Published by Kartik Subramaniam
Once you complete our classroom real estate courses in California or real estate classes online, you’ll need to put your license with a broker if you want to go to work.
At this early stage in your career, you are probably full of enthusiasm and at the same time have some serious questions and perhaps some lingering fears about whether not you're making the right career decision.
One of the most important steps you will take as a real estate salesperson is to choose a broker, the place where you will, in effect, hang your hat along with your license, and build your initial reputation in the field. Whether you're already licensed, or are shopping for a place to take your real estate classes, finding the right environment is all-important to your future. Even though it's not a lifetime commitment, your choice of initial affiliation will affect not only your earning ability, but also your learning curve, your growth potential as a real estate agent, and your long-term success and fulfillment as a professional.
Brokers also want to ensure that new agents who join their firms will be compatible, hard-working, knowledgeable, committed, enthusiastic, and a good match for the company culture.
How should you evaluate your opportunities? What are the steps to take to assure the best possible fit?
To prepare for your interview, expect to be asked the following questions by a potential employing broker:
1. What drives your decision to become a licensed real estate agent?
Do you have previous sales experience? Is money your primary goal? How do you intend to support yourself until the sales (and closings) start rolling in?
2. Do you have a monetary goal in mind?
If you've given even a little thought to this, you will probably answer this question with a specific dollar figure; then you can go on to explain that you intend to grow your earnings over time to reach your ultimate goal. Also, you'd be wise to impress a potential broker with your knowledge of real estate facts and figures. It's not detrimental to disclose that, in the beginning, you view real estate as a part-time gig, until you can build a reputation and a clientele. This disclosure is important because it will help to understand whether or not the brokerage’s training calendar is going to be a fit.
3. How much time and energy can you devote to the business?
Real estate, unlike a 9-5 job, requires evening and weekend work, coupled with high levels of client accessibility. A broker will want to know that you understand the time commitment, as well as the energy it takes to see a transaction from listing to closing, or from initial contact with prospective buyer to the accepted offer by the seller and the escrow ultimately closing.
Real estate can be an extremely rewarding -- and profitable -- profession. But it requires knowledge, dedication and commitment. Show a broker those three qualities, and you'll be on your way to a mutually beneficial association.
If you need help being placed with a broker or are considering the first steps to real estate licensing or passing the real estate exam, call us at 888 768 5285.
Love,
Kartik
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Founder, Adhi Schools
Kartik Subramaniam is the Founder and CEO of ADHI Real Estate Schools, a leader in real estate education throughout California. Holding a degree from Cal Poly University, Subramaniam brings a wealth of experience in real estate sales, property management, and investment transactions. He is the author of nine books on real estate and countless real estate articles. With a track record of successfully completing hundreds of real estate transactions, he has equipped countless professionals to thrive in the industry.