Part 7 of 7: Top 5 real estate tips for people considering becoming a realtor

This 7 part series is accompanied by BETHvids featuring tips regarding buying, selling and the real estate industry in general.

Top 5 real estate tips for people considering becoming a realtor:

1. Look into online real estate classes and take the plunge–enroll in an affordable course and start taking action in exploring the industry, instead of dreaming about “one day.”  Even if you don’t become an active Realtor, you’ll learn a great deal in the 60 hour course, and you’ll discover if the industry feels like a right fit for you. Moseley Real Estate School is my favorite, and the course is under $300.  I’m proud to have been the very first Realtor to ever join the Blue Ridge Association of Realtors after taking an online course back in 2002.  Before that year, most agents took the course in person–I took mine from Moseley on dial up Internet service!
2. Make a budget and seriously consider the expenses involved in holding an active real estate license. Contact your local Association of Realtors and ask them questions about the process and investment required in starting a career in real estate.  The fees involved in joining a local board of Realtors, enrolling in the multiple listing service, charges associated with joining a brokerage, and general start up expenses will shock you.  Yes, real estate commissions look great “on paper” but be sure to fully explore the true cost (financially, emotionally and mentally) of beginning a career in real estate.  I’d suggest having 6 months or more of savings to allow time for your career to take off. For almost the entire first year I was a Realtor, I was embarrassed to attend office meetings because my business was slow to take off–patience, persistence and doing things differently than others is the key to success.
3. Start following local top producers who have a good reputation and learn from those already successful in the industry. Sign up for free online newsletters or courses from professional Realtor trainers and get a feel for the industry from the inside before you dive in. Tom Ferry, Brian Buffini, Gary Keller and many others offer free online tips and have written books you can soak up to learn inside scoop about the industry.
4. Begin researching available local, regional and online real estate brokerages while exploring which office seems like the best fit for you. Email or call brokers and start interviewing them.  Compare their offerings to new agents, including their willingness to invest in start-up costs. Be sure to ask about training opportunities, mentorship availability, the possibility of having “duty time” (answering the phone or working at the front desk to get leads), and company lead generating/sharing.
5. Start a database (with email and physical addresses) of friends, family and community contacts so you’ll have people to reach out to when you launch your career. It will be important to notify your circle (and expand it) for your best chances of hitting the ground running. And even if you choose to not become a Realtor, at least you’ll have your Christmas card list ready and can get your cards out around Thanksgiving this year!

Beth Waller, Associate Broker at KW Solutions – Keller Williams Realty
Local Office: 27 Cloud Street Front Royal, VA 22630
Direct: 540-671-6145
Northern Virginia Office: 8100 Ashton Ave #103 Manassas VA 20109
Office: 703-330-2222
Licensed in VA

Beth’s websites: Bethwaller.kw.com and whatmattersw2.com

To learn more about my real estate sales or nonprofit (WHAT MATTERS), to book a time to utilize my free community meeting space (“Open House” in the Middle of Main building on Main Street), to schedule a no-cost social media video to promote your business/group or cause, or to discuss my listing your property (which makes all of my charity efforts possible), visit my website at www.whatmattersw2.com or give me a call at 540-671-6145!