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Aaron Mtuanwi, INSPIRED TO SERVE Atlanta, GA [Metro Atlanta Area] (LBBM Brokers, Inc)

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Rainmaker
152,661
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

Getting the license is the easy part, making a living selling real estate takes hard work and costs money!

Oct 25, 2016 04:19 AM
Ambassador
5,049,450
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Actually I can only think of 1 in the last year - a client who was impressed with me...seriously!!

Oct 25, 2016 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Met an older woman wanting this the other week. I asked her why? She said money and something to do. I laughed about the money and something to do can be daunting depending what it is when it comes in Real Estate...

Oct 25, 2016 05:30 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

No real bad time to become an agent, but most people are not qualified to become one and should save their time and money.

Oct 25, 2016 08:09 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

I would tell them to forget it. Now being at RM, I don't have to deal with that nonsense. I do remember a lady telling me she'd be great at it because she 'loves decorating'. 

Oct 25, 2016 07:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Aaron Mtuanwi Most people think you show a house and get a big pay check. They need to research it carefully before coming into this business.

Oct 25, 2016 07:30 AM
Ambassador
3,587,960
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Yes it is a good time IF new agents are willing to really learn what is REALLY needed to create and sustain a successful business!! Sky is the limit.

Oct 25, 2016 06:37 AM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

I tell them to think hard on it and ask if they are prepared to make zero dollars for at least 3 months.

Oct 25, 2016 06:14 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

"It's America... the land of opportunity.  Real estate is a great business if you're willing to take off the rose colored glasses, roll up your sleeves and do the things necessary to build a viable business".  

That said, I'd tell them 87% of new agents drop out within the first 2 years for lack of enough business (income) to survive.   For many, it wipes out any savings they had and they have to go get a "real" job and start over.  

Being your own boss has appeal.  The discipline to do the work is actually pretty rare.  Go back to the 87% drop out rate.  What does that tell you?

Oct 25, 2016 06:03 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Not very often, fortunately. I am a moving target so hard to catch up to when there is a question that needs answering

Oct 25, 2016 05:42 AM
Rainmaker
864,658
Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

It is always a good time to get a real estate license. Are they willing to put in the hours, educate themselves and risk having a regular life to make it a successful business?

Oct 25, 2016 05:13 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Aaron,

It is always a good time to get into real estate, the real question is "Are they suited for the job?  A

Oct 25, 2016 05:02 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Of ten people I will meet this week one will say, "I am thinking about getting into real estate."  Three will say, "I used to be in real estate." Three will say, "Do you think they'll take 70% of list price?" One will get amnesia and disappear and two will close.

What do I say?

"There is not a better industry on the planet that predictably leads to financial Independence than real estate. There are one hundred ways to make a good living in real estate. However, the system is structured to INSURE 90% of newbies will fail before their second year anniversary. Not because it is hard but because they were abandoned to learn to swim or drown. In a sea of smiley faces that promises Train'n and more train'n, for decades, the success rate has never changed. The game is to separate newbies from $12,000 of their hard earned dollars. Some figure it out.  If you are serious, you need to buy my book."

IF they are a blow-hards, nothing happens. If they are serious, they will ask one of three questions.

 

Oct 25, 2016 04:56 AM
Rainmaker
815,253
Paul Antonelli
Antonelli Realty - Saint Cloud, FL
Broker Owner; Antonelli Realty

The school will only teach you what you need to know to pass the test. They do not teach you how to get business or the expense it takes.

Oct 25, 2016 08:30 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

    I tell them it's just like HGTV... we walk through 2 or 3 houses, the Buyer buys one, and then I get a big fat commission check.

   JUST KIDDING!  Actually, I tell them it is NOT like HGTV, the attrition rate is 80%, are they prepared to work for months with no payday?

Oct 25, 2016 12:44 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I meet people thinking about a Real Estate career every day Aaron Mtuanwi . Any time is a good time to get into Real Estate for a serious, hard working individual. I have experienced both buyers and sellers markets. I find it easy to adapt to either one. BTW regardles of the market I'm in my office at 7:00 AM Monday through Friday and I'm available weekends as needed.

Oct 25, 2016 10:51 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

It's always good to have a real estate license, in my opinion, even if you don't practice -- you can hang the license with a broker and receive referral compensation.  

Oct 30, 2016 04:37 AM
Rainer
31,120
Iva Sarnova
Keller Williams Realty - Kirkland, WA

I tell them it is a rewarding career and I invite them to our career night or offer to set up a meeting with our Office CEO so they can decide if this is something for them. I also tell them different site where they can go and study for the license. 

Oct 28, 2016 05:10 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Have only had this question a couple of times, but was very honest with them.

Oct 27, 2016 09:23 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

In the past year, I've had a few inquiries.  What I said was . . . it's been about 20 years since I became a licensee. I don't keep up with how to obtain a real estate license and wouldn't know what is required now, nor how much it costs.  Is it a good time to be a real estate agent?  That's a open-end question with way too many variables to answer intelligently.  I'm not a guidance counselor.

Oct 27, 2016 05:43 AM
Rainer
12,938
Aaron Mtuanwi
LBBM Brokers, Inc - Lawrenceville, GA
INSPIRED TO SERVE Atlanta, GA [Metro Atlanta Area]

I have met four in the past six months. Two were my clients. I am believing that our professional lifestyle is proving to our clients that we have the best of life. Our relationship with people and comportment in the face of difficult situations are admirable. This is the most lesson that I am learning from this conversation.

Oct 26, 2016 05:53 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I've come across it twice in the last year.  I explain the process and the startup costs and how long it takes to get your first paycheck and what it looks like after fees/splits/etc.  I tell them what it takes to make a living at it and let them decide if it's the right time for them.

Oct 26, 2016 03:31 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Any time is a good time to get into real estate if you are willing to do what it takes to be successful.

Oct 26, 2016 12:49 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

All the time. Some are meant for the business and some are not.

Oct 25, 2016 11:52 PM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I get 1 inquiry a month avg - I always tell them yes, it's a good time

Oct 25, 2016 10:57 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Often. I answer their questions.

Oct 25, 2016 10:01 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,552
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Let's meet !

Oct 25, 2016 09:55 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,139
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I refer them to a good real estate school.

Oct 25, 2016 09:47 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Aaron Mtuanwi - almost every third person wants to be in Real Estate...

Oct 25, 2016 03:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

You got $6000 a year budget to keep your license?

Oct 25, 2016 01:46 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I get asked all the time although they have a misconception about how much we make,

Oct 25, 2016 01:37 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

I'd say do it!  It's usually a great way to make a living.

Oct 25, 2016 01:21 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I would say any market is good to get ones real estate license.

Oct 25, 2016 01:02 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

It used to happen pretty often, every couple of weeks. In the last year it has happened 2-3 times. I tell them the truth about how hard they will have to work but it has great potential.

Oct 25, 2016 12:33 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,659
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I'm so with Ron and Alexandra Seigel comment! "It is always a good time to get into real estate, the real question is "Are they suited for the job!" so true!

Oct 25, 2016 11:40 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I personally don't run into too many people that want to get into the business, but membership in my local board has really grown this year. It's all new licensees, too. I guess when the market's good, everyone thinks they can make money in this business. 

Oct 25, 2016 09:45 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Once in a while and i give them the full truth about geting started.

Oct 25, 2016 08:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I typically let them make their own decision after warning them that it's a lot of work and most people won't make any money for the first six months.

Oct 25, 2016 07:43 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

With 1.3 million REALTORS® as members of NAR by the end of next year they need to be full time, serious, and have a reserve fund for losses to start.

Oct 25, 2016 05:24 AM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I am asked this often.  My response is getting a license is the first step.  Being an independent contractor is a responsibility that many don't do well in.  A new licensee has to plan for at least 3 to 6 months without a paycheck. But the rewards can be large if the person is motivated to work hard for themselves.

Oct 25, 2016 05:22 AM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I firmly believe there are far too many Realtors; many of whom should find another career.   I tell people to run away, and run fast.  This is not a business for everyone and I've found far too many struggle to the point of losing their spouse, their family and eventually their home. 

I have difficulty accepting these Brokers who are recruiting anyone with a pulse! I do tell people that we wear many many hats and on a daily basis deal with people undergoing:

  1. Death
  2. Divorce
  3. Debt
  4. Downsizing

It is not all rainbows and unicorns!

Oct 25, 2016 04:32 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Yes, all the time.  The last one asked me what the company 401K match was.  People do not understand. 

Nov 02, 2016 01:05 AM
Rainer
39,867
Elizabeth Murphree
Elizabeth Murphree @ Ikon Realty of Ashburn 5 - Fairfax, VA
Helping Baby Boomers Boom in Northern Virginia!

All the time!! I also say it costs about $1k a month to do it. Then you see who is still asking questions. It is not free. I love it!!

Nov 01, 2016 11:54 AM
Rainmaker
484,748
Brian Rugg
Rugg Realty LLC Sun City Texas 512-818-6700 - Georgetown, TX
Sun City TX Real Estate - Georgetown, TX Real Est

Real Estate isn't about timing the market. Real Estate is about building a business (plan) that can survive through good times and bad. I started my current business during the worst bust since the Great Depression and we are flourishing today.  See todays feature post about why agents fail. 

Oct 28, 2016 02:27 AM