Is Real Estate Right for You?
by RewChoosing the right career can be daunting task for many people. Nowadays most people have several careers throughout their lives rather than keeping one stable job over a long period of time. This change in employment conditions can be difficult for those who appreciate security and consistency, while others enjoy being able to explore different career options as their circumstances allow. If you're on the hunt for a new career that will be both fun and challenging, perhaps becoming a real estate agent is right for you.
Are you a people person? While you don't need to exude car salesman panache, you do need to feel comfortable talking to strangers of all backgrounds and personality types. If you're shy, but still interested in the industry, this can be a good opportunity for you to push your boundaries and become more comfortable being in the limelight.
While introverts have their strengths, extroverts have a definite advantage in a career like real estate. You're going to be spending a lot of time with co-workers and clients, so it's important that being around other people energizes you rather than depletes you.
In addition, because you'll be working with clients from all walks of life, it's good to have an open mind and to be good at reading people. Not everyone likes an aggressive salesperson, so be sensitive to the signals your clients are sending to you. Do they want you to take charge more, or would they prefer to be in the driver's seat? Knowing what your clients' body language (as well as your own) is telling you is an invaluable skill to have as an agent.
Good communication skills are vital in an industry such as this. Naturally, you need to speak articulately and be able to talk to people who have varying degrees of knowledge about market and financial terms. More importantly however, is the ability to actively listen to your clients. Don't just nod your head, assuming you heard what they said to you. Look at them when they speak and really take in what they're saying; after all, that's what good customer service is all about.
To be a good realtor, you also need to be extremely well organized. You may be juggling sellers and buyers, hosting open houses, managing your website, and trying to capture new leads all at the same time! Become familiar with the latest organizational tools such as personal digital assistants, and have a cell phone and day planner with you at all times so you don't forget an important meeting.
Being organized also ensures that when the day is over, you can truly relax with your friends and family. Agents who are unable to turn off when they go home from work tend to burn out quickly. Family and friends also get annoyed because you're not fully present with them; you're thinking about unfinished business at the office. If real estate is something you're serious about, consider taking a time management course in order to polish or improve your organizational skills. All areas of your life will benefit from a class such as this.
Are you tech savvy? When we envision a real estate agent, we usually picture someone meeting clients and holding open houses. Technology doesn't really enter the picture. However, in today's competitive industry, it's imperative you stay ahead of the curve technologically speaking. Smart agents have well developed websites that allow users access to property listings and to gather information about their local real estate markets. More than 80% of buyers start their home search online, so you're going to need to have a strong web presence in order to stay competitive.
Other useful traits to have are creativity, the ability to problem solve, determination, and tenacity. You need to be able to think well on your feet, and rise up to the challenges that this career sometimes can throw at you.
The real estate industry is closely tied to the economy, so there will be ups and downs. If you have the right skills and a proactive attitude, you'll not only be successful in this industry over the long run, but you'll also be able to shine even during the darkest economic times.