Ah, the glamorous life of a “Million Dollar Listing” agent: flashy cars, expensive jewelry, gourmet meals, hair and makeup, negotiating deals and making sales. Life in the fast lane. Well, sort of.
No doubt, being a real estate agent is a dream career for me. I am a firm believer it’s the best job in the world. It offers freedom, flexibility and opportunities to create wealth and stability for clients, friends and loved ones. It’s also — a lot of work. And not easy.
Here are some ways real estate is both the best — and most difficult — job in the world to help you prepare for it all and end up on top of your game.
1. There are no guarantees — or limits
Much like “Game of Thrones,” in the real estate game, you either win or you die — OK, now that I’ve got your attention, relax. It’s not that bad, but it can certainly be “feast or famine” out there.
And you have to be prepared for that, especially if real estate is a career change for you after working in a field where you had a steady paycheck.
The most successful agents can be impacted by economic trends, and you have to be ready to adapt to changing market conditions, whether it’s a recession or simply a switch from a buyer’s to seller’s market in your area. Be prepared to go from eating five-star dinners one night to ramen noodles the next, and back again.
2. Real estate is a constant hustle — a blessing and a curse
If you’re like me, you might have some obsessive tendencies. What might be diagnosed as a mental illness in any other industry can be put to good use in the world of real estate.
The constant need to hustle in our industry is what makes it both incredible and maddening at times. You must always be on the lookout for the next client, the next listing, new ways to market and promote and new information you can put to use if you want to be successful and take your business to the next level.
Some agents — myself included — find it hard to unplug from our work because it can become all-consuming. I’ve learned to chill out a little more, but if you’re looking for a 9-to-5, Monday-Friday job, this isn’t it.
If you’re looking for major rewards and a career you can be passionate about, you’re in the right place.
3. You can define yourself and create your persona
The days of stereotypical real estate agents are over. Agents do not come armed with a gold blazer, briefcase and brick cellphone anymore.
Real estate agents can be part-time yoga teachers, single moms, Crossfit dudes, corporate or indie. They can rock Louboutins or Sperrys to a listing appointment — here in South Florida you might see the same person wearing both!
You can determine most every aspect of your career, including the type of agency you hang your license with and whether you wear a name tag; I don’t, but I do have my smiling face all over bus benches around town. This is great if you crave freedom, but with great freedom also comes great responsibility to build your brand and how people see you.
Everything about real estate is like a two-sided coin — it can be tough, but if you have the personality and drive to be successful, it can be the most incredible and lucrative career of your life.
Sam DeBianchi is Estate Agent and founder of DeBianchi Real Estate. Follow @SamDeBianchi on Twitter and Instagram or on Facebook.