While everyone knows about the existence of real estate agents, it can be a mysterious field to people who only reference what they know about the job from television and movies. Some characters, like Phil Dunphy on Modern Family, have done an amazing job of portraying the real estate industry as the people-oriented profession it is, but even that character doesn’t go into the specifics of what it’s actually like to work in real estate. The truth is, like any profession, real estate is highly complex and demanding, and there are some major perks of the career that can make it extremely appealing. If you read this list and find yourself intrigued, then perhaps a career in real estate could be for you!

Our Reasons We Love Real Estate

1. Diverse Skill Set
2. People-Oriented
3. Flexibility
4. Always Something New

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1. Your Past Will Come Back To Help You

A successful career in real estate can utilize many of the skills you already use in your life

If you asked someone on the street what a real estate agent does, their response would be, “They buy and/or sell houses.” While technically true, this statement does a disservice to the complexity of that process: what it can be like to market a home, how tricky negotiations can get, how to navigate all of the federal and state requirements for particular properties, etc. Because of the dozens of different responsibilities you’ll have as a part of your job, real estate agents are able to draw inspiration and technical prowess from their hobbies or previous careers that can give them a unique spin to set them apart. As a piece by the New York Times beautifully showed us, whether it’s a career in the fashion industry that lets you see the aesthetic beauty in every property, a job in finance that leaves you level-headed in negotiations, or simply absolute knowledge of the area you’re working in, there’s an opportunity to let your skills shine as an Agent.

2. We're People People

At the end of the day, the job is all about making the client happy

It’s the complete truth that no matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, the job of a real estate Agent revolves around servicing others. The most mundane tasks of the job are all part of a process that can move people into their dream house, and that’s something special that not a lot of people can directly say about their jobs. We come back to this thought when the stress of the job can wear us down, and it gives us a satisfaction that warms us to the core. In all fairness, this comes with a lot of responsibility as well. When someone’s home and personal finances are on the line, that can’t be taken lightly. But we still do it because we can be the reason that families and friends are brought into the homes that will make them happy for the rest of their lives, and it’s a privilege to be able to help. If you’re craving a career that has you directly helping people accomplish their dreams, then this could be a path for you.

3. Practically Self-Employed

While there’s not absolute freedom, your career is in your own hands

Being an Agent means that you’re the one who steers your career into the future. Properties will be bought and sold due to the effort and skill that you can bring to the table in all of your dealings, and along with that you get to decide how you work best. Instead of working 8 to 5 in an office complex with the corner cubicle, you’ll be able to decide where and how you work, what tasks you need to accomplish for the day, and what can be postponed until later. Of course, like in point 2, all of this revolves around making the client happy, so instead of being self-employed, it’s more like you’re choosing who your boss is for each property listing, sometimes putting your client’s needs first. You’ll need to work around your client’s schedule to go around and find houses to visit if they’re buying, or take up the task of putting the home on the market for viewing purposes as aggressively as your client desires. Truth be told, that’s how the job should be in order to maximize the client’s satisfaction, and it sure beats a corner cubicle.

4. Novel Experiences

Even if you carve out a niche for yourself, you’ll still be confronted with new situations

There’s never a dull moment in the housing market. Everyone needs somewhere to live, and every client has a different set of needs, wants, and expectations that will make your job more interesting with every passing day. Whether it’s a veteran who’s planning on purchasing a home for their family in a great school district, an elderly couple who wants to sell their house and move to the Bahamas, or an aspiring writer who needs somewhere quiet and full of light to find inspiration, you’ll adapt to each new scenario and use your skills to help your clients find the solution that best fits theirwhat they needs. Getting to exercise your abilities in new and interesting ways is a great challenge, and finding how to solve your client’s problems in ways only you can gives us a thrill that keeps us wanting more. And even when you’re not working with different kinds of clients, you’ll be striving to satisfy your client in many different ways, so each day is different from the next. This job is certainly not for people who plan on doing the same task every day, and if variety is something you strive for, the real estate market delivers.

What You Will Need

Of course, it'll take more than just passion to go far, much less start as a real estate agent for selling property. You need to turn that into potential by taking these steps:

• Practice your communication skills: This role is not just about marketing but negotiating. Learn how to present ideas and concepts to people in ways they understand. Then, listen and respond with direction and consideration.
• Get involved in the community: This may put off shy types, but you can use this as an opportunity to get to know customer bases, see the market up close, and, most importantly, build a network. Community events, volunteer programs, and associations (preferably in real estate) provide the perfect avenues for this.
• Study the market: Put in the work to understand and apply the concepts and principles of the trade. Learn about the different types of properties, the buying and selling process, and the current market conditions and trends.
• Become a lifelong learner: The real estate market is constantly changing, so being a lifelong learner is crucial. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and regulations by reading industry publications, attending workshops, and taking continuing education courses.

Patience is key; you need lots of actual experience to build a successful real estate brand. But you can succeed as long as you stay open to growth and keep it personally fulfilling for you.

There are aspects of being an Agent that truly make it an interesting and fulfilling career, despite any preconceived notions about what it means to work in real estate. The industry is in need of thoughtful, well-meaning individuals who have the desire to make a difference in people’s lives, and HER is more than ready to get you started on your career to being an established Agent. If you’re looking for a change, or if the aspects of this list appealed to what you want out of a career, contact HER today to see everything that’s possible for your future.