Not everyone is cut out for a career in real estate. However, for those who want flexibility, freedom, high income earning potential, and the ability to perform meaningful work on a daily basis, real estate is the perfect landing spot. Here are a few helpful tips you can use to get started:

• Attend Online Real Estate School

Before you start your career as a real estate agent in Dayton Ohio, you have to get licensed. And in order to obtain your license, you have to follow the steps outlined by your state’s real estate commission.

All states have nuances, but the general requirements are the same across the board. You’ll need to take a real estate license course to prepare yourself for the required exams. Thankfully, you can take your 75-hour course online. (Some states require lengthier courses, so do your research to find out what you need to do in order to sit for the exams.)

• Pass Both Exams

The next step is to pass your exams. This includes both the state and national exam. 

The state portion of the test will evaluate your knowledge on specific regulations and laws in your state. Most state exams require you to answer 30 out of 40 questions correctly to pass.

The national exam is standardized. It covers a variety of topics, including fundamentals of real estate law, real estate contracts, agency law, appraisals, mortgages and finance, taxation, real estate mathematics, federal laws affecting real estate, etc. There are typically around 80 to 100 questions on this portion of the exam.

• Find the Ideal Broker

Once you pass the exam and you have your license, you need to choose a broker. And this is where many new agents get tripped up.

“Too many new real estate agents think a real estate broker choice is primarily based on commission splits,” real estate professional James Kimmons writes. “It’s not all about the split, as the final in-your-pocket income has to do with many variable services provided by brokers.”

In addition to commission splits, you need to think about how you’ll obtain leads, what marketing and advertising expenses are covered, what the office costs are, mentoring and training, and your level of comfort with the broker (and other agents).

While a broker isn’t technically your boss, he or she can make or break your success early on in your real estate career. Take your time and choose wisely!

• Build Your Network

Success in real estate is all about networking. While you might get lucky and find a broker who occasionally tosses you a lead or two, you’ll typically be responsible for bringing in all of your own clients. And the bigger your network the better.

Use every opportunity in your work and personal life as a networking opportunity. Whether it’s neighbors, friends, family, past work colleagues, or the parents of your child’s friends – the wider you cast your net, the more potential there is for success.

• Wow Your Clients

Once you earn a client’s business, you need to do everything within your power to multiply it. And the way you do this is by wowing them to where they can’t help but refer you to their network of friends and family. But be strategic in how you do this.

“All too often, real estate agents try to impress their clients by using fancy terms or information which can end up making their clients feel uncomfortable,” Mashvisor mentions. “While it’s important to show that you’re knowledgeable and an expert in the real estate market, this alone is not enough. There are tons of other agents out there, so why should they pick you?” 

At the end of the day, it’s all about building trust and coming across as authentic. People want to do business with people who they perceive as both knowledgeable and caring. There are plenty of knowledgeable agents, so set yourself apart by adding a human touch.

Build Your Real Estate Business

When you break it down into five simple steps, it makes the process of building a career in real estate sound easy. And while it’s definitely not easy, you don’t have to make it more complicated than it is. By following the path that others have already discovered, you can set yourself up to be successful for many years to come.