subject: How To Start Looking For -- And Getting Real Estate Career Opportunities [print this page] Despite what you see on TV and the Internet, the property selling is still a very lucrative business. If you are looking for real estate career opportunities, here are some things to consider:
Finding An Agency
The first step to getting a job in the property and home selling industry is finding a real estate firm. There are thousands of firms like this in the US alone, and it is recommended to set up an interview with several before taking the plunge.
Go to the area you wish to work in and identify the firm with the most For Sale signs in the area. While a firm with a lot of available listings does not guarantee to be the best place for you to work as an agent, the fact that they already have an established presence in the local market makes them an agency to deal with. You can also pick up local property and home magazines and publications (which are often found at supermarkets and similar establishments) and check out the ads - which ones seem to pop out at you?
If you have the time, you can also the local Chamber of Commerce or its visitor's center and check whether they have handouts from firms. Check which ones are for promotions for individual agents or for the agency in general. You should also check ads on TV, radio and print, and find out which agencies dominate them.
On the other hand, if you know someone who is a local agent, ask them which agencies they can recommend. However, do keep in mind that property agents tend to be biased.
The Interview
Once you've found and applied to a suitable firm, the next step is the interview. Most job interviews for real estate career opportunities put the interviewee at a position of convincing the company that they are the right person for the job. In other words, if you want to become an agent for a realty firm, you must interview the broker.
A large number of realty firm agents work as independent contractors and not as a conventional employee. This gives agents a substantial amount of freedom, but they are also held responsible for most of the expenses incurred when doing business. Thus, it pays to know the kinds of training and other benefits the firm offers before making a decision. So don't hesitate to ask the interviewer what expenses you will have to shoulder and which ones are covered by the business.
In addition, you should also ask the broker how their office can help you establish and grow your database. Leads are critical for new agents who are trying to set up a customer base. And make sure to get a feel of the office atmosphere as well. Some firms have a cordial environment, while there are those with agents that appear to like enjoy what they're doing.
