When I qualified as a real estate agent, I was excited by the prospect of sales and earning commission. I looked forward to being my own boss and building a business. The road was full of learning curves – some challenging. But I quickly realised that it is all possible as long as you are prepared to work for it.
Here are some tips from my 11 years of experience in real estate:
Find a reputable real estate company to intern with
It is important to find the right real estate company to intern with. Avoid companies that have a reputation for questionable practices. You need to start working and learning almost immediately and the right company will help you get the most value from this experience.
The right company will also make it easier to finish your FETC in Real Estate qualification and get your fidelity fund certificate.
Be prepared to work hard
Sales is not always easy money, you must be prepared to work hard to make a sale. The sales cycle can be a long one and between building your leads, marketing yourself as a business, networking with others and looking after your client’s needs, there will be little time for slacking off. Real Estate agents enjoy unconventional working hours. While this is often seen as a pro, when others are enjoying their weekend you are often working hard to make a sale.
Create financial security for yourself
As an intern you will not start earning money immediately. Also, sales every month are not guaranteed, and your monthly commission can vary drastically. Build up a financial nest egg to tap into when needed. Remember not to live beyond your means and keep the same spending habits even when you make a large commission. Most importantly learn to budget! If you don’t know how – find someone to teach you.
Start gathering clients
One of the first things you need to do is to start gathering clients. Start with your company’s data base. With a good attitude and solid work ethic you will be able to start selling in the first 3 months of your internship. Remember, nothing is guaranteed. You need to make it happen.
Being an estate agent is very rewarding and I remember the feeling of genuine satisfaction in helping my clients find their special home. Stay honest, work hard, believe in yourself and I know that you will succeed.
