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Just wondering if SI has realtor running around. We seem to have almost all professions on here, so I thought I would give it a shot!

I'm thinking about getting my real estate licence and I was hoping someone would be able to tell me about their experience as a realtor. How many hours you usually worked, good/bad experiences with brokers, etc. Really just any info you wish you had before gettting into real estate.

TIA!

I am not but several of my friends are. The ones that are successful work A LOT OF HOURS. They take call on weekends and holidays and answer their phone at all hours. The ones that do not do that barely pull in a hobby income. It takes a couple of years to build enough clientele before you do not have to work like that. Variable income so having enough savings or another flexible job for a year or two seems to be the norm.

Also, there is more expense than I realized. They pay for continuing Ed, to have access to the MLS, part of their earnings go to the agency they work for and most have monthly fees for various ad type stuff.

I would recommend that you go to one of your local agencies and ask them to break out the monthly costs for a new realtor.

Most that stay In and make a living seem to love it. I know lots that do not do it that have a license.

I am not, but I investigated the profession pretty thoroughly before deciding not to take on that venture. If I was looking for a hobby profession or knew someone with their own office that I knew would take me on, I would consider it but once I started looking at the cost, the hours, etc. it would have been the wrong move for me. The few realtors I know still in the business are working their asses off. There was a time when it would have been lucrative but not anymore. Frankly, I think that they are simply agents for the sellers since most of us can find houses on the internet, just need someone to let them in. I think if I did anything in this field I would consider getting my RE appraisal license. Good luck with your hunt, it is just my 2 cents! If it is something you are passionate about go in and talk to a realtor. The ones around here are always looking so the first step is to talk to them.

My sister was a realtor for over 25 years, in MD, CA, and finally PA. She made good money for a number of years, but the last few years she said the expenses just weren't worth what she was bringing in in commissions. And she would work really hard for her clients too, driving them all over the place, holding open houses, and looking after houses for absentee homeowners, etc. (she lived in a semi-rural area close to a major ski attraction.) I think the last year she worked she didn't have one single commission!

Thanks so much for the input everyone!

I think I'll go talk to a local realtor before I make a decision.