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Hi, I know from the news the housing market has taken a really big hit lately. One of my friends is a real estate agent and broker and indicated she was still doing Ok. She gave me some information on becoming an agent and though I might like it. My question is are you noticing any improvement in the market and do you think at this point it would be worthwhile for me to get my real estate license or not worth it? Thanks!

Hi, I know from the news the housing market has taken a really big hit lately. One of my friends is a real estate agent and broker and indicated she was still doing Ok. She gave me some information on becoming an agent and though I might like it. My question is are you noticing any improvement in the market and do you think at this point it would be worthwhile for me to get my real estate license or not worth it? Thanks!

If you get your license now, then you can build up your name now. So, when the market turns around, you will be ready to hit the ground running. Good Luck.
Ms.B:)

Ms. B, thanks for taking the time to respond:) Good idea. I figure the more education you have, the more you have to fall back on for a side job if needed.

I think it depends on the area as well. My aunt is a Real Estate Broker as well as a Mortgage agent. I have my Real Estate Appraisal License and currently am taking my Real Estate class to get my license. My aunt has more clients then she can handle and needs help with listings and showing homes. Her and my mom have been in Real Estate since I was a kid, it has always been hit or miss. Even with the economy in the shape it is in now there are still a lot of people relocating for various reasons.

I live in rural Missouri and although the market has slowed, it hasn't died. There are still people buying and selling. I am going to be getting my license again. Real Estate is my passion, always has been. I love everything about it and am so looking forward to getting back into it. Good Luck to you!

Lora

What companies are you taking classes through? I'm thinking of getting my real estate license but don't know if one company is better than another.

Hi Barb,
I've taken 'classroom' classes in the past but due to circumstances I am going to take classes online this time. I've had my Brokers license twice. Shame on me for letting it lapse, I know but it is what it is. I'm looking into Real Estate Prep. I think the link is HOME (http://www.realestateprepschool.com) You will want to check with your state and make sure taking classes online is allowed. I know it isn't available everywhere. Have you looked in the yellow pages and called some schools? That is probably what I would do first. Hope this helps some! Good Luck to you

How badly the market has been hit definitely depends on your area. There is still money to be made, that is for sure. Some things to think about:

1. Do you have the time and money to invest in becoming a Licensed Realtor?
(The class is a few hundred dollars, then you have to pay for the test, and the licensing, unless of course you have a company sponsoring you who agrees to pay for all of that. Once you get your license you have to join your local Board of Realtors, a few hundred dollars annually that you usally have to pay all at once. You will need to join your local MLS system, as well as SUPRA).

2. Do you have the time, money, and patience to establish yourself?
Unless you work for a company that pays for everything, you will need to invest in some marketing. It doesn't have to be expensive, but the little things add up. It will probably take a lot of footwork to generate any business. Most people don't start and immediately make money. When I started I was told that I need to be ok with the idea of not getting a paycheck for the first year... it happens.

3. This past year more agents have dropped their licenses than ever. Most of the active agents left are established go-getters. Do you have it in you to compete with them? Is there something about you that you can use to stand out in the crowd?

If you have thought about those things and want to do it, go for it! It can be a very rewarding business to be in. You might even want to consider taking some additional classes about short sales and/or foreclosures since those seem to be all over the place. Then you can market yourself as a specialist :) If you are considering taking an online course American School of Real Estate is great (realestateexpress.com)

Best of Luck to You!

Melissa

I have two 1/4 acre plots in Thika, next to each other that I can combine for an apartment/maisonnette project. The plots are 10 minutes to downtown Thika and 5 minutes to Thika Rd along Mangu Rd. The problem is, the section of town they are located was once considered 3rd rate in Thika town until the highway project was conceived. So, the stigma persists and most of the people who have recently bought there are either lower middle class, IDPs from RV, or speculators like me. The IDPs are constructing simple homes. I want to construct a decent mini-community targeting middle class families.

Do you think it's a good idea to pour over 5 million in construction in an area where it might remain a hodgepodge of design and class? If I move forward at this time, I'll be one of the first to do so in an estate that will comprise over 300 developments. Should I wait and see what shape the development will take before I move forward or should I bite the bullet? I feel I should not wait and see but should set the standard. Risky?

Please advice.

Your education counts but when it comes to Real Estate you need to be sales oriented and not only that you also need to be highly motivated to get things done, even more so given current market conditions..

little beats good training, as customers are usually making sdecisiions based on the advice they get. if you can impress with knowledge and professionalism you have agood chance of winning their trust.