People who enjoy sales and real estate may have thought about attempting a career as a Realtor in New York. But do you know some of the actual benefits of this field, and how it might improve the quality of your life?
To learn why being a Realtor could be the best decision you make, read on.
No Need For a Degree
Let's face it: Going to college isn't for everyone. It's been estimated that currently, about 25% of people who attend college don't end up graduating. Among the reasons people quit school:
- It costs too much money.
- You don't fit into the college scene.
- Your family doesn't give you sufficient emotional or financial support.
- It takes too long to earn the degree.
Some people enter college because they think it's what they're supposed to do. But that's not necessarily the case for everyone.
Becoming a real estate agent doesn't require a college degree. Of course, performing well in the field demands some intelligence and skill, but those are not dependent upon a degree.
You will have to study for your New York real estate license test and pass it. It's also a requirement to take continuing education courses annually to retain your license.
But you'll never have to go off to college for four years before you can start working in selling real estate.
Work When You Want
Are you the type of person who likes to go to an office at 8, head home at 5, and repeat the process the next day? If so, that's fine; there are many jobs you can accept that feature such a regular, steady schedule (or there were before covid!).
But working as a Realtor has always meant you could set your schedule. Your success or failure in real estate is on you, and so is when you choose to work.
Keep in mind, however, that you will typically need to be available when potential buyers and sellers are, and that can sometimes mean before or after regular business hours. So you may expect to work early mornings and late evenings at least some of the time, and possibly on a regular basis.
Work From Home
Most Realtors have a desk in a broker's office, but you don't have to be sitting there that often. You can usually do much of the work from your home office.
And when you're not at home writing contracts, you're apt to be out with clients, looking at properties.
Real Estate is Scalable
If you want to work by yourself forever and earn a solid income as a Realtor, you can do that. But if you want your real estate career to scale into a seven-figure income, you can do that too!
You can't hire your own team of Realtors until you've earned your broker's licenses, but on the way, you can bring in administrative assistants to help your business shift to the next level.
When you decide to become a broker and expand the firm, you can focus less on the day-to-day sales and expand the business.
Real Estate is Stable
People always need to buy and sell homes. Sure, the industry is somewhat prey to the vagaries of the economy as a whole.
But the Federal Reserve has kept short-term rates close to zero for years in order to spur economic growth. Current mortgage interest rates have been as low as 3% for a 30-year fixed mortgage.
Being able to borrow money at such a bargain-basement rate has helped to keep the national real estate market strong for years. You can benefit from the favorable interest-rate environment by finding more people who want to buy a home.
There are so many reasons people become Realtors in New York and other states. You'll enjoy a career with freedom and unlimited potential, and you won't have to spend years in a classroom to get there.