Thinking about Becoming a Realtor in Jacksonville (Orange Park: sales, real estate)

[keepasecret]

I need some advice about becoming areator here in Jacksonville. I have lived here for 15 years. I know most areas of the Westside and near Orange Park VERY WELL, almost to map level by subdivision. Its a hobby I have had to keep track of home prices, square footage, amenities etc.by area. Even going so far as to trend data in my surroundig zip codes.

I have worked in the mortgage servicing area as a manager and now consultant for 15 years as well. Also holding a Mortgage Broker, Financial Consultant, and Certified Mortgage Servicer Licenses. I have seen first hand the fallout from the housing bubble since my clients are the banks that lent funds on the homes that are now depreciated.

I would like an honest opinion on what it takes to be a succesful realtor since, my passion lies on that end of the business. Also, realistic income expectations. My position is pretty well paying but there is not a lot of data on the income of realtors available other than the top 50. I have heard horror stories about being in sales and no "specializing" as a realtor.

I am looking to receive my license by August asa Real Estate Sales agent. I know that NEFAR must be joned as well but have no idea about dues and costs, working under broker, or other real-world costs such as marketing for clients or travel. I guss I would like to know it all going in

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[EricBoyd]

Congrats on your decision to get your real estate sales license. Having a passion for this industry is a good start. I would suggest you start your career with a large brokerage, since they typically offer a lot of in-house training and regular meetings. You'll probably start with a 50/50 (or less) commission split, but the long-term payoff from the training and experience will be worth it. Make sure you have several months of living expenses saved up, so that you don't get tempted to work as a "part-time" agent. While you can be successful doing it part-time, it's very difficult and if you're not efficient, you'll damage your reputation and, worse, you'll not give proper service to your customers. You'll have plenty of chances in your pre-licensure training to ask questions and get answers. So, take advantage of that opportunity. Do you know where you're taking your course?

[wb3690]

Good advice Eric.

Real Estate is something I think about doing later on when I feel like I can devote my time to it. Right now being a mom is my main priority and the thought of losing weekend time or having to miss out on their events isn't something I'm willing to give up.

My dad went into real estate later on and said he absolutely loves it. He sells land and larger properties in the midwest.

[keepasecret]

Can you tell me more bout what you mean as a "part-time" agent? Is that to say a full time committment will yield the best results? I think that is part of my fear, having to give up my current job with a salary for a maybe commission.

[EricBoyd]

IMHO, for most folks, giving this a full-time commitment would benefit all parties. I did some part-time, when I first got my license, but it was very challenging. My day job employer suffered because my cell phone was ringing a LOT (well, it was on vibrate), which meant I was taking outside calls when I should have been working the day job. Then, there were times I took a little extra time at lunch for a quick showing or an inspection. Well, it was sometimes a 2-hour lunch, but it wasn't really scheduled time off. I was clearly putting forth more effort into my RE career than my first chosen career. But, RE quickly became my passion. Or maybe it always was, I just didn't know it until I became more involved with it. As soon as I was able, I quit my day job and went full-time, never looking back.

[mediabh]

So if someone did want to get there RE liscence.. Where is the best place to take the course?

[EricBoyd]

Some large brokerage firms, like Watson Realty Corp, offer the sales associate prelicensure training in-house. You can also go to the Florida Real Estate Institute (google it). FCCJ used to offer, too, but I don't know if they still do.

[EricBoyd]

Here's a near-identical thread in another section of city-data: //www.city-data.com/forum/real-...l#post14760282