So you want to become an agent, but your nerves are fried, you don’t know where to begin and you’re about ready to give up, does that sound right? If that sounds like you then stop worrying, you have come to the right place, just read and follow the tips below and you will be a licensed real estate agent in no time!
1. Verify all of the State Requirements – Each and every U.S. State has different licensing requirements for their agents. You should make sure that you visit your local Real Estate Commission or Department of Licensing website to verify what those requirements are and to insure that you qualify for a real estate license in your state before beginning the education process.
2. Start Networking with Other Agents – Right from the start you should take the initiative to visit a local real estate office. Most states will require you to be sponsored(employed) by a broker before you can take the real estate exam, so get out there and find yourself a broker. While you are at it, volunteer your time in the office assisting either the broker or other agents with their daily tasks. This will allow you an opportunity to not only build relationships in the office, but also to learn from people that already know their way around the industry, consider it a free education!
3. Study for Your Exam – There is no bigger set back than failing the exam your first time. No only will this hurt your moral, it will also cost you more time that could have been spent meeting clients. Spend every spare moment you have to study for the exam, you can visit your local library for study aids, check online for free real estate exam pages that you can use to practice. You might also consider talking to other agents about exam questions, you can even ask them to quiz you.
4. Try and Remain Calm – The most important tip is just to remain calm through the entire process. Yes you have to take a test, yes you have to sit and wait for the State to issue paperwork, but getting frustrated and impatient will only cause more problems. Follow the process, ask questions where need be and learn as much as you can along the way, you will be a licensed agent in no time at all.
Welcome to the rewarding and challenging real estate industry! Most agents find that getting their license was easy, its the putting it to good use part that can be difficult. Hopefully, by this point you have taken my advice and started to network with other, more experienced agents, don’t be afraid to ask them questions, use their knowledge to build your successful career.