New to Real Estate · Member since 2023 · 7 posts · 3 votes
After I told a few people that I just signed up for a real estate course and will be getting my license soon, I have had two different reactions so far. I told other real estate agents that I know, and they were so happy for me, and were really encouraging, and on the other hand people who aren't in the real estate industry at all have been telling me that it could be good idea to just get my license but to have another job lined up because of how the market is, and overall they weren't too encouraging. Now, I know that It is a good idea to have a back up plan just in case, (which I do) I would like to know other peoples opinion on this, and if they were ever in the same situation as me right now. What did you end up doing? Do you feel like that was the right decision?
I wouldn't worry about the naysayers but, you are essentially starting a business, and in the beginning, you probably won't have a steady income. If you are working with residential clients; they are most likely going to be looking at properties after hours and on the weekends. This might benefit you since you are spending your days marketing yourself, while possibly generating some income elsewhere while you grow as an agent.
I wouldn't worry about the naysayers but, you are essentially starting a business, and in the beginning, you probably won't have a steady income. If you are working with residential clients; they are most likely going to be looking at properties after hours and on the weekends. This might benefit you since you are spending your days marketing yourself, while possibly generating some income elsewhere while you grow as an agent.
People not in the industry most of the time wince at the thought of being a real estate agent. Yes, the market is tough right now, but that doesn't mean everyone stopped buying. You have to find the buyers.
It's the same on the mortgage side, if less people are able to find homes to buy, then there's going to be less mortgages. But my business has actually started ramping up because I changed my approach and adapted to the current environment.
And it would have happened faster had I put all my focus on this one aspect of my career as opposed to trying other ways to make money.
Here's my advice: Head first, all in on real estate. Expect the first 6 months to suck, but by then hopefully you have found a good foot hold and you can start really generating leads. There's a ton of ways to generate leads for free (realm of influence, social media, cold calling, etc.) so don't spend money on that stuff if you can help it. Find a good broker (I see your on this forum, so you may be more interested in working with investors. Great, investors almost never stop buying homes).
Next, find a good mortgage professional to refer your clients to. If you can secure a good financial backer for your clients, then the clients will be more inclined to want to work with you.
First, they make fun of you. Then, they say you're crazy. Then, they ask you how you did it.
It's the hard that makes it great. You're going to have to work your a$$ off to start any business. Volume trumps everything. And guess what? You might fail...just keep getting up and working. I've started the same business (non RE) 4 times. It failed the first time. Kind of created a mess the 2nd time that resulted in a small exit/sale. It really worked out the last 2 times.
I'd encourage you to watch the video below from Alex Hormozi. You're 24-36 months of focused effort away from a different financial future. It's gonna suck though. It'll also be worth it.
Not everyone understands ambition. And not everyone loves working really hard, or taking a risk. I, myself, am not a risk taker - it scares me. That said, if you can establish yourself in this market, you're going to learn the market and role really well! And if you can succeed and be creative now, it will accelerate your business when the market isn't this tough. Be smart, allow yourself to be challenged but remember to take care of yourself, and get in there!
Block out the negative and go full-fledged into what you believe in. Being a RE agent is tough, and you have to put in a lot of work. But the people who tell you to be scared are the ones who never take action and will ask you how you did it if you are successful.
Echoing what others have said. You have to ignore the noise and focus on yourself here. People thought I was crazy for house-hacking two duplexes and now that they see it's working they tell me how smart I am. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals isn't the easiest thing in the world but once you do it's crazy what you can achieve.
It's a little difficult to know how driven you are to succeed in real estate from your limited post. Unfortunately, many jump in because they think it is easy money. Although you mention a backup plan, I'll assume you have a passion for real estate and are looking at this as a long-term career/business. Those that take it serious and operate like a business (and not a part-time hustle) usually don't have a Plan B. They are all in and understand that it takes time to become a competent & successful agent. You need to plan to develop your sphere, your area of expertise, knowledge of your local contracts, how to manage the various emotions of many clients, etc. Having some experience in sales, marketing, business management, negotiations, etc. helps but can be learned over time. I'd suggest you consider joining a small team that focuses on the area of real estate you'd like to specialize in. A career as an agent can be very stressful and challenging yet extremely rewarding, not just financially but in freedom (time).
As others mentioned, tune out the noise from those that are not supportive. Best wishes on your real estate journey!
Why do you feel like you need to tell everybody your business as far as what course you signed up for?
If you don’t want everybody commenting on your actions, why do you have to tell them?
I am just taking advice from other real estate agents. They were just telling me to get my name out there. Since right now I don't even have my license yet, I was just trying to spread the word through friends and family, that way maybe I could have some leads lined up by the time I get licensed. Cause after all, I wont be successful as a real estate agent if know one knows I am one.
Why do you feel like you need to tell everybody your business as far as what course you signed up for?
If you don’t want everybody commenting on your actions, why do you have to tell them?
I am just taking advice from other real estate agents. They were just telling me to get my name out there. Since right now I don't even have my license yet, I was just trying to spread the word through friends and family, that way maybe I could have some leads lined up by the time I get licensed. Cause after all, I wont be successful as a real estate agent if know one knows I am one.
Coming from the perspective of being a full time agent. You determine your outcome whether it’s a W2 job or self employed perspective as an agent. If you put in WORK as an agent and create a business worth owning then you will surpass most agents (from my experience a lot of agents don’t want to put in the work) and make more money than your W2.
@Jacob Brush also. Side note. If you can learn how to dominate and create a solid business in this real estate market then you will create market share that most agents won’t get because they aren’t willing to put in the work now to obtain the business later. And when it’s “easy for most” it’ll come even more easier for you since you’ve built a solid foundation.
Whenever someone steps out and tries something people always think they can have a vocal opinion. If you change diet,exercise,real estate, sport,money, lifestyle there will be haters that know absolutely everything. When I started trying to invest in real estate I had a bunch of people telling me how to do it, where to do it, who to rent to, prices to pay. None of them have bought anything yet. I’ve been living by the words of 50 cent “if they hate let me hate and watch the money pile up” as someone else pointed out people will make fun of you then after a while they ask you how u do it. You got this don’t let the naysayers live rent free in your head
I started my career at 18 years old with $24.21 in my account. I believe having something lined up is always a good option, and I recommend it to all new agents on my team. I personally did not, but it was a HUGE risk to not have something else lined up. Luckily, I was able to close a few in my first month (2021) when the market was still good. In this market, I would definitely get a second part-time job and juggle both of them around until you have at least 6 months of savings built.