Best way to get some experience before getting my license?

Question

Christopher Lynch · Answer

This is a great idea. There are many agents who would likely let you shadow them. However the question becomes are you shadowing the right ones. The people you learn from when you enter this business will either make you or break you.

Make sure you find top producing agents who you aspire to be like. Do not just look for any agent. Many agents carry bad habits and you do not want to learn these habits before you even get started.

As far as your idea. I think it is a good idea. Here is what I would do. I would go on popular sites like Zillow/Trulia and find agents who are paying for sponsored ads. They can normally be found on the right hand side of any listing. These agents are usually the busy agents. The agents who are making enough income to invest in marketing. Call them and tell them you are looking to build a portfolio of Real Estate photography so you are willing to shoot their next listing at no cost... Most agents will jump at this.

After shooting a couple homes you will now have something valuable other agents want. Call back the agents you liked working with on the photo shoots and ask them if you can shadow them and learn the business. Mention you will continue to shoot their listings at no cost and help with any non licensed required task. You will certainly find an agent who will take this deal. Especially a busy one.  Just be careful who you choose!

Ivy Wang · Answer

Before I got my license, I photographed my dad's (who was my mentor) listings, designed his promo material (postcards, flyers, etc), and opened properties for him when he was too busy. As an assistant without a license, there's only so much you can legally do, so shadowing might be a better option.

I don't know many agents who would want someone shadowing them (I certainly wouldn't), unless you're a newbie on their team and they get a cut of your commission. Not sure if they'd think it's worth getting free photos since depending where you are, they can hire a professional easily for $100-500, verus getting a cut in your commission if they were mentoring you. But it doesn't hurt to ask.

Instead of just showing up, I'd pick a few brokerages and find their top producers. Call them and offer your services in exchange to shadow them. They're going to want to see a portfolio of your real estate photography work. Most the top agents hire professionals and your work would be compared to theirs.

Priyanshu Adathakkar · Answer

Hi Ian,

In almost all states there are limits to what an unlicensed people can and cannot do, just think of the medical profession, can you prescribe prescriptions? Can you perform surgery? Can you consult with patients? If the answer is NO, same goes for all other professions including real estate. The only way you can gain experience is investing in a property and managing it yourself.

Dany Namou · Answer

I think offering to take professional photographs in exchange for some shadowing is a phenomenal suggestion.

Better yet, try to be an assistant. It's the best way to get some first hand experience regarding what we do without being licensed.

I don't think all agents would be willing, especially top producers, but I'm sure you can find someone.