Is a Career in Real Estate for You?

Some reasons why a career in real estate may be right for you:

Selling real estate can be financially rewarding as well as a personally satisfying career. As a real estate professional, you work with the public and help them satisfy their real estate needs. Besides assisting buyers and sellers, there are opportunities for you to work with property management companies, builders and investors. If you like to work with people and help them while earning a satisfying living, this may be the right career for you.

1. As a Real Estate Agent, will I be an employee or a contractor?

Real estate professionals are independent contractors. This gives them a lot of freedom to determine how to do their job and how to be successful. But, because real estate agents work for a broker, the agent usually receives training and guidance from the broker while working within the office policies and guidelines.

2. How much money can I make as a Real Estate Professional?

That depends on you. Real estate agents are paid a commission based on closed sales. The greater your volume in sales and listings, the higher your income will be. The more time and work you put into your career, the more financially successful you will be.

3. What kind of hours will I be expected to work?

That depends on your goals. As a real estate professional, you work with the public and make appointments at times convenient to everyone. This may be during the day, in the evening and may include weekends. The hours you work are largely up to you. It depends on what you need to succeed.

4. What about time off? Do I get vacations?

Real estate professionals have personal lives too! They take time off for vacations, holidays, sick days and personal obligations. Because agents work on commission, they try to schedule time off around their business obligations.

5. What are the qualifications for obtaining a real estate sales license.

The state of Indiana requires an applicant for a real estate sales license to be at least 18 years of age, complete a state approved real estate sales course of 54 hours and pass 3 exams with a passing rate of 75%. In addition, you must pass the state exams, also with a pass rate of 75%. Some other conditions apply, call us for more information.

6. I think I may be too young (too old) to sell real estate.

As stated above, the State of Indiana requires a licensee to be a minimum of 18 years old. It is the person’s ability and desire to succeed, not age, that determines how well they will do.

7. Will I be able to get a job?

Many firms welcome new licensees. Make a few phone calls and setup interviews with a few firms. They will explain their structure, policies and procedures, what training they may offer to complement your knowledge and how they compensate their salespersons.

8. What does it take to become a Real Estate Broker?

The state of Indiana requires an active license for one year as a real estate salesperson before applying for a broker’s license. Other educational requirements, testing and fees apply.

9. Are there investment opportunities for me as a real estate agent?

As a real estate agent, you will become familiar with property values in areas where you work. You will also become aware of properties as they are first listed. This may give you an advantage over other investors who are not in the business.

10. What if I don’t like selling real estate?

The real estate sales license “opens the door” to many careers in the real estate field, including property management, investment counseling, appraisal and training. Like a number of other careers, real estate may lead you to another career that is related to supporting homeowners and investors, like banking, mortgage lending, inspection services, handyman services, interior decorating, landscaping, title services, insurance, etc.