The Steps You Take To Become a Real Estate Broker
Working as a broker in real estate requires a lot of hard work, patience, and dedication. However, the hard work offers great income potential, a flexible schedule and you have the freedom to work at your own speed. It is exciting to sell out a property successfully. But just like any other career, you need the training to understand what is ahead and take action to achieve success and profitability. If you are interested in becoming a real estate broker, here are the steps you should follow:
Consider Your State Laws
Before embarking to become a real estate broker, first, understand the laws that regulate real estate and brokerage career in your state. Most states have laws regulating the sale of houses, landlord-tenant agreements, construction, and land use.
Get the License
Most states, such as Florida, require that before getting a license, you need to first enroll in real estate education which is mostly real estate pre-licensing courses. You have to do your study, which is typically 120 hours or more, but that’s where education and exam prep websites like onlinereed.com can be a lifesaver. Ensure that you enroll in an institute that has a good reputation and known for positive student outcome. This course is very important if you want to excel in your career as a real estate broker. Additionally, in this pre-licensing course, you can choose to study in an actual classroom or online real estate education platform. All this depends with your study habits and the level of your concentration and study discipline.
Generally, the course covers the real estate principles and practices, and the legal aspects of real estate among others. Now that you have studied and passed the exam, you will be awarded with a license. There is a fee required to acquire the license, though. Also, a background criminal check will be conducted on you and your fingerprints will be put on a file.
Join a Brokerage Company
A real estate brokerage is a company or agency where brokers and agents work from. In most states, a brokerage company is a requirement to allow you to work as a real estate broker. When looking for a brokerage company consider the reputation of that company. Ask around and read online comments and feedbacks from people they have dealt with. Additionally, consider the area they cover and how many more brokers and agents they work with. This will help you know if the agency is right for you or not. You should also consider the fact that some brokerages will pay you on commission-basis only.
Build your Portfolio
Having a mentor and creating your own network will greatly help your career. A mentor will guide you on how to become a professional in your dealings with your clients. Start building your network by asking your friends and relatives to refer people interested in buying homes to you. Also, if your services are exemplary, former clients can help in this. People are always looking for new homes. Your career should pick up from here.
Being a real estate broker is similar to starting a business. You will need to keep on reading to increase your knowledge. At this point enroll in an online real estate education forums and attend many seminars to expand your knowledge. In no time your career will pick up. It just needs a bit of patience.