Real estate in Charlotte? (Raleigh: for sale, insurance, credit card)

[sassieb75]

I have a question about real estate in Charlotte. This pertains to actually working as a realtor. Here in phoenix as the housing boom started a couple of years ago, everyone and their mother were getting licensed to sell homes. I too was interested however, I was having my 3rd child and knew I could'nt devote my time to that career. Now, it's almost too late to break into that industry out here. If anyone has any knowledge of how the field of real estate as a job is in the Charlotte area, Im very interested to hear.

[RedNC]

A realtor is like any other career you have to work at it to be successful. Anyone can get a real estate license. Not everyone can be a successful realtor. In the boom times everyone and their brother/sister runs to get licensed, because they see it as easy money and it is. The true realtors are the ones that can sell in the slower markets. Times like now will weed out the ones that can sell houses and the ones that can’t.

The boom times will be back soon enough, so if you think that is something you want to try then by all means go for it. It’s never too late. I heard the same thing in the early 80’s, late 80’s, and early 90’s. Real estate is cyclical and a down market will rebound just like an up market will go flat.

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by sassieb75

I have a question about real estate in Charlotte. This pertains to actually working as a realtor. Here in phoenix as the housing boom started a couple of years ago, everyone and their mother were getting licensed to sell homes. I too was interested however, I was having my 3rd child and knew I could'nt devote my time to that career. Now, it's almost too late to break into that industry out here. If anyone has any knowledge of how the field of real estate as a job is in the Charlotte area, Im very interested to hear.

Hi there sassie another Arizonian on the way to Charlotte. I had my license here in Az and let it go a couple of years ago but my hubby still has his. I was doing some research on Nc it's basically the same, you have to go to school and take the test. Just as Red says you have to work at it like any other business. It is a hard business to get up and running and takes a lot of energy and money to keep going thought the hard times but you can't go wrong getting your license even if it's for your own personal use. I may get mine when I get there.

[VickiR]

Well, speaking as a Realtor...it IS hard work but its VERY satisfying. Alot of my clients have become wonderful friends. I do think alot of people get into the field when housing is hot and then fizzle out. In my office...each month, we get about 10 new agents. Its a joke that its not necessary to learn their name until they are there for 3 months! So many drop out after a month! I've been a Realtor iin Raleigh since 1990 and even when interest rates were 12% (yep, they sure were), I had clients. If you give your clients your best, word gets around and you have more clients. Thats just the type of business it is. I also have 4 kids. Three are out of the house but I got into Real Estate for the flexibility and I never missed any of their dance competitions or t ball games or soccer games. Mostly its not a job or a career but a "calling" to help others. Yhea yhea...I hear ya...I'm getting off my soapbox...Vicki

[sassieb75]

Wow! What positive responses..thanks! a1m1700....when are you moving? Where are you going exactly? I need as much info from a fellow zonie!lol

thanks all!

[Jethro]

Whats going on here? I am also a Phoenician headed to NC!

Well, headed back anyway.
I grew up there and had to leave in '93.
I have bounced allover the west coast and with 2 little ones it is time to go back home.

Could either of you 2 zonies share with me some tips on how you are coordinating a long distance move.
My wife and I are just starting to try and work out some of the details and it is a logistical nightmare.

We will be using a moving company so if you have a recomendation it would be helpful. Also buying a house in NC before the PHX house sells and not having a job during the move will be scary, better get another credit card!

Didnt mean to hijack your thread, You could just PM me if you have any pointers.

-Mike

[sassieb75]

Jethro...since I was still online, I thought Id respond real quick. We are in the beginning stages of exploring relocation. I have 3 kids and my husband just started a new job here. He has to be here atleast a year to get a transfer. I have no idea what will happen over the next year. I just want to leave so bad! I hate it here! So, about selling the house, Im scared about that too. We want to build if we go to NC so it is scary. I mean when do you put a house up for sale? What if it sells before we are ready to go? What if it doesnt sell at all....yikes! About the actual move, you really need to screen you moving company. Check their record. Ask about insurance and get a definate time of delivery! There is so much to do when you move across the country..or even in town. I am not looking forward too that chaos! Good luck to you. Maybe we can help eachother figure this out?

[Weis02]

Sassieb75- You need to take a deep breath and take one step at a time. Everyone is in the same boat just the order of it all changes...some are going with jobs...other goes with no jobs...some buy a house there and then sell one here (there is something called a bridge loan but it is usually more costly)...other sell where they are and then move...

If your husband can transfer and has a job, I know me personally (just my opinion) I would put my house up 3-4 mos before I wanted to move...(depending on the time of yr-some are slower then others)....once my house was sold and in contract and I had a closing date which is usually on or about 30 days, I would then look down in NC since the closing time there is quicker then here in NC...You can state in your contract in NC, that it is contingent on selling/closing on your house)...I agree it is overwhelming, and it all does work out in the end, just make sure all this is worth it for you and your situation...

[tismekll]

Originally Posted by Jethro

Whats going on here? I am also a Phoenician headed to NC!

Well, headed back anyway.
I grew up there and had to leave in '93.
I have bounced allover the west coast and with 2 little ones it is time to go back home.

Could either of you 2 zonies share with me some tips on how you are coordinating a long distance move.
My wife and I are just starting to try and work out some of the details and it is a logistical nightmare.

We will be using a moving company so if you have a recomendation it would be helpful. Also buying a house in NC before the PHX house sells and not having a job during the move will be scary, better get another credit card!

Didnt mean to hijack your thread, You could just PM me if you have any pointers.

-Mike

Here is another zonie moving to either NC or SC. I'm not brave enough to purchase a house before the home here sells and it is becoming painful...4 months and counting
Where is everyone out there going..Raleigh or Charlotte area?
I haven't checked into a moving company yet but I heard it is very expensive.

[Jethro]

Originally Posted by sassieb75

We are in the beginning stages of exploring relocation. I have 3 kids and my husband just started a new job here. He has to be here atleast a year to get a transfer.

Same boat here, My wife is an Elementary School teacher and has a contract for the coming year with Dysart District (and another little one due in January )

We are looking at moving right at the end of this coming school year, but like you I'm so anxious I can't help but try to plan every detail RIGHT NOW!
Carolina is home for me and I have felt like an alien out here on the west coast for the last 13 years. I might jump out of my skin when we cross that state line.

I'll pass on any good info I find.