You don’t want to go into any career lightly. Not only can doing something you don’t like make you unhappy, it can also cost a lot of money.
That’s true of most careers, and it’s true of real estate careers.
There are various California real estate license requirements, as well as a wide range of different requirements in every other state that have to be renewed every few years. You’ll also have to take classes in order to get your license in the first place.
So how do you know if working as a real estate agent is right for you?
Your TV is Always on HGTV
Do you love admiring great architecture? Are you always looking at structural and decorative details when you walk into a new building? Is your TV always tuned in to HGTV or other home design shows on Netflix?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you will probably really enjoy being a real estate agent.
Agents get to tour houses and commercial buildings before selling them, which can be a lot of fun for someone who loves seeing the potential of a property. Consider what kinds of properties you like the best, specialize in that area, and you’ll love your job as a real estate agent even more.
You Start Up Conversations With Cashiers
Can you strike up a conversation with just about anyone? Are you that person who talks to cashiers and servers? Do you genuinely like to get to know other people?
It’s true that real estate agents work with property, but even more than that, they work with people.
If you’re an extroverted person who doesn’t mind being on the phone, talking to sellers, and communicating with buyers much of the day, you’ll likely enjoy life as a real estate agent. There will be days that you may not even tour a property, but you’ll still talk to plenty of people, so it’s important to think carefully about how much you do—or don’t—enjoy working with and talking to others.
You Are Always Up to Something
Do you have an entrepreneurial mindset? Are you always thinking up new business ideas or keeping busy around the house?
If you are the kind of person who doesn’t like to sit around, real estate might be the perfect career for you.
Real estate agents are always up to something, and they have to be available to meet with their clients when it’s convenient for them. That means you may go to the office in the morning to do paperwork, meet with a client over lunch, and do a showing in the evening.
Real estate agents live a fast-paced, flexible lifestyle. At times, it can be exciting! At other times, like when you’re filling out paperwork, it can be boring. It takes time, dedication, and a little bit of money too. When you take the time to consider whether your personality is the right fit for a career in real estate, you can confidently make the right choice for your future.