I've been looking at becoming a real estate agent for quiet some time now but I've always held back due to my age (I'm 20 years old). Reason being is I look younger then 20 years old and have been put under the impression that, that might be a downside to potential clients as they may think I wouldn't take the job seriously, etc. I've heard that how you look and what you drive is key in this industry (I drive a 05 Mustang so I think I'm ok there.)

Was just wondering if this would indeed be a problem or if in your experience clients don't care about that sort of stuff?

People near your age (whatever that is) may be more comfortable with working with someone near their own age. Just think of all of the years of referals that will come in the future from a young client base! And don't worry, some day you too will look old. Best of luck, work smart and hard and you will be fine. When you are young there is plenty time to fail into success. Don't get discouraged. As Nike says, Just Do It!!! Seriously, best of luck.

don't ever let your age limit you. There are many avenues you can travel in real estate. I have many apartment locators working in the bix that are producing thousands of dollars just working on rentals....many of their clients are younger than they are. As mentioned above, the earlier you start, the quicker you were learn the biz...

I started last year when I was 26, still pretty young for this business.

I've decided to start my career by working with first time buyers, because they are young like me, and we have a lot in common. Plus, I can relate to their fears and points of view.

I think if you took a similar approach to your business plan, you'd be fine. If your goal is to be a million-dollar listing agent, your clients are going to be 35+ yrs old, which probably wouldn't work as easily as working with younger people.

Regardless of what route you take, don't worry a ton about appearance and what you drive (I wear jeans to 99% of my showings, and drive an '04 Saturn VUE). Clients just want to make sure you are trustworthy and know what you're doing. Help them, and you'll do fine.

Just to let you know from personal experience, I've already sold 15 buyer side sales in 2009 through July. Not spectacular, but not bad for being new to the business and fighting my way through things at the start.

Good luck!

This problem is faced by many young people like you. Concentrate more upon building your network. You may hire the services of a seasoned real estate broker, who is working as an individual.

If it's something you want to do then just do it. Start with just getting your license which will take up some of the time that you are seriously considering getting into Real Estate. There is a lot of flexibility in the Real Estate business. As mentioned previously, many of the customers/clients are 20 somethings and would probably be more comfortable working with someone in their age range because Real Estate is a "relationship" kind of a business. Most important is to just be their advisor and research team. Just be realistic about what the job of Real Estate agent is. It is not about driving around looking at houses. The job is doing your best to protect the transaction through to a successful closing.

Good Luck . . .

I don't think age has anything to do with it. When I was 20 years old I was selling exotic cars to some of the richest residents of metro cleveland. I sold cars to young athletes as well as old as dirt business people. They came to me for one reason, I took care of them and knew what I was doing. I am now going through my real estate classes and plan on taking the same approach at 28. I will put my sales and marketing pitch up against any old timer multi million dollar producer without cutting my comm rate and get the listing. Sounds cocky but it's just a matter of beleiving in yourself. You won't win them all but if you can walk away saying there is nothing else I could have done then you still did well.

If you don't beleive in yourself nobody will. Remember that! My father told me that years ago and anytime I face a difficult task I tell myself that then find a way to make things happen. The only other thing I will say is never talk down about your comp, it only makes you look weak. Be confident and sell yourself and you will be fine. Good luck everyone

You create your own limitations. Use your age as an asset, rather than a liability. Go after younger folks who have to make the rent vs. buy decision. Go after seniors who refuse to grow old and appreciate your vitality. Success is a mind set. It has less to do with age than many will admit. Be smart and focus on what you want to accomplish. You will succeed.

Don't let your age hold you back. This business will age you and you will look old soon enough.

I really don't think age will be a major factor as long as you talk with confidence and know your stuff. I had to find a new Dr this year when my Family Dr retired. I ended up selecting a Dr. Looks younger than Doogie Howser MD. I was nervous when I met him, but WOW, he is a very impressive Dr. The old Dr made it clear that he was the expert and in charge. The young Dr makes it clear that I am a customer and paying him for advice and knowledge which puts me charge. It really takes the stress out of going to the Doctor.

Thanks for all of the replies. I think I'm going to pursue this. I know I have the determination and dedication to succeed... Thanks!

CodyGA you will have to keep in touch with this forum. I would love to watch you start your business and grow to prosper. Hope to see you around the forum. Good Luck!

20 years old, why did you wait so long, what kind of goof off are you, get going.

Yes I kid, but one of my best agents ever started as a part time assistant to me on her 15th birthday. So I gave her the day off of course. When she got her real estate license when she turned 18 she was number three in volume in my office in six months and she looked 18. Another agent I had that came into my office at 19 did ten times the volume of the regular producing agent in 6 months, he was the rare natural born salesman, but naturals are flighty and he was off on a new adventure when he became bored.

Don't even think about the age thing. I started investing in real estate one week after my 16th birthday and had to overcome not even looking 16 but the legal requirement of having to be 21 then to buy and sell properties. Later on I became a broker at a young age too, baby face and all. Just learn what you need to learn and do it confidently.

Don't hold back!

Of course your age will show if you look young like me. The only way to defeat that issue is to have confidence and knowledge in your realm of expertise.

Here's a short story about me. I am 27 years old, however I look like I am about 20 years old. I have been in this business for over 4 years and have defeated the age issue time and time again. I initially went to real estate school back when I was 18. I took the entire class, then took a bit of time off to prepare for the exam (and to party after high school). A bit of time turned into 3 years. When I was 21 I took the class again because my credits expired, plus I needed to refresh my memory. I ended up taking the exam and got my license in February 2005. I started off slow, but kept pushing myself to move forward with this career. I ended up getting my business off the ground and success was in the works.

The point of my story is that I have kicked myself over and over again wishing that I started this business when I was 18 like I was supposed to do. I would have had an additional 4 years under my belt with an even larger client base. Plus I would have been involved more in the whole boom market. I guess I just missed that one. Of course the whole age issue will get in the way every now and then, but don't aim for it to happen. The best way to get over this obstacle is to not even think about it. If you can move past it by not worrying about it, then your clients will not worry about it. If you are talking to a client and thinking "Oh my god, this client is going to think I am way too young to sell his house", then there is a good chance that the client will sense your lack of confidence. People are like animals, they sense fear.

If you truly are interested in this business and you are ready to take the plunge, the best suggestion I can have for you is to jump into this career full time if possible. Make sure you have enough money saved up to last you at least 6 months of paying bills in case you have no income for a bit. The reason I suggest jumping into this career full time is because you will surround yourself with this business and make it an actual business and a part of your life. Just be prepared to go all the way with full force into it.

Sorry about the long post. Hopefully my story has inspired you a little.

I started when I was 23 and now I am 26 and it is the best thing I could have ever done. I do find my age works against me but it also works FOR ME! I am tech savvy and therefore market better than agents that are older than me on the internet. It does work both ways. I was told I should grow a beard.

Age is not a problem, it is matter of hard work.

Lets be honest every time you look at a brokerage every body is usually old as hell so when someone sees you there going to be alittle worried expecially if your 20 and look like your 16yrs old you have some serious work ahead of you! make sure your dressed right & suited up just so people take you seriously and stay professional don't go to meet some at there house and start playing Call of Duty with there kids let them see your drive and motivation!!!

I got my RE license when I was 18, I'm 21 now, and it was definitely one of the best decisions I've made my entire life. I also look young but I was lucky enough to find a brokerage with a lot of great people and a broker who made sure I felt at home.

The ability to work on your own time was so convenient during my first few years in college(CSUF '11). I remember rushing off to local properties on my break to snap photos for the BPO I'd be working on later that night.

I definitely recommend going for your license. Even if you decide that it's not for you, it'll still always be there.

In so many ways, and in so many professions, success comes down to effective communication. That's because the way we communicate says more about how competent we are than external appearances. If you REALLY know you're stuff and communicate it well, then I think people will look past your age. It may not be fair, but I do think people look more closely at age when it comes to important transactions. If a person is too far to one end or the other of the age continuum then certain sterotype may come into play. For the very young, it's inexperience, imprudence and so forth; for the very old, it senescence, forgetfulness, etc. This is why I say you should REALLY know your stuff and communicate it well. Don't give people a chance to apply these stereotypes to you. Nip them in the bud by taking the focus off your age and placing it on the matter at hand, real estate.

I'm 18, Took the course passed, Took the state missed 5(!!!!). Re taking it this week. I to am worried about the possible age discrimination but I started selling things for my self at age 14.

Thanks for the new word to add to my vocabulary. Never came across that one before!