3 answers
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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3 answers
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!
Kelly Fry, MBA, PMP
Customer Success Executive - Post Sales Strategic Advisor for Technology Platform
17
Answers
Wenatchee, Washington
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
The best real estate agents build trust with their clients and expand their businesses through strong networking. Since people only buy real estate a few times in their lives, it's crucial to leave them very satisfied so they recommend you to others. Being a real estate agent means working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, for home tours and paperwork, unlike a typical desk job. If you become a trusted agent with a solid network, it can be a very rewarding career. Remember, the industry is shifting towards technology-first, which might reduce the demand for agents. However, paying attention to detail, building trust, and networking are essential for success in real estate.
Paloma Peraza
Hospitality / Commercial Interior Design
1
Answer
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Paloma’s Answer
Hello!
I am both a licensed interior designer and real estate agent. Adding to Dan's comment above. Both interior design/ architecture and real estate are very deadline heavy. Are you comfortable with that aspect? Also, both disciplines require a lot of attention to detail, drawings and contracts. A big part of design other than coming up with concepts, is material selection and very technical drawing work of floor plans, 2D elevations showing how something will be built, and detailed drawings ( how a wall or a cabinet is built), on a computer, most of your day. Real estate, you spend a lot of time talking to people, looking for clients, touring properties, looking for comparables ( A property sold for x and B property sold for y) and eventually submitting offers, negotiating deals.
I first worked in residential / vacation home real estate and did a lot of staging. But I eventually transitioned to commercial interior design ( got a degree) and do real estate referrals on the side.
You local library should have a LinkedIn Learning free subscription. Look into introductory courses for real estate, architecture and interior design to get a feel. Another option is to go to a local brokerage and architectural firm and ask if the have a "shadow" a professional program.
I am both a licensed interior designer and real estate agent. Adding to Dan's comment above. Both interior design/ architecture and real estate are very deadline heavy. Are you comfortable with that aspect? Also, both disciplines require a lot of attention to detail, drawings and contracts. A big part of design other than coming up with concepts, is material selection and very technical drawing work of floor plans, 2D elevations showing how something will be built, and detailed drawings ( how a wall or a cabinet is built), on a computer, most of your day. Real estate, you spend a lot of time talking to people, looking for clients, touring properties, looking for comparables ( A property sold for x and B property sold for y) and eventually submitting offers, negotiating deals.
I first worked in residential / vacation home real estate and did a lot of staging. But I eventually transitioned to commercial interior design ( got a degree) and do real estate referrals on the side.
You local library should have a LinkedIn Learning free subscription. Look into introductory courses for real estate, architecture and interior design to get a feel. Another option is to go to a local brokerage and architectural firm and ask if the have a "shadow" a professional program.