I was offered a job with a top rated real estate agent, as his office manager (not the field I thought I wanted to be in), but I would have people under me and I would have chances to earn part of his commission. He sells on average 50-70 homes a year...and has said that he still does during the bad times.
SO what I want to know is, what would it be like? DO you enjoy your work? would you recommend it to other people as a career?
He said that one of the top 3 jobs real estate agents do before they get into RE is teaching...lol
KarenG
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone in real estate?
I'm in real estate - but the commercial side. I worked for a few years as a property manager and now work as a developer.
I can't give you any insight regarding the way residential brokerage firms run but generally speaking I enjoy working in an industry that involves land. Land is a finite resource and, in my opinion, a valuable commodity. The industry as a whole (residential & commercial) has brokers who are talented and folks that are less talented....and some that are less ethical than others.
The key is to find yourself an office that is known to be above board and has a solid reputation in the community. Reputation is big in this industry and it is important to align yourself with a group that provides a good product with integrity.
If you opt for this career change, I also suggest that you get your sales license. In fact, I think you are required to have your licenses in order to receive part of a commission (but I am not a broker so I could be off on that). The Hauppauge Real Estate School on Rte 111 by Comp USA is a great school and has a good program.
Feel free to FM me if you want to chat more.
Good luck with your decision!
Imagin916
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone in real estate?
FH is looking to get into real estate. He does not live in NY now, but there is a possiblity that he might be moving here at the end of the year. I might need your help to find out where he can look for a job. Im glad I found this post!
thanks for the insight Karen (yes...he told me I would have to get my license)
I'm just so torn... hes connected with a very reputable RE house...but how do I found out if he reputable? ethical?
thanks for your help...
valerie...i'm not in NY...so I don't know if I could help you...
Imagin916
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone in real estate?
Thanks anyway Yabbo, I greatly appreciate the offer, that was very nice of you. I dont even know for sure yet if he is coming to live here. That is all up in the air right now. Thanks again!
I know a few residential sales people (in suffolk) that are friends. I could ask them on the Q-T if you'd like...see if they've heard of him.
You might even want to speak with a few of the other salespeople in the office. Since you will be the OM, it is a good idea for you to get a feel for the enviornment....and by interviewing the staff, you can get an idea on what they think of him.
Gather as much info as you can. You'll probably need to use your instinct too and take a chance.
Don't worry about needing to get your license. The class is only 45 hours, you could bang it out quick. The test is offered weekly (I think on Tuesdays) and you get the results fast. Its really not that hard...and the instructors at the Hauppauge school are really good. (at least they were a few years ago).
I used to be in real estate when I was about 20. I did it for about 2 years. I didn't care for it, but a lot of the reasons I didn't like it were because of money. I needed something that had a steady pay and something with benefits and you don't get that in real estate. Plus I just found the whole business too cut throat for me. I didn't feel like fighting with the other agents in my office for a listing. But once again, I was very young...I actually wasn't even done with college yet. I thought about getting back into now as a weekend thing, but I think I value my weekends too much.
I'll be honest, it's a lot of work and it's all your hard work, and you alone. Nobody helps you out after the first month or so. As far as the company goes, Remax is well known so I wouldn't worry about the ethical side of it. I don't want to turn you off to real estate, I just want to be honest with you. feel free to ask me any questions you have, I'll be happy to answer them.
Imagin916
Posted:
Member since
Re: anyone in real estate?
The plan as of now is that he is coming up here for at least 2 years after the wedding, and we will rent here. We may move to PA after that, we havent decided a definite plan yet.
jenn..I think I have a 'fear' of that cut throat attitude...
but being that he works for the seller...there wouldn't be any weekends...just relaying the message to the buyers agent...
I'm so torn...and I have to make my decision pretty soon...ugh...I wish I could have had this opportunity in a few months when I know I won't have a job doing something I may enjoy more...
