I have been in real estate for twenty years. As a real estate agent, my days include looking at properties, preparing a market analysis, networking with other agents, talking to lenders, writing and presenting an offer, performing inspections or doing paperwork.

EDUCATION | I have a Master's Degree in French Language and Literature. The level of education required depends on where you're working. Where I am, you definitely need have to have a college degree to work with successful, highly educated people. You have to match yourself to your clientele.

HOW TO GET STARTED | It's important to make sure that you choose a real estate office that is close to where you live so that you can establish yourself in the community. Also, the spirit of the office should be one where you feel comfortable and you are surrounded by people who reflect your standards. It can take several years to produce an income in this business, so having savings or a spouse who can support you is vital.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | The ideal person for this job is people-oriented, organized, and thorough. Real estate also requires a lot of patience because there is a learning curve for buyers and sellers. You need to be very flexible and see other people's points of view. You're an agent for another person, which takes empathy and the ability to get inside the other person's head.

how I got started | My mother worked as a realtor when I was growing up, so I already knew about the industry before I began. I took a course to prepare for the Real Estate Licensing exam and interviewed at several companies to find the right one.

why this job?| I chose real estate because it gave me flexibility (my children were home when I started). This can be a plus and a minus; there are times where you can be available but very often you have to be on the job and cannot control appointments and meetings. Weekends and evenings are prime appointment times. One unique feature of this business is the ability to choose to work only with people you enjoy.

why I love this job!| Real estate offers the chance to help people in a time of stress. This close personal relationship with clients is very satisfying. Before I went into real estate, I told my mother I wanted to do something that would change the world. She told me, "you will be amazed at how much you help people in a time that is critical." You have to be part psychologist to deal with the emotional nature of the buying and selling process. The variety of skills required makes each day a satisfgying challenge.

my typical day| You're always on call. Some of my days don't end until 2am. You can rarely take off a weekend. If you're planning a vacation, you never know when things might come up, but you have to go forward and go on that vacation. We take care of each other's clients.

what they are | At the end of the day, you cannot clear your desk and say, "I'm done." If you are dedicated to your clients, they are always on your mind; you are always thinking of how you can take care of them. It's especially hard for beginners in this job. You have to be a self-starter. No one hands you clients and there is no guaranteed beginning salary. It takes time to earn a reputation and referrals.

all about growth | The upside is tremendous both emotionally and financially. I always say that it is delightful to "tuck someone in" at the end of the transaction. As an agent, you have a unique opportunity to make dreams come true.

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