Hi,

My name is Irene and I have my BA in management and marketing.

I'm thinking about becoming a Realtor. Where should I start? What certification should I get? There are so many of it, I'm a little bit confused.

Thanks in advance for your help!

If you are new you don't need certifications. You need to learn how to close the sale and understand the contract. Closing a sale is contingent upon your personality. There are lots of good script CDs out there for working with buyers; which is where you will likely start in the beginning. Agents in the office you work in will likely allow you to hold open houses for them - but before you do - ask the list agent what their expectations are. Also, speak to your office manager or other experienced buyer agents about how they hold successful open houses. You must also know the signage ordinances for your area of LA. You can advertise other agents listings with their permission on Craigslist. Most importantly, understand the contract, types of loans and restrictions, and SMILE.

I am not a RE professional yet, so don't take my word for it, but I do believe that in California, you need a license. Here's some info from the California Department of Real Estate:
"This license is required of individuals who conduct licensed real estate activities as described in the Real Estate Law under the supervision of a licensed broker. A license may also be obtained by a person who does not immediately intend to be employed by a broker. However, a salesperson without an employing broker may not perform acts requiring a real estate license."

Check the DRE website for more info. I think I don't have enough posts to add a link yet, but just google for it. Or piece it together from the next line:

www . dre . ca . gov / exm_sales.html

Get your license and start talking... that's how we make our money, by knowing what to say to as many people as humanly possible. Learn to live with rejection and learn to manage every minute and you'll be fine.

Irene

Congratulations on your BA. May I suggest you approach an office in your area and find out whether becoming a realtor is a lifestyle you would like.

The local university in my marketing area had a degree in real estate and often students would approach me and get permission to hang around the office and learn what was involved in making a decent living as an agent. And several interned with us.

Most had a Hollywood concept of the career, not the nitty gritty sales job it actually is. In the beginning outgo in time and money is great, the learning curve is steep and income is low, hopefully that is, it could easily be none.

In the area I did business in 10% of the agents made the money by doing 90% of the business. Your job if you choose to do it is to take business away from those top agents, no one asks how much you would like and then gives it to you. Good news is it can be done.