Newly licensed agents
I noticed an interesting article today in the Charleston Post and Courier about newly licensed real estate agents finding today's Charleston real estate market to be challenging.
There has been a significant increase in the number of real estate agents in the past few years in the Charleston area, across the State of South Carolina and I'm pretty sure, the rest of the country. And with fewer homes selling and those that are selling taking a longer time on the market, some of the newer agents are finding that selling real estate is not what they expected it to be.
While some veteran agents are suggesting that it is too easy to get into real estate and that licensing standards should be stricter, real estate agents have always entered and exited the industry in good times and bad. I think the primary reason is that expectations are high and the reality is more difficult because many don't realize the significant commitment of time and financial resources that must be made in order to succeed. Real estate is a profession, not a hobby.
I moved to Charleston from Charlotte North Carolina after my sales and management career of 25 years ended in 2000 and spent some time thinking about what I would like to do for my second career, finally deciding on real estate. In getting started, I was realistic about my income potential because of not having a lot of friends, neighbors and relatives to sell real estate to or for. Because I lacked a natural sphere of influence, I made the commitment to be excellent at my chosen profession and I was very fortunate to become associated with a top real estate agency in Charleston and learned from many very successful agents.
I took additional education classes earning advanced accreditation designations and invested in technology, advertising and marketing. While I was able to close a variety of transactions in my early years and make a little money, in my 3rd year I was able to break into the top 20% of all real estate agents in the Charleston area which was my goal upon entering the industry. I am very fortunate to have helped many very nice clients buy and sell real estate who have appreciated my efforts on their behalf and now refer others to me. My business is still good even in a "challenging" housing market (but it can always be better).
It takes time and effort to be a successful real estate agent. Choose wisely when selecting a real estate agent to represent you in this very important financial transaction. You might find it interesting to read a previous post about searching for an agent.
Please read this very interesting article on newly licensed agents by Katy Stech of the Post and Courier.