If you’re searching for real estate careers on the web, you’re probably a bit overwhelmed. This company offers this, that company offers that and they all say they can help you become a successful real estate agent. You definitely have to do your due diligence in finding the right brokerage to begin your new career. So, where should you begin and what are the most important things you should receive from a broker?It’s Your Real Estate BusinessFirst things first, this is your business, not the brokers. When interviewing different offices, make sure you have that frame of mind; what can they do for you, not the other way around. They need you more than you need them, so understand that you are in control and this is your career, not theirs. When a broker talks about advertising, know they mean for themselves, not you. A National Association of Realtors® poll shows that less than 2% of people choose an agent because of the company they work for, so when you see a broker advertising, they are doing one thing; trying to recruit new agents and grow their business, not yours.Real Estate TrainingWhat type of training does the broker offer? Do they just tell you to ask Bob, their number one agent, how to sell real estate or are they current with what’s going on in the local market? Since real estate is cyclical, what works one minute isn’t necessarily going to work the next, so top real estate firms have to stay on top of current events to help their agents master the market of the moment. A training manual copyrighted 1994 isn’t going to help you run a successful business today, so make sure the office you choose is on task with the current economy.Real Estate Business ModelWhat’s the company’s business model? Do they just throw you up against the wall and hope that you stick or do they have a proven system that will adjust with the economy to make sure you can thrive in all stages of the market? A top company will be able to shift with a recession, depression or a boom to make sure you have the right tools to be a solid professional and provide the best service to your clients.Office CultureHow’s do the agents treat each other? Is it a cutthroat atmosphere where it’s every man/woman for themselves or does the office have an environment that encourages sharing and agents helping agents? If it’s your first job or your tenth, you know that the environment you work in is extremely important to your productivity, so make sure you join an office where the culture is positive and fellow agents are supportive.These are the main considerations you should focus on when researching real estate careers and which broker to choose. Remember, this is your business and if you want to build a successful career, you must have these priorities in order. Good luck and remember, it’s all about helping people in the end, so make sure you sign with a company that will be there for you as well.
5 Tips for Buying Real Estate
Buying property can be a long and tricky process for first-time buyers, especially for those who aren’t prepared. Knowing what you want is only part of the equation. Realtors and experienced buyers have weighed in and agree on five things that all first-time buyers should know.Tip #1: Start Preparations Well In AdvanceWe all know that buying real estate is a big decision, and it requires a great deal of planning if you want the process to work out in your favor. However, what most people may not realize is that the planning should start as early as possible. Specifically, if you have plans to buy a home a year or two from now. Start reducing your budget today, so that you can save more money for a down payment. Paying off any debts and monitoring your credit are also very essential to getting the best deal from a mortgage lender. The key here is to have the lowest debt-to-income ratio that you can possibly attain.Tip #2: Get Approved For a Home Loan FirstOne of the biggest oversights that first-time home buyers make is that they have a tendency to skip the paperwork and go straight to shopping. That’s a very bad idea. You’ll be disappointed if you find the right property just to discover that you can’t afford it. Also, keep in mind that pre-qualified is not the same thing as being pre-approved. Nearly everyone is pre-qualified for a home without ever really submitting any paperwork. Pre-approval, on the other hand, is a much more invasive process that will give you a better idea of what you’ll be able to afford before you go shopping for real estate.Tip #3: Think Long-TermBuying real estate is an exciting and exhausting process, but don’t get caught up in the allure of all of the beautiful homes, especially the ones that you just can’t afford. Be practical about your potential buy. Don’t just consider short-term expenses associated with the home but also the long-term ones as well. Think about buying a home as the investment that it truly is.Tip #4: Consider Your Family NeedsFirst-time home buyers are often advised to buy real estate in a good school district, but the truth is there are other factors to consider when it comes to family needs. Some may need to consider the possibility of extended family, like in-laws, coming to visit, long-term care of an aging relative, or adult children moving out of the home.Tip #5: Ask an Expert to Weigh InRealtors can be a secret weapon when it comes to helping you make the right purchase. Not only do they possess a wealth of knowledge about the industry, but they can also give you the benefit of their experience and contacts.