Greetings,

For the past several weeks now, I keep coming across this ad (below) on Craigslist, and I am wondering if any of you seasoned real estate agents think that this might be too good to be true or if there is some type of financial catch? Yet seeing the way that the real estate field has not really been thriving over the past year or two (due to sub prime mortgage mess and housing bubble burst), yet making about 100K per year/8K per month (as their ad claims) sound too good to be true as a new real estate agent.

I live adjacent to Los Angeles California, and the ad is from a Century 21 office in Long Beach (a city near Los Angeles).

I would appreciate any comments and or feedback. Thank you.

Wilson

[b][b]THE AD:

Full-time positions available --Free licensing program offered (Long Beach)

Are you considering a career in real estate? Century 21 On Target is currently looking to hire for full time positions. Working in the Real Estate industry has unlimited benefits. Learn more by attending one of our free Information Sessions to see if Real Estate is right for you.

>>Real Estate as a Career
With the economy as it is, you may be wondering how our office is able to stay above the current economic conditions and prosper, while still expanding. It's simple. Century 21 On Target is dedicated to ensuring that success is within the reach of each agent willing do their part. Our office provides the training necessary to obtain your real estate license, along with one-on-one mentorship from our expert staff. Getting started in our real estate school is fast, simple, and easy. After getting your license, you are positioned to earn a six-figure income, ideally in your first year--it's really up to you.

>>Getting Your License
Our 10-week program makes getting your license simple and easy. We offer our license program for free, however the initial state requirements total $200. These fees cover the 3 required real estate classes, which are Real Estate Principles, Practice, and Finance, as well as the state exam itself. If you have already taken any of these courses or have a state exam date, these fees can be waived.

>>The Exam Itself
Although the exam has little to do with what it's like to be a practicing real estate agent, it is interesting and provides a base for the profession. Our office provides practice exams, weekly quizzes, textbooks, and a proven study method to guarantee you'll pass the state exam.

>>Interested? Come to our Free Information Session
If you think Real Estate sounds exciting, or just want to come learn more about the profession, come in for one of our free 35-minute information sessions held at our office. They are scheduled as follows:
Tuesday 6:00 pm
Thursday 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:30 am

Our office is located in Long Beach.

We look forward to meeting you!

* Location: Long Beach
* Compensation: $8,000+ per month commissions
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.[/b][/b][b][/b]

Nope, not fishy. They are not guaranteeing you $8,000/month. But with a lot of work, it is possible.
Many Brokers are offering to cover the cost of schooling for new licensees. With the down economy, a lot of agents jumped ship and got a full time job, so not as many agents means the brokers aren't making as much money.
They get you in, licensed, and give you some training, but the rest is up to you.
Yes $8,000+ is possible, but will likely take some time working real estate before you are anywhere close to that.
Good luck!

It is very rare that a new agent will make $100K in their first year. Not impossible. But statistically rare. Probably 80% of new agents will quit before their 12th month in real estate and of the 20% who continue in business in year two, it has been said that half of those will quit by month 24. When starting out, most people hope (and many believe) that he or she will be the greatest success story that real estate has ever seen and there is much that can be said about positive thinking. However, don't get into this business with some "income number" plucked from the air and dangled before you that you believe will be a sure thing. You need to realistically assess your skill set and business acumen and have a good business plan to put into action. You also need capital to sustain your venture until you can get deals closed. Read some of the many posts in these forums to learn about what it takes to be successful as an agent. You should attend recruiting night at several brokerages to get the flavor of what each has to offer. Ask lots of probing questions.

Thank you [b]DaveVee[/b] and [b]Cave Man[/b]. I appreciate your take, input, and advice on this ad that I saw.

Thanks a [b]MILLION[/b]you two!

Wilson