The dark clouds of the recession seem to be clearing. Buyer confidence is up, car sales are up, home sales are up and home prices are once more edging back up again. We're not out of the woods yet, but at least we can see the Sun shining through the branches of the trees. Many people are looking for new careers. With housing sales climbing again, many people might think of looking into the idea of working in real estate. Do you think a career in real estate might be for you? If so there are some very serious considerations:
* Do you have a stable job, a sizeable cash reserve or a partner or spouse who can support you for several months? It will take time and money to take the required courses, pass the exam and get you ready to go to work. Even after you are sponsored by a real estate agency it could still be months before you get your first commission check.
* Do you have a large circle of potential clients? If you have a huge number of friends and acquaintences you have a better chance of getting business. If you don't, creating a pool of potential clients may prove harder than you think. You can give out cards and post ads, but the best referrals generally come from those in your own circle of influence.
* Can you be free to show homes or talk to clients at odd times? Sometimes you may get calls at 6 AM or 10 PM from a prospective client. These calls can (and will) also come on weekends, your child's birthday, the day of Grandma's surgery and any and every other occasion. Many peolple will request to see a home on a weekend because of their own work schedules. Be sure you are prepared to be a "24 hour" person. You may have to be!
* Are you a "people person"? In any form of sales it is very important to relate to many different kinds of people. Some will be a real joy to work with while others may sorely try your patience. If you have a genuine liking for people it will be one of your greatest assets. If you don't it can sabotage everything else you may do no matter how well you may do it. People can spot a phony a mile away.
* Can you be honest with yourself, your client and your co-workers? If there was ever a field that required honesty and integrity it is real estate. You must always be honest and open with your buyers, sellers and everyone else along the path to a sale. Not doing so can get you in hot water and in legal trouble as well in many cases. Honesty is always the best policy.
If you answered "yes" to all the above questions, you might be cut out for a real estate career.
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