The Test vs. The Career

If you’ve clicked on or fallen into this blog entry, then you may be considering a career in the growing industry that is real estate. First of all, we’re glad to have you! Real estate is an amazing industry to be a part of, and to be able to help impact so much in your community in growth and wealth is an exciting thing. Like many of those who came before us, we have many reasons as to why we consider becoming a real estate agent as a career. Reasons may include:

1. Starting a new career after retirement

2. Build wealth by starting your own business

3. Highly interested in real estate, and can make a career out of it

4. Inspired by those in the industry to start this career

5. Be your own boss

Those are some of the reasons why some people would consider joining the real estate industry. Of course, there are many other unique reasons you may not find in that short list, and there is also no one right answer… Although, there are definitely some wrong answers. Anyways, this post is not about that! In general, if you are considering a new profession to look after others and to be an expert in a career that has multiple opportunities for you, real estate is a great place to consider those possibilities.

If you’re past this stage of consideration, and perhaps you’ve already paid for and are attending classes, then that’s great! Many classes offered by private and accredited businesses will always be the first step to real estate success (and obviously, this is mandatory). Depending on where you’re getting licensed, requirements may differ, and you’re already getting an idea on what real estate is all about.

I, Vienna, remember starting off my journey in 2019 when taking my classes. I personally went through many informational slides of real estate facts, STRESSED OUT OF MY MIND to pass each test in the course. Because classes were self-paced, I really pushed myself to learn day in and day out after quitting my day job to make the real estate career happen for me sooner rather than later. Looking back on it now, I should have started incorporating breaks more often. Be sure to do so while you’re taking your classes by the way… By the end of all the classes and the day came to take my test, my nerves definitely didn’t settle. Luckily, I passed on my first try (yay!).

Fast forward to three years later. 2023, writing this post, and I’ve had my fair share of customers, clients, fellow agents, vendors, experiences in housing transactions from buying, selling, leasing, helping investors, and relocating clients. I feel relieved and fortunate to have the experiences I’ve had in the past few years. Which made me think that nothing– and I mean NOTHING, could prepare me for the real world of real estate and what it had in store for me. If you’ve read through this far, then first of all, thank you! So here’s the real meat of the differences that can be found in this list:

The Test (includes, but not all)

1. Know the technicalities of the laws in real estate

2. Understand the importance of our practice and how it impacts (and impacted) the community

3. Acknowledge the wrongs that professionals who came before us that shape real estate today

4. Learn about real estate terms used in the industry

5. Be familiar with representation and its importance to clients and customers

6. Get familiar with important documents (forms, addenda, amendments, etc.)

7. Some math (PITI, surveys, and appraisal related)

The Career (includes, but not all)

1. How to market your business

2. Building your business brand

3. Creating a successful marketing plan for growth

4. How to prospect and build your SOI (sphere of influence)

5. Learn about different tools and modern methods to help fulfill your clients’ needs

6. Negotiating for the best of your clients’ interests

7. Learning your method for growth and success with ways that motivate you and your unique goals

Again, these are just a few examples of the clear differences between what the test requires agents to be well-versed in, versus the demands to make a successful career out of real estate (at least in our opinion). As you can see, both aspects are extremely important, and not one more than the other. In fact, it is necessary for those practicing real estate to keep up with their education throughout the life of their career. Since the laws are constantly changing (for the better), it is an agent’s responsibility to keep up with their education, as well as the know-how and professionalism demanded in the industry.

We hope that looking at the differences will help you start off the right way when you pass your test to officially dive into the complex and rewarding world of real estate. Although it could potentially sound daunting, we feel it is necessary to help shape real estate consisting of future agents with the knowledge needed to help build successful careers. Of course, we believe that real estate will always need quality and ethical agents. As professionals in the industry, we also believe in shaping the future of real estate through education whether to customers and clients or to other real estate experts. So don’t forget to stay hydrated, study hard, and take breaks before your big test. We’ll be here if and whenever you need us.

Good luck from The Modified Realty Group (Vienna & Sandra)!