Real Estate Investment is a whole other creature and there is not enough space here to speak in detail on that.

But I am hoping you are considering real estate sales because you love it – not just for the $$$.

It’s a tough job any way you look at it, particularly in today’s buyer’s market, so please consider the fact that – to do it right – you will have to immerse yourself. If you are going to dedicate yourself to something – you should love it. Life’s too short, so if you are only kinda sorta thinking it might be interesting to take a stab at – think again.

However, if you have a dream, and a true passion for real estate, you can do it! Be prepared to do it full time, taking advantage of all the training and resources of your brokerage house.

1. Save some $$$ before you start. Make sure you have money to live on for at least 6 months plus $$$ to pay the start up costs for the new business, including the class fees, MLS fees, E&O insurance, franchise fees and desk fees, if you choose to go that route, marketing materials (business cards, signs and riders, postage, advertising, website, etc.).

2. Take the prelicense class, study hard, learn the materials, network in your class (save business cards as future contacts), pass the class test – and then go on and take the State exam. I would also recommend taking a prep class for the State exam (it helped me tremendously).

3. Interview at several brokerage houses to see what they will offer you in terms of training and support, and find your niche. Every brokerage has something to offer – feel out the environment (is it friendly and helpful or cold and competitive) and the broker manager (is he or she professional and supportive) – do the research, then go with your gut. You don’t want to spend $$$ on marketing materials and then find you need to change brokers and do it all over again.

4. Prepare a detailed business plan for the first year including your marketing framework and all costs – with the help of your broker manager – and then WORK THE PLAN. A scattered shotgun approach will not be as effective as a thoughtful, sensible, detailed marching plan. Use all of your past contacts as a starting point for your marketing strategy, and continue to collect business cards and email addresses as you meet people day to day.

5. Become a REALTOR and read and USE all the materials on and in their member magazines – they do have some very good ideas from agents already in the business.

6. Be prepared to analyze and understand trends in your local market, and how to turn them into opportunities. This is a serious business and you need to treat it that way.

7. Remember to have a life. All work and no play will stress you out. Be flexible for your customers but include some family/personal time on your calendar.

8. Persevere. Be positive. Be enthusiastic. Be professional. Be prepared to continuously market your business to your contacts, past and future.

You can do it.

Good luck and best wishes

Email me at if you are intrested