In today’s market, many are looking at getting into a real estate career, whether as a first career or a side hustle. Real estate is all about doing the right things at the right time. Becoming a real estate agent is more than just taking some classes and then raking in commissions. If you want to get started as a real estate agent, you need to have a plan.Male real estate agent talking on the phone leaning on his desk.

Becoming a Real Estate Agent: What are the Basics?

Before you even think about taking a class, remember that a career as a real estate agent is an investment. You will need a strong work ethic and the ability to manage your own business. That means creating a realistic budget that you can stick to and having a strong organizational system in place to manage finances, contacts, schedules, and paperwork. You’ll need a good computer and a vehicle that is suitable for driving clients to showings, and you will need start-up expenses for basics like marketing and business cards. Most new real estate agents need about $2500 for the basic start-up expenses and will plan for a minimum of several months without income. Understanding the basic requirements of what you’ll need to get started can help you prepare.

Classes and Licensing

Every state has their own requirements for licensing, so it’s important to know exactly what your state requires. What is true for your friend or family member in another state may not be true for you. To get your license, you will likely have a certain number of class hours, a required exam, a criminal background check, and a fee to pay. Look into which agency you’d like to partner with, as certain agencies may have additional requirements for their agents.

Build Your Network

Real estate is all about networking. You need a large sphere of influence to be a successful real estate agent. This is not a career for introverts or a way to make passive income. A good real estate agent will need to work hard and put themselves out there. When you are becoming a real estate agent, hand out business cards to everyone you meet. Attend community events. Use friends, family, and former associates to help you build your contact network. Make an effort to connect with other agents real estate professionals. Choose your sponsoring brokerage carefully and find a mentor who can guide you through the first stages of becoming a real estate agent.

Develop a Marketing Plan

Many successful agents balance traditional marketing, such as business cards, fliers, and ads, with online marketing strategies. Create a visually appealing and user-friendly website, and stay active online. Social media can be a great strategy as well. Build a social page for your business and, again, stay active and engage with followers regularly. Share content, respond to comments, and build your growth by following and interacting with other real estate professionals. Instead of just sharing homes, share home related content, such as things to do in town, home improvements that are trending, and other things that get people thinking of you as an expert and resource.

When you have a plan, you have a guideline in place to keep you focused. Becoming a real estate agent means starting your own business and becoming your own boss, even under the umbrella of an agency, and a successful business needs a successful plan. We are always looking for talented agents to join our team. If you’re interested in learning more about this exciting and rewarding career, contact Amberwood Real Estate today.