Should I go to college if I want to be a real estate agent?

Question

I'm currently a freshman in high school. I recently started learning about financial education and was wondering whether I even needed to go to college. Yes, college does open up some doors for me but that 4 years could be spent doing so much more.. I'm a "smart" student (meaning I take hard classes e.g. im taking calculus now) but I highly dislike what I learn because the vast majority of it cannot be applied to the real world. I'd like some honest advice from people who have experience in this subject. Thank you. By the way, my ultimate goal is to get into real estate investing and I feel like being a real estate agent will really help me in that, not to mention communication and marketing skills.

Caleb Brown · Answer

If you are going to be an agent then no. Start now, learn and connect with local investors. That'll give you a few years to get a great head start. Age doesn't matter it's about learning and who you know.

Grace Wang · Answer

@Abel Tatek Start forming relationships in your area and see if any of the local brokerages are looking for interns. Bring some sort of value to them when you interview with them -- is it social media knowledge? Marketing? Cold calling to find listings?

Remember that every "no" you get will get you closer to the "yes". If a brokerage says they don't need help or you're not a good fit, ask WHY. Use that WHY as ammo to continue learning and being an asset to a team rather than just a high schooler.

You start doing this now and learning the ins & outs, you'll not regret one minute of your hustle.

Dan Sheeks · Answer

Hey @Abel Tatek

Congrats to you for your ambition! I work with a bunch of young aspiring real estate investors just like you (in a free online group), and I am willing to help you out with some advice or even chat on the phone if you wish. But first I recommend you read this article I wrote for Bigger Pockets titled How to Invest in Real Estate Before Turning 21. Once you've read it, let me know your thoughts and if you have any questions. I am a high school teacher in Colorado and I am always looking to help young people get started in real estate investing or help in any way I can. Let me know if you want to chat sometime. https://www.biggerpockets.com/..

Stephanie P. · Answer

Set yourself up like you're going to go to college, i.e. get good grades, apply for scholarships, continue to do the things that you would normally do so cheap college is a viable option.  If you get scholarships where most of it is paid, then go to college because there is value in having a degree.  If it turns out that you don't qualify for scholarships for one reason or another, consider community college as a strong alternative.  A degree in finance, economics or business administration translates very well to a career in real estate.  Also, consider trade schools that would teach you HVAC, electrical or plumbing work or even carpentry.  All of these are very valuable assets for someone to have in their arsenal when "getting into" real estate.  If you're an agent, maybe not so much, but lots of agents become investors and if you're going to invest in real estate, whether it's as a fix and flip guy or a long term hold guy, knowing about the systems that make up a home and how to fix them can save you thousands.

Stephanie

Damaso Bautista · Answer

@Abel Tatek

If that is what you want your career to be then no you do not have to go to college.  Being that you are only a freshman I would leave all doors open because I remember at that age I wanted to be so many things.

I would say use these next four years to learn about the business and if that is what you choose then decide that in 4 years when you are faced with that decision.

Normally I would advise all young people to go to University because that is the same advice I am giving my kids but I do understand that one size does not fit all in the world.

Good luck!

Garrison Weiner · Answer

Depends, will you be going into significant debt by going to college? If so maybe not. But you also may be able to set yourself up to get a steady income as you start investing post grad. Don't think theres a 100% right or wrong answer.

Stephen Brown · Answer

I learned nothing in college except Microsoft excel. Waste of time and money.

Should I go to college if I want to be a real estate agent?

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