So you Want to be a Real Estate Agent
With spring now in full swing you may notice an uptick in the numbers of homes that are being bought and sold, and thus you may be interested in a career in real estate! Being a real estate agent can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding, but there are a few things that you need to know before you can become a qualified agent! First and foremost, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the basic requirements that make you eligible to be agent! Once you understand the requirements that you must fulfill to be qualified as an agent, it’s important to take a moment and consider whether or not you’re a good fit for a career in real estate—after all, many people who get into real estate have short careers as an agent when they find they’re not as suited for the job as they thought!
The Requirements
To become a licensed real estate agent in the state of North Carolina, there are a few basic requirements that you must ensure that you meet! The most basic of these requirements is that you must be at least 18 years old, and you must be a United States citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien under federal law. Also, despite some common misconceptions, you are not required to be a resident of North Carolina to receive a North Carolina real estate license! In addition to these requirements, you must also complete a state-approved, 75 hour broker pre-licensing course in a live classroom, pass the North Carolina Licensing Exam with a score of at least 75%, and complete 90 hours of state-mandated post licensing education within 3 years of receiving your broker’s license!
Are you a fit for Real Estate?
As is the case with any career choice, it’s important to take a moment to understand the ins and outs of said career and determine if you’re a fit! This is no different with real estate, and there are a few things that you must know about life as a real estate agent: first and foremost, you’re in charge of your own hours and the work that you set out to complete—which means you’ll need a certain level of discipline and self-motivation in order to be successful! In addition, you won’t be working a typical 9-5 workday, as you’ll often be meeting with clients in the evening and starting your workday before others! This level of freedom and flexibility in your schedule is a perk of working in real estate, but only if you’re comfortable with it! Lastly, and perhaps the most important thing you should know about real estate is that it’s incredibly fast paced—especially during the peak home buying season! As a result, if you thrive in such environments and enjoy an ever changing landscape at work, then real estate is a great place for you!
