Pamela Greene, Broker/REALTOR®,e-pro®

Hey Jennifer!
My advise to you is if you think that Real Estate is a career is for you, take the pre-licensing course! You will lean so much about the industry! I got into real estate just as the market was starting to really decline and I am thankful that I am in it now, verses a booming market! Why? Well, I would rather have the additional time to learn and gain "on the job" knowledge with the market in this stature compared to getting my license, being "thrown" into a booming market where the money may be rolling in, but would I know what I was doing? You know, like a small fish in the Pacific Ocean!!! LOL!!

When I first received my license, I was so estatic because I knew that I could make $$$ in this industry. Then, a few months later....I was still waiting for that $$$!! So, I decided to take the "slow market" opportunity and further my knowledge, so that I can better help my clients! It all comes down to Knowledge Is Power.

Since I have taken the time and continued to learn, had the time to learn, attached myself to a mentor (seasoned agent) in my company, I can now say that I am doing pretty well in a declined market.

In short, all the answers here are fantastic....everyone loves their real estate career...but it is for only you to decide. I would take the pre-licensing class to see if it is really for you! Make sure you set some money aside to live on if you choose this full time! You will need it! The $$$ is there to be made, but you will have to market yourself and you cannot sit back and wait for the business to find you! Definatly research the company you want to work for! You have the choice who you work for---YOU interview them!

I wish you the best of luck and I think you would enjoy Real Estate as a career!! - Tue May 27 2008, 12:30

I greatly agree. I have come to the realization that the ultimate answers lie in the knowledge department. I think it is wonderful if REALTORS® would continue their education further than the mandatory CE! You never know what you may miss. I think that in this case of losing the listing (which I did find out when I checked the MLS a day later and the house had been listed the day I checked), that the many years experience and the continuing education to earn the designations (as she had 2 and it takes years to attain) that she had one up on me! I completely understand and I congratulate her for the amount of time and effort that she has put in. I still think it is a great idea to go for my GRI...and maybe one day I can say that I "got a lising" because of my designation. Until then....it's business as usual promoting myself and my company! :)

Thanks so much for all your answers! You guys are the best!! :) - Wed Apr 23 2008, 10:04

I agree! I think that in this business, you can NEVER have enough knowledge! By the way, I had to give everyone a thumbs up....great advise! Thanks again! - Mon Apr 21 2008, 19:52

Well, I actually have decided to go for my GRI, especially for the knowledge. To me, via email, more research, and Trulia, the answers to my question were pretty much the same. However, the knowledge to me is more important than how many houses I can list! I could list ,and list, and list, but there also have to be buyers out there to buy them!! Remember School House Rock....that shows my age....anyway..."Knowledge is Power". I think I will benefit from the GRI and if I wanted to pursue more designations, I have that opportunity!

Ramiro...good luck with the Historical Program! I hear it is a pretty great program!! Thanks so much!

Barry...I feel like I need to buy you a cup of coffee!! :) GRI...looks like the way to go! Thanks for the advise!

Thanks for talking with me today! I greatly appreciate your assistance! - Mon Apr 21 2008, 16:50

Elvis,
The listing agent had a CRS and a SRES. However, I have been told that I need my GRI... - Mon Apr 21 2008, 14:49

It is worth it! I have found out that when you do work with buyers, the more information you share with them, the quicker they will stay with you. As you know, it is a protection for you, so your buyer doesn't "jump ship". Plus, having one will save you as well. Just recently, I had a "guy" that NEVER disclosed he was a licensed broker....anyway, after all was said and he then wanted his commission (I will be more than happy to disclose the entire situation, if you would like), unfortunately, I had to pull my "Buyer Agency" Strings...We are in a bad market right now, and I know we all would like a sale or two, BUT in the end...(1) your buyers will be greatful that they had your trust and knowing that you were working for them in their best interests and (2) it can save you a commission ! I have always used one in EVERY transaction that I have closed...I have really not had anyone that has declined to sign one....just make sure you EXPLAIN it!! Oh, I have never charged a retainer fee or needed to ask for commission from the buyers....but, if I ever felt the need to, I would! Good Luck!! - Fri Mar 28 2008, 12:46