How do you become a real estate salesman?
Q: A few weeks ago I was laid off from my job for the third time in the last 12 months. When I work, I earn about $16 per hour. But my family can’t live on un-employment.
Some time ago you wrote about the benefits of selling real estate. As I am 61 and am eligible for early retirement, I’m thinking of retiring and selling real estate for a living. What must I do to become a real estate salesman?
A: There’s always a shortage of “outstanding” real estate sales people. However, please don’t enter realty sales unless you genuinely want to be of service helping your clients buy and sell homes. In the last few years, we in Southwest Florida have doubled plus in real estate agents. The market has been that good, how long that will last? It reminds me of the boom in California. In the L.A. area, one of every four persons had a real estate license. Then the market went bust. Perhaps you might be interested in other real estate careers, such as commercial property sales and leasing.
Your first step is to learn the real estate sales license requirements for the state for you want to sell real estate. Sorry I can’t give you any references – not allowed.
Call or write the real estate commissioner’s office at the state capitol for details, or ask another real estate salesperson.
The next step is to take the required preparation courses so you can pass the license exam.
I find it amazing nobody ever grows up thinking, “I want to be a real estate salesperson.” Like you, most realty agents started their careers in another field but later realized the benefit and enjoyment of selling real estate. I have been the real estate business for over 37 years and I also started in a different field – go figure.
This is a continuance of a question from last week. I accidentally put it in another stack of letters, sorry.
Q: Bob, what should I look for in a roommate in the future?
– Ron B.
A: Start with a list of your lifetime habits. Set out from the beginning of the day and move forward.
Do you rise early and knock around early in the kitchen while making a big breakfast? Do you have certain food allergies or dietary choices to adhere to?
Other considerations:
- Does your routine include drinking or smoking? Check to see if a roommate will be offended by these habits. “Be sure they mention any personal habits that will keep you awake at night,” advised long-time renter Mark Ramsey. One of his roommates walked and swore in his sleep.
- Decide how to handle overnight guests. All weekend? Not at all? Can Mom visit for weeks? Be sure the guests limits as it relates to both time and space, is clearly spelled out.
- What about pets? Some people bring a dog or cat, even when the lease or roommate allergies prohibits pets. Ask if a potential roommate plans any in-house pet-setting. One tenant brought over his parent’s dog for a weekend and wound up keeping him for six months.
- Decide in advance who gets the parking space (if available) and when. Adjust the rent accordingly if only one person receives assigned parking. If the parking is tandem, be sure the early riser takes the proper space. Consider making an extra set of keys, just in case.
- Cable, telephone or DSL? Decide which service you would prefer and how to share the cost. Divide the utility service providers so everyone can build-up credit history, if possible.
- Got furniture? Some people come with extra sofas and chairs, while others bring a paper bag and not much else. If you are providing the furniture, be clear on where food can be eaten. Make it clear that Grandma’s antique chair should not be subjected to stains.
Once you’ve found a roommate, the next step is to set up rules in writing. Several roommate contracts are available, via Internet search engines, bookstores and housing offices.
I hope this works with last weeks roommate questions.
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Have a real estate question? Write, call, fax or e-mail:
Bob Jeffries, Realtor,
Century 21 Birchwood Realty, Inc.
4040 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL
239-549-5724 Office
239-542-7760 Fax