Chosen by Asker

Everything the other people said :-) ++++ You would be looking at 1.25% commissions because in this tough market, many brokers are only charging 5% instead of 6%. No companies offer base pay. Bottom line is, if you think this is something you would enjoy doing, go for it. By the time you get your license, and get a little experience this recession could well be over. Besides, people who work hard and work smart make money no matter what the economy. That's my thought process anyways, I'm currently taking RE classes to get my license. My professor was just telling use how class sizes have dropped 80% in the last 2 years. ... Sounds like a great time for contrarian thinking. good luck!

by Magically Ambitious

7 months ago

Asker's Rating: 

Dear George, I'm sure you're a smart guy--- but the truth is that the real estate market has crashed and it will be some time before it recovers. The REAs in MY area of PA--New Hope--are hurting, and I'm sure Pittsburgh isn't doing much better. There just aren't a lot of homes going on the market for REAs to make commissions on. If you have capital to invest on foreclosed homes or the like, then that's a little different (although still risky)--but you said you have NO savings, so you don't have that option. When the market does improve, then it's the already-established, experienced, REAs that will be getting the jobs and the sales back. A newcomer in RE will have a much harder time. The sales pitch of "emphasizing good services to clients" over profit won't mean much because that's what all REAs say. I wish you the best if you decide to go the REA route, but I wouldn't advise anyone I know to do that in today's market.

by magicbird- 7 months ago

Real estate agents make commission only. No company offers a base pay while you start out. It is completely sales driven. That's why it might not be the right job for you as you claim you would rather be nice to clients than worry about profit. Salespeople have to be motivated by the next sale, not by being nice. Sad, but true.

by †Ask Me Anything†- 7 months ago

worst time in the world to want to get into this field. even in the best of times, you would have to have 3-6 months savings while you started out (as real estate is commission only...no base salary). in these times, you would get eaten alive. experienced agents are not making sales, so what chance would you have? i applaud your initiative, but the sales pitch of "good service rather than profit" sounds like BS and most clients will see through it very quickly. besides, good service means jack if you screw up someone's sale. right now, i would say that it would be smarter to go into another field, and do real estate in your spare time. find a local agent that would be willing to mentor you. you would do their legwork (faxing forms, making inquiries, etc) for free. in return, you could learn the business without having to depend upon it financially. when the market turns around (and it eventually will), you will then be in a position to make a go of this.

by infinite crisis 247- 7 months ago

There are some top real estate producers that hire a few assistants to assist them with their sales. You would have to look in the newspaper an find a position that says "Real Estate Personal Assistant wanted, must have excellent people skills and Spanish is a plus or other language is a plus." Some brokers might hire a personal assistant also, but you must scrutinze the newspapere and internet want ads for your city or surrounding area. I don't know about Pa, but in California if you have an degree from an accredited college you could take the broker test. If successful you could still work for another broker while gaining experience. Customer service is a must in this career field, however, if one would ask me I would say a good marketing plan after, getting your license should take priority. There are down turns in almost all career fields, it's the creame that rise to the top and overcome down turns that are the "ACES" "PROS" "GO TO GUYS" this is what you want to become. Therefore in addition to your continuing education that will be required by your agent or broker's license you should attend any seminar on persoanal development, changing trends in your chosen career field, stay abreast of techonology changes. If I had one or two things that will make you successful they would be "solve as many problems for your clients as possible without them being a burden on you and most of all "Listen" Put together the best professional team to assit you as you can, this team should include, but is not limited to an attorney, a loan consultant, a title company rep, a notary, a insurance person for hazard (fire) insurance. If a member of your team fail to produce you need to replace that person because you are recommending this person to people that need help. I hope this has been of some use to you, good luck. "FIGHT ON"

by loanmasterone- 7 months ago