News, Many Re-Think Real Estate Career. (agent, fees, insurance, expensive)

[John1960]

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Selling real estate conjures up images of fancy cars, lots of money, and short work hours. Of course, that's not always a reality, especially during this slow real estate market. Across the mid-state, a lot of people are re-thinking a real estate career.

NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Many Re-Think Real Estate Career

[Rakin]

RE has always had a high turnover rate. It's probably one of the hardest careers someone can choose.

I work 26 hours a day and by the time I get to work in the morning I'm already 2 hours late.

Seriously, only 20% of the agents are truly successful. Forget the glamor, I work weekends and evenings and don't have time for a real social life.

[DMenscha]

I have to laugh at the short work hours. The only agents that work short hours are the ones who sell other agents the "marketing success" packages for $395. Most big deal agents have at least one licensed assistant who works at least 40 hours to keep all the paperwork flowing.

[jomarval]

I had a big laugh with the short work week myself. I cant remember what a weekend felt like much less a 40 hr work week. If I go on vacation my briefcase and my PDA. tag along. I am with Rankin I work 26hrs and always 2 hrs behind!
As far as fancy cars lets just say we need a reliable car, remember we not only drive most of the day but we drive with clients in it. I cant afford to get another 2 hrs behind because of it.

[MikiJayne]

I am sort of glad that a lot of people are re-thinking it. That leaves more business for those of us who are serious about it and stick with it even through the rough times.

[Brandon Hoffman]

The glamors of real estate: working nights and weekends...no insurance or benefits...sometimes do a lot of work and don't get paid...make 1/4th of what people assume we make and that is before taxes...generally not trusted...generally not appreciated...expected to be at work when clients are at work...expected to be available when clients aren't at work...compromise personal life to be successful all to often...have to clean up messes by the part timers to get it done...

[Rakin]

The guys who cut my hair sells real estate on Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays.

Not sure how he manages but these are the type we don't need.

[Beena]

The guys who cut my hair sells real estate on Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays.

Not sure how he manages but these are the type we don't need.


Yeah that's rough. Maybe when he's showing houses he brags that his other career requires more skill? :0

[celina1960]

Yes Miki, I'm also glad alot are dropping out. It's well known in my office that if they drop out and try to come back in good times, there will be hell in my office. We have to stay strong thru the good and bad times. When the market comes back, the ones left standing will be as good as gold.

[caligurltotx]

Well some drop out because it is expensive to be a real Raealtor! You got MLS dues, some have office fees, and advertising fees, you have to pay for signage, biz cards, and it cost about $700 to $800 to be a member of your local Association/Board, and that's yearly cost. Plus the cost of gas driving folks around. So if an Agent isn't making any money they have to go work somewhere. I know some that go to retail dept. stores and even Disneyland and Walmart.

I think most drop out when they see how hard it really is!