I’ve had the privilege of being a real estate technology and accountability consultant for 12 years and been asked by many why I have not considered becoming a Realtor. The answer to this question is very easy! Because it takes a special person to be a Realtor. Don’t get it twisted! I am not saying that I’m not special, what I’m saying is, the skill set does not fit my SPECIALty I’m a natural as a technology consultant, as I do think most Realtors are naturals in the field of real estate. Now, If I were considering this field, what would I do to prepare myself to become a Realtor?
First, I would make sure that I’m pursuing this career for the right reasons. Being a Real Estate Consultant is not for everyone. This takes a full time commitment. I have to be available to answer questions, show properties, answer phone calls – run my business, and take care of my clients and prospects when they need me, not just in the evenings after work. This means there needs to be a financial commitment up front. So I need to plan ahead. I need a financial cushion for at least six months so that I can build my clientele.
Before I even consider starting real estate classes, I need education. What do I know about my city, since this is the area I plan to market? What area would I want to market? My neighborhood? I need to think about real estate brokers in the area. Now, this is really important because my broker is going to be my mentor, my lead, my first line of contact when I get out of real estate school. That’s where I’m going to really learn how to walk! I need to do my research on the real estate companies in the area. I also need to contact my local real estate association to find what what I don’t know I don’t know.
The economy. Is the economy ready for me? Am I ready for the economy? I need to do some forecasting to see if my timing is right. Then there are the membership fees. I need to look into those too…
Technology is such an important part of any business, this would be an integral part to plan. Contact management would be first and foremost. I would start collecting a list of everyone I knew in a pile. I need to be ready to face the world – to be bold! It takes self confidence to be a Realtor. After all, you are helping people with the most important emotional and financial investment of their lives!
Now it’s time to talk to the family to let them know about my thoughts. This is going to affect my loved ones. We need to work together as a team. Maybe my teenage kids can help me with my technology work and research?
I know there’s more. I just don’t know what I don’t know yet, but I know that I have to be open and willing to learn.
