things i wish i knew before become a realtor
🏠 HOW WIDELY HATED THE PROFESSION IS
The reputation of agents isn’t great, and while a lot of it is deserved, there are also amazing and ethical agents out there who do put their clients first. This is a job where I feel like my identity is tied so much to it, and it’s tough to work with clients who go into the relationship so distrusting of anything you say just because of what they’ve heard about Realtors being scummy.
🏠 THE CONSTANT PRESSURE TO BE NETWORKING
Whether I’m at the gym, grocery store, bar, wherever - I feel like I have to be “on” and bring up somehow that I’m an agent. It’s exhausting being told constantly that being an agent is a lifestyle and I have to look for business in everyone I meet. I just want to be able to be a person, and not look at other people like potential business transactions.
🏠 HOW MUCH TIME YOU’LL POUR INTO PEOPLE FOR IT TO GO NOWHERE
This is one of the more painful parts of the job. It feels like a betrayal when they go behind your back. People feel entitled to your services and assume you “make so much” already that it doesn’t matter to waste your time. Setting boundaries is essential, and it’s tough to do when you know it could cost you business.
🏠 THE MENTAL TOLL
Not knowing when or where your next paycheck is coming in, so much uncertainty, the market is always shifting, your schedule is never the same. It’s difficult to set budgets when you have such an unpredictable income. It’s hard to plan trips in case clients at home need you. The constant unknown can be mentally taxing.
🏠 FEELING LIKE I CAN’T MOVE
Your whole business is built around where you live, and it takes time to build up the referral network and sphere that earns you clients. I feel trapped where I live all of the time because I’d be starting over somewhere new, and financially (and mentally) it can feel impossible.
🔑 These are more of the struggles I experience, but there’s positives too obviously! I think people have a very skewed idea of what it’s really like as an agent, and the reality is much different than what you see on Selling Sunset or your local agent’s instagram.
❓What questions do you guys have about being an agent? Have any of you thought about becoming one?
❓Anyone was an agent and pivoted into something else? What are you doing now?
#realtortips #realtorstories #realtorcommunity #career #realestateagent #realestate
Becoming a realtor can often be more challenging than anticipated. Many individuals are drawn to the profession under the impression that it offers flexibility and high earning potential. However, the reality can be quite different. The negative reputation that real estate agents carry can create an environment of distrust, impacting client relationships from the start. Agents often feel like their identity is tied closely to their profession, which can be exhausting when trying to maintain personal boundaries. Networking is crucial yet daunting; agents are expected to promote their services continuously, even in casual settings, which can feel like a constant performance. This pressure can detract from genuine interactions, transforming everyday encounters into potential business opportunities, which not everyone is comfortable with. Another unexpected aspect is the emotional and financial toll this career can take. Many aspiring realtors are unprepared for the instability of income due to fluctuating market conditions. Learning to set boundaries is essential, yet it can be difficult when clients may assume that agents have ample time and resources. Over time, agents may feel locked into their current location due to the effort required to build a local referral network. The thought of starting over in a new area can be intimidating and may contribute to feelings of being trapped. Understanding these critical aspects can equip future realtors with the knowledge they need to navigate the ups and downs of this profession more effectively.
I’m so happy I found your page! I’m new into the reality world. I just got licensed and in the process of finding my broker that’s best fit for me. Is there any advice that you can give a new agent- what to look for, what to ask, etc?