Want to Become a Realtor in Florida? Itʻs Okay to Start Out Part Time!
We get it. Quitting your full-time job to become a realtor can be a big step! Even in today’s fast-moving housing market in Tampa (and throughout Florida), you’ll want to know that your new career will not only support itself and pay for your monthly expenses, but will also turn a profit.
We’re hearing more and more about up-and-coming real estate professionals who are starting small. Here are three things to keep in mind if you are thinking about dipping your toe into the real estate industry while working at your full-time job.
Flexibility fuels a successful business as a real estate agent.
As unrealistic as it may sound, a home buyer assumes that you are always on the clock. If a new MLS listing pops up, he’ll want to view the property before it gets snatched up by another buyer. If you want to become a realtor, be prepared for buyers to want to move fast, and at a moment’s notice. This can be a tricky lifestyle to navigate when working full-time. But with a little pre-planning, you can pull it off!
If you think you might someday pursue a career in real estate, consider shifting your full-time career toward a more flexible schedule. Does your employer offer the option to work remote? This might be a good time to make that shift. Are you currently punching a time clock? Perhaps consider a full time job that allows you more flexibility with your hours. That way, when a home buyer calls, you’ll be able to freely pick up the phone.
Determine in advance what hours you are willing to work.
Of course, you’ll want to draw a line somewhere when it comes to when your clients can expect you to pick up the phone. While it’s perfectly normal for a client to want to discuss their home buying or selling goals with you after business hours, an 11 pm phone call might not be in your best interest. So feel free to establish boundaries! Set your schedule, and make it visible. That way, you’ll be managing your clients’ communication expectations from the get-go.
Think like a business owner – because that’s exactly what you are.
One thing that most successful business leaders have in common is that they invest time every day into the growth of their business. For realtors, this means that you’ll want to set aside some time every day for generating new leads, managing your online presence, and establishing relationships with both new and existing clients. As a business owner, you’ll be keeping a close watch on your bottom line – particularly as you begin thinking about choosing which brokerage to work with.
…Which is the perfect reason to make sure you’re checking out Dalton Wade’s latest service offerings! Whether you’ve been working with us for years, or are thinking about joining the team, it’s a great idea to glance through our website periodically to make sure that you are taking full advantage of all of the marketing resources that are available to you as a member of the Dalton Wade Real Estate Group. And if you haven’t joined us yet, then schedule a time to chat and find out more about how to become a realtor!
