If you're toying with the idea of becoming a real estate agent, you might be wondering what kinds of things your new job will entail.  Some people assume showing houses to clients, filling out paperwork and collecting a commission pretty much sums up the typical day of a real estate agent--that couldn't be further from the truth.

One of the first things to understand about a career in real estate is that each day is different.  Days (and evenings) are filled with a variety of things to do.  If you ask a seasoned REALTOR®, they may tell you one of the reasons they decided to become a real estate agent was no two days are exactly the same.

Although every day is different, there are some activities that every successful real estate agent must master:

• Administrative Duties
  While most events of a real estate agent's day will be focused on producing sales, paperwork is a by-product of a successful career in real estate. Much of today's modern business is conducted electronically; however, as a REALTOR® there are still forms to complete and paperwork to be processed.
  
  
• Prospecting and Lead Generation
  Real estate is a lead generation based business.  If you don't generate leads, you don't have clients or transactions … and that means no commissions.  Most people with a successful career in real estate prospect daily.  There are a number of ways to build contacts and generate leads including networking through personal connections, purchasing leads through the internet, geo-farming using USPS mail and social media posts.
  
  
• Working with Clients
  Whether you represent a buyer or seller, your day will be spent working on your client's behalf.   The activities of a seller's agent will include preparing listing presentations, taking digital photographs of the listing and staging the home so it shows well.  The day of a buyer's agent day will include searching the MLS to find appropriate listings for home buyers, showing homes to clients and negotiating sales.
  
  
• Sales Meetings
  Real estate agents work for a broker like our company, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty.  You may work in an office with other real estate agents and professionals.   Regular office meetings are scheduled and include sharing information about new listings, understanding new regulations, teaching, training, inspiring and more.
  
  
• Understanding Real Estate Market Trends
  Real estate agents must study and understand both local and national real estate market trends to recognize changes in the marketplace. You must be able to know what housing inventory is available, how quickly it is selling and how today's changes might impact tomorrow's market.
  
  
• Becoming a Neighborhood Expert
  A successful real estate agent is by nature, "a neighborhood expert."   You not only understand the local housing inventory, but know about local school districts, business and the overall community.  REALTORS® accomplish this by visiting neighborhoods, studying comparative listings and sales, introducing yourself to builders in the community, hosting open houses and getting involved in local events.
  
  
• Continuing Education
  While your career as a real estate agent will include earning continuing education credits to maintain an active license, many REALTORS® choose to pursue real estate certifications and designations to improve their credentials and marketability.  Real estate agents need to stay up-to-date about mortgages, real estate laws and practices and technologies.  Additional research, training and education may be required.
  
  
• Keeping Current Clients Happy
  Keeping in contact with existing clients is essential.  Escrow must be monitored. Inspections scheduled.  Deadlines and timelines met.  Clients kept informed.
  
  

A successful real estate agent does all of these things and more through organization, to-do lists and the help of a great team like that found at BHHS Homesale Realty.  If you'd like to learn more about becoming a real estate agent with Homesale Realty, attend one of our local career seminars or contact a Career Development Manager at one of our local offices to schedule a confidential meeting.