[Stylo]

I've always thought about becoming a realtor someday and operating my own business.

This is still pretty far down the line, but it never hurts to start thinking now.

I had my own marketing agency in the past and really liked running my own business. I've now worked for several marketing agencies and like the work, but not the stress or politics. It's fine for now, and I'm making good money - but I don't see myself doing it in 10 years (I'm 29 now).

Why do I feel suited to real estate? I have a knack for a lot of aspects: local information, home decor/design, photography (it amazes me how BAD some realtors are at it), marketing/design skills, web/social media savvy, public speaking/sales/pitch abilities, etc. If there's one thing I can do, it's market and sell the crap out of something.

I'm even working on an online real estate startup with a colleague right now.

Incidentally, my dad went from advertising to real estate in his career.

I guess the challenge would be the transition. I'm making six figures at the moment, and can't imagine making anything close to that when I start out. I would have to have a cushion. But more importantly, how would I start out?

What are the requirements in CT for getting a broker's license and having your own agency? Do you have to work for an outside company for a while?

Right now I have a bachelor's in business, what else would I need to do education wise?

The information out there is daunting and sometimes contradictory, so I would love to get some thoughts.

[kidyankee764]

I really don't know, bit given your knowledge on the area, I think you'd make a great realtor. Looking forward to the responses...

[Stylo]

Surprised no one has chimed in yet.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

I have more respect for a new car salesman........

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

I have more respect for a new car salesman........

Ouch!

[DawnMTL]

Y'know how everyone loves when they know more than you do and they get to help you by answering your questions? Is there a realtor that you can call and ask these questions? I'll give you the name of my CT realtor (West Hartford) if you'd like to call him. He's a terrific guy. Let me know...

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

I have more respect for a new car salesman........

Really? Why? If someone is good at it and honest, they're not harming anyone.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Really? Why? If someone is good at it and honest, they're not harming anyone.

Yeah, I agree. I know a lot of very good realtors. I actually know a good Realtor out of Milford who could give you a few pointers. Like Dawn offered, let me know if you'd like his info.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Really? Why? If someone is good at it and honest, they're not harming anyone.

The realty business just strikes me as very sleazy overall. The standards for obtaining a license are miniscule. There is no oversight of the industry and its tactics. I guess if you are really on top of it, you can do well. But why would you want to have to rely on working with a majority of other "professionals" whom have no ethics and are uneducated? I've only seen 2 realtors that occasionally post on the CT board that have their *h*t together. They are definitely in the minority.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

The realty business just strikes me as very sleazy overall. The standards for obtaining a license are miniscule. There is no oversight of the industry and its tactics. I guess if you are really on top of it, you can do well. But why would you want to have to rely on working with a majority of other "professionals" whom have no ethics and are uneducated? I've only seen 2 realtors that occasionally post on the CT board that have their *h*t together. They are definitely in the minority.

That's kind of where I see opportunity. I worked with some realtors before buying my house and none impressed me in the least. Being in marketing and pitching big accounts on a regular basis, I felt like none had any presentation or speaking skills. No sense of marketing savvy. When I sold my townhouse, I did my own listing/photos (rented some lenses for my Nikon and made it look like those professional multi-million dollar listings - photos are everything), set the price myself, and just had a realtor friend post it for me. Sold in 8 days in a down market.

Thanks all for the offers, I may seek them out at some point. Or I may contact the aforementioned realtor friend again at some point, but don't want to bug her just yet as she manages a big office and is always crazy busy.

For now I just need some basic info to stew on.