Hello all!
This is my first post. I've read through many of the forums on this site (awesome community, btw), and I know the topic of 1st year earnings has been discussed but I was hoping to open another discussion on the topic.

Here's a little about myself and my two questions.

I work in major sports broadcast TV (Bristol, CT) and freelance audio engineering. I've always had a passion for real estate, especially sustainable construction, and feel it's finally time to leave the night-schedule of TV. I intend to continue my freelance audio work which earns me aprox $30k/yr while working only on Sundays. This $30k earnings will take care of my basic living costs while allowing me to pursue RE full-time (except on Sundays).

I'm currently taking a CT 60-hr pre-licensing course and expect to pass my exam on time in mid-September. I'm about to start a mentoring program with Weichert Realtors in a new office in Guilford, CT, just east of New Haven. Median house value is $430k in Guilford and $290k for CT in general.

My questions are:
1) Is it realistic to think I could earn (with consistent full-time effort) at least $40k in my first year working with an established company/broker with a 50/50 commission split?

2) The CT winter market seems to slow way down in the winter (like many parts of country I'm sure). Is it foolish to leave my steady income in October, or should I wait until next spring to make the jump?

Many thanks for your thoughts!

Very exciting! Good luck to you!

Yes to question #1 based on your market.

And #2 I would wait until Spring and then make the jump. I know some people will say you have to work full time as a Realtor but my business is seasonal and from Halloween until New Year it really slows down.

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Mario

It's more a function of YOU than the Local Market;

It's more a function of YOU than seasonality;

It's more a function of YOU than training your Broker will offer.

It sounds more like you're wanting to leave what you're current doing instead of going to something better.

It'll take a full year before you'll know whether you will enjoy this business . . . . and as much as two years to find out if you can make a living at it.

If your current job offers a secure pay check, then you're likely to continue relying on it. This business IS NOT for people seeking immediate gratification.

But you might be the exception to the rule. Good Luck !

Thank you for the responses!

I'm aware that it's completely about my approach and effort, which is why I'm comfortable making this transition now, because I'm confident in my personal work ethic and drive.

I actually really enjoy what I do for a living right now, so this actually is completely about me going to do something better. I do hate the night-schedule I currently have but the work is fantastic and very stable. I'm just looking to start a career for the rest of my life, in a field that I've always intended on working in. I'm 28 with a fiance but with no kids yet and the timing/calling just feels right.

I'll continue to do the audio work that I do on a regular basis, and I'm thankful that I have an opportunity to have such a time-concise, yet financially lucrative position to support my transition so I don't have to rely on my current full-time job.

I'm not looking for immediate gratification, I'm just trying to make an informed decision. I'll work with and speak with my mentor/broker for actually deciding when to give RE a full-time go. I'm just asking this community for general thoughts, and I thank you again for your input and well wishes!