Hello everyone. So I just moved to Western Massachusetts about 6 months ago for a job with a fire department. Now that I'm settled I've been thinking about what to do for a second job since working 24 hr shifts at the FD means I only work 2 days a week. Realtor is something I've always had in the back of my mind and I think now might be the time to pursue it but I'm not sure if this is a good decision with the economy being what it is. Any advice from some folks that are in the business and if you think I should go this route any tips on how to get off to a good start? Thanks all



-Christopher

In a slow market, you have more time to learn the business and get good at it. Start talking to local brokers and see what kind of training they offer.

Yes but don't you also have to pay the broker in order to be affiliated with them? In a slow time couldn't that mean actually losing money?

Why yes . . . . yes indeed. But you did not say that you wanted to enter the business for free. Until you make your first sale, you're risking the loss of all of the money you invest. And you do have to plan on making an investment to get started.

I think it's a great idea. I've always thought being a fire fighter and an agent would be a fairly good mix. Just be sure you can at least call back clients and such while you are on duty to put out those pesky real estate fires. You will probably fight more of those then real ones.

Some brokers will pay all of your fees, and then give you a lower commission split (like 50%). That's not a bad way to get started.

You would have some unique marketing angles (USP), be sure to capitalize on those.

Look for a broker who does not charge desk fees and who offers great training. They are around though increasingly hard to find.

I know several firefighters who currently augment or have previously augmented their salaries with extra income through real estate. Heck, I wish I had thought of it back when *I* was a fire fighter.

The main problems you'll need to prepare for are 1) possibly not being available on weekends (a great deal of my showings are on Saturday/Sunday) and 2) how variable your shift schedule is.

On the other hand, the usual heavy downtime while you're on the clock will be much better than trying to hold down a traditional 9-to-5 office job and practice real estate as well. That gets old quickly.

Anyone know how well the "Hey, since your house burned down, you probably need a new one" sales approach works? ;)

Bigger question is do you REALLY want to be a real estate agent with the headache involved or do you have an interest in INVESTING in real estate as a business??

Some do both such as me but most do one or the other and they are totally different.

Haha yeah I'll be sure to have business cards in my pocket for every fire I go to