The decision to become a real estate agent can be a monumental one. It doesn’t matter who you are or what field you’re coming from – the world of real estate draws all kinds of people with diverse experiences. At Network Real Estate, our agents have backgrounds in home construction, retail and management, among other fields. What we have in common, however, is a love for meeting new people, looking at beautiful houses, and making dreams come true.
 
If you’re thinking about pursuing a rewarding career as a real estate agent, here are a few more reasons that might just push you over the edge.  

1. Getting started is easy. “Easy,” of course, is a relative term. When it comes to real estate, the barrier to entry is low. You don’t need a bunch of startup money or angel investors, and it doesn’t require expensive equipment or a four-year degree. All you need to do is take a 75-hour prelicensing course and pass the North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s license examination, as well as a background check. Do those things, and you’re on your way to building a lucrative and exciting business as a real estate agent.
    
2. Flexibility is priceless. If you hate the 9-to-5 grind, then a career in real estate might be the answer. While buying and selling homes can be time-consuming, when and where you put in the hours is largely up to you. As long as you stay organized, it’s relatively easy to schedule appointments with clients and set up home viewings around your other responsibilities, such as family obligations and personal passions. You can also take vacations whenever you want, as long as you’re hitting your goals.
    
3. When it comes to your salary, the sky’s the limit. Whether you work for yourself or within a larger company, such as Network Real Estate, you’re generally treated like an independent contractor. This means you aren’t paid a salary or even an hourly wage. The only limit on your paycheck is how successfully you buy and sell. While this can be scary at first, it’s also exciting and a great opportunity, especially as you gain experience. You won’t be limited by a salary cap or an arbitrary budget, which means the opportunities are endless.
    
4. You get to work in a “helping” profession. Buying or selling a house isn’t easy for the average person. That’s why real estate agents exist – to help guide their clients through this confusing, emotional and complex process. Doing this job well requires excellent communication skills, trustworthiness, sensitivity, maturity and an ability to listen and respond to what your clients are saying, thinking and feeling. As a real estate agent, you get to know your clients on a deep level, and this often results in intense relationships that develop into friendships over time. Simply put, a career as a real estate agent is a great way to help others and be a positive force in your community.
    
5. You’ll always have job security. This may sound like a strange perk, especially considering the recent housing crisis and recession. While real estate is not without its challenges, it will never disappear completely, because people will always need a roof over their heads. Our lives and opportunities change as we go through transitions, such as new jobs, new additions to the family, and new adventures. While the market will ebb and flow, a real estate agent who plans ahead and keeps his or her passion for the work will always find a way to succeed. Becoming a real estate agent is a lot like starting a small business. While the process might seem risky or intimidating, rmember that pursuing your dream and building a life around your passion is always worth it. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a real estate agent, or if you’re already licensed and looking for an excellent and established team to join, contact Network Real Estate. You’ll be hanging that first “sold” sign sooner than you think!