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Savanna
Student
Shreveport, Louisiana
1
Question
Asked
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What does it take to become a real estate agent?
I am interested in architecture, interior design, and I am gifted in the art of feng shui. I have a lot of other career interests, but if I were to pick a favorite, it would be real estate.
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Dan Sokol
Senior Credit Officer
11
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Dan’s Answer
To qualify to become a real estate agent is usually quite easy. You take a course to prepare for the realtor test. Since you may be in Louisiana, see: https://lrec.gov/become-licensed/salesperson.
Perhaps though you may want to think and plan bigger and wider! Would you like to become an architect and/or an interior designer? If so, you may very well not need to apply for a real estate license. Also, you can consider do you want to do this for residential real estate or commercial (like offices and apartment complexes or other special use buildings (hospitals, senior facilities, schools, etc.).
I got my architecture degree many years ago (RISD, which has both architecture and interior architecture programs, so you could take courses in both disciplines!) and worked pretty much in the commercial sector on these types of buildings. As you grow, your direction can change also to fit your interests. Years later, I decided to get an MBA and shifted my work from architecture to finance, working primarily on real estate financing and development.
Are you able to take any classes introducing you to these fields at a local community college if you are still in high school? Sometimes for high schoolers, such community colleges courses are free. Are you working on a portfolio of you designs and imagination? Consider even calling or dropping by a local architecture firm and ask to speak to someone regarding their career. If they're like me, they'll enjoy the discussion with you. We were all in your shoes once back in the day.
Good luck and go for it!
Perhaps though you may want to think and plan bigger and wider! Would you like to become an architect and/or an interior designer? If so, you may very well not need to apply for a real estate license. Also, you can consider do you want to do this for residential real estate or commercial (like offices and apartment complexes or other special use buildings (hospitals, senior facilities, schools, etc.).
I got my architecture degree many years ago (RISD, which has both architecture and interior architecture programs, so you could take courses in both disciplines!) and worked pretty much in the commercial sector on these types of buildings. As you grow, your direction can change also to fit your interests. Years later, I decided to get an MBA and shifted my work from architecture to finance, working primarily on real estate financing and development.
Are you able to take any classes introducing you to these fields at a local community college if you are still in high school? Sometimes for high schoolers, such community colleges courses are free. Are you working on a portfolio of you designs and imagination? Consider even calling or dropping by a local architecture firm and ask to speak to someone regarding their career. If they're like me, they'll enjoy the discussion with you. We were all in your shoes once back in the day.
Good luck and go for it!