate-commission-calculator/nd%20Career">real estate</a> is right for you.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Real Estate: The Ultimate Second Career</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Building a successful career in real estate isn't easy. It requires drumming up business yourself, tracking leads, great customer service, handling complex paperwork, and no small amount of self-promotion. If you’re thinking about a career transition, don’t let this frazzle you. As industry veterans will tell you, it’s a career that’s well worth the investment in self-development.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For professionals looking for a second career that provides worthwhile income and a social outlet, the real estate field perfectly fits the bill. Here’s why.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">1. It’s a Relatively Easy Career to Enter</h2>
<p dir="ltr">There’s a relatively low barrier to entry. You can become a fully licensed real estate agent in about four to six months - and it doesn't cost much to become a licensed realtor.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Educational requirements vary by state, but the general steps to becoming licensed are:</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Take a real estate pre-licensing course</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Take (and pass) the licensing exams</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Activate your license</p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Join a brokerage</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><img alt="" src="/images/blog/pexels-alexander-suhorucov-6457478.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" /></p>
<p dir="ltr">However, real estate training is continuous. You can't learn everything you need to know about the housing market in a few short months. Once licensed, you must continue to amass experience and other accreditations. Beyond investing in education, you'll also need to invest in a reliable car, computer, and phone system, considering you'll work a lot outside the office.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">2. Flexible Training, Flexible Career</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Most real estate courses are flexible and offered throughout the year. You can get your training accreditation at times that are most convenient for you. And not only is the training flexible, so is the career. The real estate industry offers a lot of career flexibility. It's not a 9 to 5 job, and you can work anywhere from 20 hours to 80 hours a week.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But you should be willing to work long, hard hours, especially when you're just starting. Consider this: it's a career where you get paid on commissions; the more you work, the more you get paid.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Also, while the hours are flexible, most of the work happens during off-hours. So, be prepared to work evenings and weekends.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">3. Always in Demand</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The real estate industry will always be in need of realtors simply because there’ll always be people in the market to buy and sell houses. It’s a challenging and exciting career that gives you a chance to forge community connections.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You need a deep network of friends and acquaintances in real estate. The good thing is, people are always looking for connections.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img alt="" src="/images/blog/pexels-curtis-adams-3571200(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" /></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Tips on Getting Started as a Real Estate Agent</h2>
<p dir="ltr">There are plenty of challenges to overcome when starting a career in real estate. It’s a non-traditional path that requires you to take the time to invest in yourself and develop the skills needed. Besides hard work, here’s how you can succeed in real estate.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">1. Get the Best Education Possible</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The housing market is complicated, and you'll have to understand the “ins” and “outs” if you're to guide your clients on the best way forward. Many clients will rely on you for legal, tax, and accounting information, and you should be able to guide them accordingly.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">2. Join a Real Estate Brokerage</h2>
<p dir="ltr">When you’re just starting, working under the umbrella of a supervising broker is a great opportunity to advance your skills and learn as much as you can about the industry. Select a full-service agency that offers training and support tools.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Several agencies provide training and can walk you through the basics of selling, for instance, how to hold an open house.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">3. Start off Part-Time</h2>
<p dir="ltr">You can start part-time if you don't want to hit the ground running. Part-time work allows you to slowly but surely build a referral network of buyers and sellers. Needless to say, you'll have to sacrifice vacations and time off, but you'll have the support of supplemental income as you learn the ropes.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><img alt="" src="/images/blog/pexels-alex-1732414.jpg" style="width: 100%;" /></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Bottom Line</h2>
<p dir="ltr">If you’re comfortable with these realities, real estate is a great second career choice. You can set your own schedule while earning a very comfortable living. It’s a career that’s both challenging and financially rewarding. All it requires is some hard work and a self-starting, entrepreneurial spirit on your part.</p>
