If you’re interested in switching your career to working in real estate, here are some tips for retraining.
Research your options first
Before quitting your current job or making any other life-changing commitment, research the options which would be open to you if you retrained in real estate. This includes looking at the companies you might want to work with after completing your training.
For example, Compass Real Estate is one option in the US, and with job sites such as Indeed, you can see what other real estate agents think about them, based on their experiences of working for Compass. As with most companies, there are pros and cons. So, it’s important to make a list of what you want to achieve and see if this would be a suitable option for you, based on your own needs and skills.
Get licensed
It’s important to get licensed in the state you hope to work in, and also to register with the National Association of Realtors. This is essential for anyone wanting to work in real estate. This will also involve taking courses which will help to prepare you for your new career.
Be prepared to take additional courses
By taking additional courses, you improve your knowledge and your chances of working for reputable real estate companies. Those such as Compass, have a strict selection process. With the chance to earn more money by working with more clients, being a real estate agent is a popular choice for those willing to put in the hours. If you’re new to the industry, taking more courses can help you stand out against other new agents, and shows your willingness to learn and work hard.
Study the local housing market
Studying the local housing market and any trends will give you a better idea of how much work could be available in your chosen state. If you’re willing to move to a state where more work is available, this can help. Either way, it is useful to know this before retraining, putting in the time and money, or making any irreversible decisions such as quitting your current job.
Gain relevant experience
Although you may not have any professional experience in real estate, any relevant experience you can gain will help you stand out from other new real estate agents. This could be helping a friend buy or sell their house, or with renovations. This will give you an insight into the process and a better understanding of what is involved in buying, selling, or renovating homes.
Transferable skills and experience can also be useful, such as sales and negotiating, even if this is unrelated to real estate. Or if you have worked in a role where problem-solving was a main part of the job, this shows you can think and resolve problems quickly.
Starting a new career in real estate may seem daunting, but with the training and your pre-existing skills, you can make it a successful career choice for you.
