Thinking of becoming a real estate agent? It's a great choice! Real estate is one of the most popular options for a second career. No matter what you've done in the past, you have skills that are useful in real estate. That's one reason why Homesale Realty has a focus on mentoring and bringing people from diverse backgrounds up to speed fast.

Agents have terrific income potential. The top earners make as much as doctors and lawyers — and beyond. Just as important, they have the chance to make a positive difference. Real estate experts benefit the community. They're essential to helping others achieve their dreams.

If you want to break into real estate, here's your action plan.

1. Make Sure You Meet the Requirements
   Most states require a high school diploma or GED to be a real estate agent, and so do colleges that offer real estate courses. In addition, all 50 states require you to be 18 or 19 years of age. An unofficial requirement? It's a good idea to be a licensed and confident driver.
   
   
2. Start With Real Estate Education Courses
   Being certified as a real estate agent requires you to learn about the industry and its rules. This is also a good way to decide whether real estate truly interests you. Depending on your state, you may be facing anywhere from 40 hours to 300 hours of instruction. Time to hit the books!
   
   
3. Pass Your Real Estate Licensing Exam
   Real estate licensing exams equip you with some important basic skills, including working with your clients, negotiating transactions, and understanding the law. Each state has a different minimum passing score. In most cases, you can retake the exam within a short time.
   
   
4. Learn from an Experienced Broker
   Most states don't allow newly-minted agents to jump right into the thick of things. Instead, you need to get your bearings under supervision from a broker. It's always worth it to work with an expert: You learn the ropes so you can go on to build your own business.
   
   
5. Work Out Your Startup Planning
   New agents typically work with a broker for six months to a year. During that time, you have the chance to explore the ins and outs of your real estate market and discover which clients and deals appeal to you most. Save up as much as you can and look ahead to opening your venture.
   
   
6. Roll Out Your Marketing Plan
   It's a good idea to get started early making your mark on the community. Tap your network to let people know when you'll start actively selling. Get involved with outreach, participating in the life of your community. And, of course, launch a website and begin building its authority.
   
   
7. Learn, Grow, and Improve
   There's always something new to learn as a real estate agent: That's part of the fun! The best way to do it is to connect with like-minded professionals in your local area. Over time, you're likely to discover that teaching others is a vital step in your own growth, too.

Ready to Go Further? BHHS Homesale Realty Will Help You Soar

After you get started in real estate, there's still a long journey ahead! With all the different skills that go into a successful real estate career, you don't want to reinvent the wheel. Instead, learn from those who've been where you are — and can show you the way forward. You'll spend less time charting a course and more time building the business you want.

A community of helpful, like-minded professionals is waiting for you. Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to learn more today.