Q: How can I be sure a career in real estate is for me?
A: Real estate is, above all else, a customer service-based business. You will be involved in one of the biggest monetary events in someone’s life. Take a moment to review your career objectives. What do you want from your career? Discuss these issues and goals with someone who knows first-hand what the industry is like before you make your decision. Contact us to get started – we’ll be happy to help you get started and give you the real facts.

Q: What are the requirements to obtain a real estate license?
A: It differs by state. For example, the state of Ohio requires four courses:

• Real Estate Principles and Practices (40 hours)
• Real Estate Law (40 hours)
• Real Estate Finance (20 hours)
• Real Estate Appraisal (20 hours)

After finishing your class work, you’ll need to send a completed application, copies of your course certificates and an application fee to your state’s division of real estate. Once this step is completed, you will be eligible to take the state’s computerized licensing exam. In addition to the requirements previously noted, candidates for licensing must be at least 18 years of age, must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and must be sponsored by a licensed Ohio real estate broker. Contact us to learn the specific licensing requirements for your state.

Q: How much money will I make in the real estate industry?
A: As a real estate professional, you are an independent contractor. That means you are basically running your own business. As in any business, you get out of it what you put into it. Talking to brokers and agents will give you a real idea of what is possible.

Q: Is working part-time in the real estate industry possible?
A: The answer to that question varies depending on the broker. If working part-time is important to you, be sure to raise this issue before you commit to a sponsoring broker.

Q: How do I go about finding a broker to sponsor me for the state license exam?
A: Real Living welcomes individuals who are motivated, self-starters with a desire to succeed! Contact us to get started.

Q: How quickly can I complete the courses?
A: Again, it depends on your area. For example, Real Living has an established relationship with Hondros College, which has locations in Ohio and Wisconsin. As a premier provider of real estate educational services, Hondros offers a unique schedule that allows students to complete courses in as little as three weeks. Weekday, weekend and evening classes are available so that you may complete your education at times and locations that are convenient for you. For more information about Hondros College, visit their Web site at Hondros.com, or call (800) 783-0093. For information about real estate education in your area, contact us.

Q: How am I going to compete with experienced agents when I am new to the business?
A: At Real Living, we believe in providing you with real tools and real support. That means providing relevant, timely training. You’ll be provided with all of the tools and services needed to meet your clients’ demands through our new agent training courses. If you commit to using the tools we provide, you will be successful – often because you’ll be aware of newer, better tools than other experienced agents and you’ll be well-equipped to provide the highest level of service to your customers.

Interested in becoming a Real Living agent? Contact Customer Care to learn more about the most innovative real estate company in the country.