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Estate as a New Career
Are you thinking about a new career in real estate sales?
Perhaps you’re at a point in your life where you’ve
decided to make changes and you’re thinking that real estate
sales could be exactly the career you’re looking for. Well
consider this: Now is the best time in a long time to take the plunge.
Several factors make the real estate profession an attractive one
for those who are willing to work hard, be patient and are looking
for a career that offers flexibility, freedom and limitless financial
and professional rewards. One of those factors is that there are
fewer agents in the marketplace than a decade ago. And the older
seniors who are now doing the majority of the business are getting
ready to retire. This means people coming into the business today
stand a good chance of finding themselves in very successful real
estate careers down the road.
Getting Started in Real Estate
Entry into the real estate field depends on education,
training and interests. It requires preparation. As with other professions,
licensing is required.
Advantages and Rewards of a Career in Real
Estate
A career in real estate provides flexibility and freedom
to set your own pace. Income directly reflects your efforts, with
no limits on what astute, hard-working men and women can earn. Successful
people in real estate are goal-oriented, persevering, self-motivated,
ambitious and people-oriented. The rewards of a real estate career
are a potential for high earnings, status in the community, autonomy,
time freedom, helping people, the intellectual challenge and the
satisfaction from those accomplishments.
Working in real estate allows for independence and
choices of environment in which to work, such as affiliation with
a large or small firm. With more experience and upon passing of
an additional exam, becoming a real estate broker can be the next
step. Brokers can own their own businesses and employ other salespeople.
Your New Career
If you are someone who loves meeting new people, if
you are driven to be the best you can be, if you are passionate
about your work, if you are dedicated, a hard worker, flexible,
coach-able, open minded, willing to reinvent your business, and
are dedicated to continually improving it, you can basically write
your ticket as far as how successful you will become.
Getting Started in Real Estate – Washington
State Requirements
- 18 years of age
- Proof of completion of state approved pre-licensing courses
- A grade of “Pass” on the state licensing examination
- Completed and submitted application with licensing fee
Requirement Essentials
- Sixty (60) classroom “clock” hours are required
in state approved pre-licensing courses. Classroom courses average
~ $250; online courses average ~ $150.
- Upon completion, the RE education institution issues the prospective
agent a confirmation of completion certificate. This document
will be required when you take the exam.
- In Washington State, the cost of the licensing examination is
$138.25; payable only in a certified check or money order.
- You must schedule an appointment for the examination, which
is held in numerous locations around the state; “walk-ins”
are not accepted.
- The exam content is composed of two (2) sections: fundamentals
(national standards) and state requirements. A score of 70% for
each section will result in a grade of “Pass”.
- Prospective agents can re-take the exam if a passing grade is
not achieved. Persons are allowed to apply partial passage of
either portion to their re-examination grading, for a period of
up to six (6) months after they take the original exam. The full
licensing examination fee will be required.
- Prospective agents will receive a license application upon receiving
a passing grade. Upon obtaining their brokers signature, applicants
will submit this document to the DOL with an activation fee of
$116. Licenses are mailed to the broker in 4-6 weeks.
- Be sure to choose a course that is right for you and has demonstrated
a high success rate. Odelia Pacific Properties can assist you
in obtaining the right education to insure a passing grade the
first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Odelia Pacific Properties prepare me for a career
in real estate?
Odelia Pacific Properties prepares you by providing the critical
support, guidance and leadership necessary to be successful in today’s
market. Our company Website, technological expertise and market
“know how” benefit you by providing the latest and most
comprehensive resources available today. Also, our commitment to
superior client satisfaction paves the way for a strong referral
network.
What can I expect in up front costs?
With schooling, application/license fees and advertising costs (business
cards, signs, etc.) you can expect start-up costs of approximately
$1,000-$1,500. The payback on this initial investment should be
realized on your first sale.
How am I paid?
Odelia Pacific Properties is paid by the title company upon the
closing of the sale. Odelia Pacific Properties in turn will pay
you based on the predetermined commission afforded you. Remember
that official closing of a sale may take up to several months after
the initial offer is accepted.
How soon will I be successful?
Success depends on you. If you are truly dedicated, persistent,
and driven, real estate sales can provide you with a great income
each and every year for the rest of your life. Odelia Pacific Properties
equips you with all the necessary tools to achieve your goals.
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