Hi everyone! I need advice . I'm thinking about becoming a real estate agent, here in New York city, but I don't know where to start. Should I speak to a broker first or just go ahead and take the class? I've been searching the web, and I found that some real estate companies offer to pay your training. What are your ideas on this? I know it's not going to be easy, but I'm very optimistic and determined. Does anyone have any recommendations on which companies are best to start with in New York? What should I look for when choosing a potential school? I just want to be more aware so that i won't be taken for a sucker. Any ideas or advice anyone? Thanks

It wouldn't hurt to start talking to brokers in advance. You might be able to get a coupon or voucher for savings on your real estate schooling. I know that here some schools give me vouchers for $50- $100 off to hand out to prospective agents. Also, you are so busy when you are in school. It's good to keep that time free of distractions so you can concentrate on studying. I wouldn't plan on choosing a broker in advance- but I would start looking.

Thanks alot Carla. I'm going to start looking for brokers to get some information. If the office I go to offers to train me would that be better than the school itself, or should I avoid that altogether? Your feedback is greatly appreciated

Generally real estate schools teach you enough to pass the test.

Your broker should teach you what you actually need to do in order to make a living selling real estate.

I would take the classes first, then interview brokers. Find out about their training. Brokers SHOULD teach you what you know to do the job right, but many don't. See if you can interview a few successful agents from different companies, too, and get their thoughts about the training they received.
Good luck!

Thanks Zephyr. I will enroll in school next week. I live near alot of real estate offices, so I will stop by and speak to them. What qualities should a responsible broker have?

Warm friendly and a great smile. They have everything to gain from training you properly. Go with your gut feeling as you "interview a broker." :rolleyes:

"Your broker should teach you what you actually need to do in order to make a living selling real estate."

Great statement. I would like to add that knowledge of RE is one thing; having a profitable, and successful career is another story. You gotta love sales. RE Agents are salespeople. Always have been and always will be.
There are many books to get head knowledge. Study on the successful agents that we admire. Then repeat over and over always improving every day. Make it a habit to read at least one hour a day about out great profession! Hope you don't mind my sharing my opinion. Take it however you want to.
:p

No, I don't mind at all, it's great advice, so thank you . What books do you recommend? I'm thinking about picking up "How to develop a six figure income in real estate: superstar selling the Mike Ferry way", "21 things i wish my broker had told me: practical advice for new real estate professionals", " Your first year in real estate: making the transition from total novice to successful profession". Have you read any of these, and are they really helpful? Thanks Again Salesprozac , you sound like a really attentive mentor, I wish I could find someone like that here

Has anyone heard of Weichert Realtors in New York? Are they a good company? I've been taking everyone's advice, and decided to make some calls. I'm attending a career seminar there tomorrow. I hope everything goes well. I'm very excited !

I read 21 things and Your First Year in RE. I thought they were both good. 21 Things was interesting to read. It had several successful agents chiming in on different things they've done to get ahead in RE. Your First Year in RE seemed like it kept coming back around to the same point of "Get the best training!" but it's still worth your time.

I'm still fairly new to the RE field but if I could start fresh I would've put far more emphasis on drilling my broker on what type of new member training programs were offered. Someone mentioned the pre license course just teaches you how to pass the test which is very true. I would be willing to *cough*assume*cough* that you could shave months off of that akward introductory no sales period with a good mentor or broker. Although some people are more naturally cut out for sales, those who aren't can still succeed in RE with the right guidance.

The books that you are reading, and the one's that you plan to read are great! For me, the main thing is to keep on studying. Right now I am currently reading, "Advanced sales strategies"- Brian Tracy. Study what you feel you need to know the most. I think that being yourself around people is always the best bet. Sales is not necessarily hard selling. We all see through crap. Become a wealth of information in a helpful way to your prospects. Something can be said too about pounding "pain points," but that is entirely a whole other topic for discussion.

Continued success!

Thanks everyone for the advice! I met with a broker yesterday, to talk about school. I plan to enroll this week. We decided to get together once a week to discuss how school is going for me, and I'm guessing our meetings will help her decide if she wants to sponsor me. Any recommendations on schools? Thanks again everyone .