​It’s great to have a mentor to guide you when you’re a real estate agent, especially when you are first starting in your career. A mentor can be invaluable in helping you learn the ropes and build your professional network. And even after you’ve gotten some experience under your belt, a good mentoring relationship can still help you grow your business and push your career to new heights.
 
Sounds good, right? But the question is: How do you know a good mentor when you see one? Here are suggested questions to ask yourself as you look for a great mentor who is right for you.

​You will want an established real estate pro with a wealth of expertise to be your mentor, of course. At the same time, though, recognize that an effective mentor knows that there is always something new to learn. Being committed to staying current and learning new practices in the field is a valuable trait in a mentor. And, in addition to being enthusiastic about sharing that knowledge with you, they should also be open to the possibility that you may know something they do not.

​As a real estate school that prides itself on having instructors with directly relevant experience, the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate can attest to how important it is to have a mentor who has walked the path you’re on. When they have gone through similar situations, they are positioned to help shorten your learning curve and help you navigate challenges. They can relate to where you are coming from and know what you need to think about, and what skills you’ll need to hone.

​You don’t want your mentor to be exactly like you, but it is helpful if the two of you have views and values in common. It’s like matchmaking. When you pair up with someone with whom you can quickly find common ground, the chances are greater that you’ll build a dynamic relationship. Look at the person’s supportive style too. Is their approach going to challenge you (in a good way) and inspire you to realize your goals and dreams? Think about what style brings out the best in you.
 

​Someone with a skill set similar to yours could help you sharpen your existing skills. And while this can make your strengths even stronger, it’s also important for a mentor to give guidance in areas where you are struggling. You’ll want them to supplement the skills you bring to the table too. These include hard skills (e.g., estate knowledge) and soft skills (e.g., communication).

​A quality mentor is both. One of a mentor’s core obligations is to provide crucial feedback to help you sidestep mistakes, increase your business, and more. Sometimes that feedback is corrective, and difficult to hear. So, look to find someone who knows how to constructively deliver feedback, and doesn’t shy away from giving you a respectful reality check when you need it.
 

​Great mentors are also authentic. They do not say one thing and do another. Rather, they lead by example, proving their talk and their capabilities with actions that match their words. They also know that an important part of being an authentic role model is the willingness to reflect on and share their journey and experiences – the good, the bad, and the ugly – with their mentee.

Some Related Advice
Choosing the right mentor is an important decision. Therefore, don’t be in a rush. Take your time and choose wisely. To make it easier:

• Identify what you need and want from a mentor. Develop a list of short and long-term goals, which will help you figure out what skills and knowledge your mentor should have.
• Prepare questions that will help you get an idea of what a mentoring relationship would be like with that person. Ask those questions at an informal meeting.
• Ask others for input on the people you are considering. This can help you narrow your list.

​Whether you are planning to take pre-licensing, post-licensing, or continuing education real estate courses online, be sure you are good to go before the virtual school bell rings to signal the first day of class. Being prepared helps ensure that things go smoothly and that you will get the most out of your studies.
 
What do you need to do to get ready for an online course?
 
We’ve called on our insider knowledge of the subject here at the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate to put together six simple tips to help you prepare. So, if it has been a while since you were last in school or you’re a newbie to online learning, keep reading for helpful hints.

Tip 1: Scope out study spaces.
While flexibility in where you study is a big part of the appeal of taking classes online, it helps to have a regular spot for doing your coursework. How so? You establish a routine that can boost your focus and productivity. Pick/set up a study space where you’ll be comfortable and ready to learn. At home, this could be anyplace from dedicated office space to the kitchen table or a corner nook. Have an alternate space too – perhaps the local library or a cozy booth at the coffee shop.

Tip 2: Test your tech.
Most courses don’t require the latest, fastest computer with bells-and-whistles software. You should nevertheless check beforehand (ideally before enrolling) to make sure your hardware, software, and internet speed fit the requirements. Check the school’s website for a list of the tech specs. Similarly, download any software or apps you’ll need ahead of time to avoid a last-minute scramble. Plus, test everything as far in advance as possible to make sure it works.

Tip 3: Make a study plan.
Since online courses typically don’t have a set time for you to attend class, it’s important to have a plan for staying on top of your schedule. Review the syllabus up front, check out any due dates, and make a study calendar. A quick web search will turn up an array of apps for that. Figure out how much time you need for classwork and assignments. Then schedule accordingly. Set aside a certain number of hours per day or week and be sure to leave some leeway for the unexpected.

Tip 4: Have a tech backup plan.
One of the things that you don’t want to happen is a scenario where your computer or internet fails, you have no alternate plan, and you have a quiz, test, or assignment due. Make a contingency plan for how you will complete coursework on time in the event of a technology glitch. Have Plan A and Plan B. Also, sign up for a cloud storage account if you don’t already have one (see if the school has suggestions) so that you have a strategy for backing up important files.

Tip 5: Gather important contact info.
There is no way to know if, at some point, you might need technical assistance or advice on an issue with your studies. And by its very definition, an emergency can’t be predicted. But, if one occurs, it could keep you out of class. So, find phone numbers, as well as email addresses and links for connecting with your instructor, technical support, and other services you may need. Don’t wait until you need help and then feverishly scroll the school’s website. Make a list before class begins.

Tip 6: Set up your support network.
By their very nature, online courses can sometimes leave you feeling a bit isolated and as if you are learning all on your own. Putting a support network in place can help with that. Ask family and friends to be a cheering section to encourage you to stay on track and maintain successful study habits. Reach out to introduce yourself and build rapport as soon as you get your instructor’s contact information. And visit the discussion forum early on to meet future study buddies.

One of the things we’ve taken notice of at the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate is that soon-to-be or newly minted agents are often curious about why a real estate CRM is important. Are you among those who have heard mention of customer relationship management software for agents and are wondering what the fuss is all about?
As a long-established real estate school with real-world knowledgeable instructors and staff, we can shed some light on that.
Here is a quick look at some basics of CRM software, and a more detailed look at seven of the ways a CRM platform can benefit you when you start out as well as later down the road.
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So, what’s CRM software, anyway?
Simply put, customer relationship management software is a technology resource that supports your strategy for building and nurturing relationships with prospects and clients. Generally speaking, a CRM is a central repository for business data, a tracking system for interactions with potential and existing clients, and an analytics and reporting tool.
​

#1 Corral Your Leads
One of the challenges you’ll face as a real estate agent is organizing leads from scattered sources. With a CRM, you can consolidate info from multiple lead streams into one spot. And a good CRM platform will seamlessly synchronize with other technologies (i.e., websites, email, and social media channels) to allow you to transfer information. That makes it faster and easier to organize data. 

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#2 Manage Client Intel
If you’re using a tool like a spreadsheet to keep up with prospects and clients, you’re limited in how much data you can easily capture and analyze. A CRM system, on the other hand, is designed to let you collect and track all manner of customer data that provides insight into behaviors and needs. It also allows you to slice and dice intel to improve decision making and up your service game. 

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#3 Personalize Your Marketing
CRM software makes it easier for you to sift through contact information, segment based on contact profiles, and then tailor marketing messages accordingly. So, you get to bid cookie-cutter marketing farewell and connect with leads and clients on a deeper level to nurture relationships. You can also automate your marketing campaigns based on triggers within your CRM software. 

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#4 Respond Faster
As an agent, you’re on the move – driving to listing appointments, showing properties, and the like. And so, responding to emails, voice mail, and text messages in a timely fashion can be difficult. With a cloud-based CRM, though, you can access the info you need wherever you are to get back with those who contact you. CRM platforms also allow you to create customized auto-responses to let leads and clients know that you received their message and will be back in touch shortly. 

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#5 Stay on Track
The busier you are, the harder it is to manage things without dropping the ball. A good real estate CRM can help you with that. For example, set automatic reminders for calls to make and follow-up activities to handle. Set your CRM to remind you about special dates – client birthdays, purchase anniversaries, and such – and to send automatic emails. Plus, create automated checklists to help you stay on top of details associated with things like listings, open houses, etc. 

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#6 Boost Your Productivity
Splitting time and attention takes a bite out of efficiency. Therefore, it follows that you can increase efficiency and productivity when you use software that lets you roll multiple activities into one system. The right CRM will integrate with other technology tools that you’re using – lead generation, email marketing, accounting software, and more. So, you can continue to use the tech solutions that work for you while spending less time switching between interfaces and devices. 

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#7 Analyze Business Performance
A robust real estate CRM system – one that provides dashboards and detailed analytics about activities such as marketing, lead generation, and relationship building – helps you identify bottlenecks and other areas for improvement and devise solutions that address performance gaps. That means you can work smarter, not harder with the advantage of real-time data on what’s working and what’s not. 

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Keep in mind: While there are advantages to using CRM software, technology is simply a tool that helps you nurture client relationships. To get the most out of that technology, you need a business approach for managing interactions with potential and existing clients. Coupled with exceptional customer service and in-depth real estate knowledge (check out how the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate can help you gain that), a CRM strategy can help grow your business and your bottom line. 

Remember that states license real estate agents. Therefore, the state must accept your coursework. If the school is not an approved provider, the courses don’t count toward the requirements for licensure. How can you confirm whether a school is approved? For Georgia, check the Approved Schools list on the Georgia Real Estate Commission website.
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​One of the things you’ll want to do your homework on is the history of the school. Check to see how many years it has been in business. Is it relatively new or well-established like the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate? We are Savannah’s oldest real estate school, and one with a solid track record of preparing students for success in the profession.

​It’s to your benefit to pick a school where active agents or one-time active agents teach the courses. Not only do they know the material. They can also share real-life examples to provide context for that material. It’s a distinction that we take great pride in at our school. Our instructors HAVE SOLD real estate. As such, they can offer rich, insightful educational experiences.

​When you are looking for a real estate school, note whether the core curriculum keeps pace with the ever-changing real estate industry. A top-quality curriculum is current and relevant. It also incorporates practice questions and exams that test your retention and understanding of the course material, helping you to better prepare for exam day. 

Factor in your learning style, schedule, and lifestyle so that you can confirm the course format aligns with your needs. If you learn better in a traditional setting, weed out schools that only offer online courses. If flexibility is a must, so is an online option. Do the schools on your list offer only one type of course or both? As you compare, we invite you to check out our pre-licensing course, which is offered both in the classroom and online.

​You can narrow your choices by focusing on schools that fit your budget. Here’s a caveat, though. Don’t just look at price alone. Also, look at the value you get for the price. For instance, check which schools offer a choice of packages that enable you to meet the educational requirements to sit for the exam – and help you prep for taking the test. 

​If you have coursework questions or technical issues, you’ll want to get them resolved as quickly and easily as possible. Do the schools that you’re looking at have a support team you can reach out to for personalized help? How easy is it to contact instructors or technical support staff? Is the school staffed full time like the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate and do they offer live support? 

The school you choose should offer great content, of course. But, great content won’t do you much good if you don’t pass the exam. Check out the school’s exam pass rate (national and state-specific). Ask for data that backs up the school’s claim. Also, ask if their students typically pass the exam on the first try or after multiple attempts. 

Even when you are just starting in the profession, you should consider whether the school can help you meet future educational needs. Do they offer continuing education courses that you need to maintain your license? Is the broker pre-license course offered? With access to these resources, you don’t have to repeat the search process when you’re ready for the next step.

At the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate, we know that a referral from someone in the business is one of the highest compliments a real estate school can get. We routinely receive referrals from many different real estate companies, and we strongly suggest that you ask agents for their recommendations. Check out school reviews and read student testimonials too. 

​One of the decisions you will be faced with as a real estate agent is whether you will take a generalist approach to the business or choose a specialty – a niche. At first glance, doing the latter may seem counterintuitive as you are, by definition, narrowing your focus to a smaller segment of the larger market in order to grow your business. But, as many a top producing real estate agent will tell you, picking a niche can be a smart and lucrative marketing strategy. 

Some of the Benefits:

​1. Helps Set You Apart
​Whether you choose a specific location, property type, client category or other niche, you are declaring what makes you different from the sea of other agents in your market area who pretty much do the same thing. Versus blending in with the crowd, you stand out – and in a good way! 

2. Enhances Credibility and Trust
​When you jump in and become a guru in a niche, you establish yourself as the resident expert in that area. This gives you credibility within your niche market. And that credibility helps you build client trust, which is essential to your success. Consumers value experts and they are more likely to choose you as their real estate agent when they trust your knowledge and expertise. 
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​3. Simplifies Your Marketing
​Once you identify your niche, you get clearer on who your ideal client is, and that understanding helps you find the most effective opportunities for marketing to them. It’s also easier to define your value proposition and tailor your message to appeal to those who are most likely to hire you. As an added bonus, you may also reduce marketing costs as you don’t have to spread as wide of a net

4. Helps you get found 
​As a niche agent, you can optimize your website with content and keywords that put you in front of prospects searching online for someone with your specific expertise. Creating pertinent content for social media channels as well can get you noticed by potential clients outside of your website and other marketing efforts. In short, you can get increased visibility in front of the right people. 

5. Increases Referrals
​Being known as the go-to agent for a specific market not only results in clients seeking you out. It also makes it more obvious what type of client others should refer to you, and that can result in people sending more business your way. Also, because your past/existing clients likely associate with “birds of a feather” – who also fit your niche – you can tap into a loyal referral source.

A Few Helpful Hints:
If you do decide to carve out a niche, here are some tips.

1. Keep in mind that not all niches are created equal. Do your homework before you settle on your choice. Consider the competition and earning potential for the option you’re looking at, and whether it is lucrative enough for you to meet your income goals.

2. Pinpoint your passion and consider what niche is best suited for your strong suits. For example, do you enjoy and are you especially good at working with a specific client type such as first-time buyers or seniors? Are you well connected in particular geographic areas like up-andcoming or high-turnover neighborhoods? What’s your success in working with certain property types like luxury residences, green homes, or short sale homes? There’s a niche for most every interest. So, get creative and think outside the box.

​3. Consider taking continuing education courses or getting certified in your niche area. Look into what educational opportunities are out there, including continuing education courses offered by the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate. Our courses are online. So, you can work them into your busy schedule; take them anywhere, anytime.

It takes time and effort to build strong client relationships, and it’s not always easy. As you can well imagine, though, it is critically important that you do so when you are in the real estate business. The reason is simple. Quality relationships can strengthen your reputation and help you generate referrals and repeat business, both of which are key to your success. A case in point: The National Association of Realtors recently reported that 39 percent of sellers who used an agent went with one who was referred to them, and 24 percent used the agent they had previously worked with.

So, what are some things you can do to build enduring, fruitful client relationships?
 

​1 – Don’t be all business all the time.
Yes, you’re building business relationships with your clients and that should be where you focus your attention. But, don’t neglect to build a personal bond too. Strong relationships are built on genuine connections. The more clients relate to you as a person, and not just as an agent, the easier it is to build trust. You don’t have to become best buddies, but getting to know clients better, being personal when the time is fitting, and paying attention to little details like remembering special occasions and acknowledging milestones all help you to nurture relationships.

​2 – Make communication easy, and a priority.
As in any other relationship, communication is pivotal to connecting with clients. Start off on the right foot by finding out how they prefer to be contacted, regularly checking in even if there are no updates, and keeping them in the loop when developments do occur. Also, let clients know the best way to reach you so it’s easy for them to do so. And, stay connected after the transaction, providing useful information that positions you as a trusted adviser. 

​3 – Embrace your role as a trusted resource.
It’s a no-brainer. The more value you offer, the more likely it is that you’ll get repeat clients and that they will, in turn, refer you to others. So, take your role of go-to expert seriously. Keep up with the latest trends and developments in the industry. Add to your skills and knowledge and keep both up to date through avenues like continuing education, such as the convenient online courses offered by the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate. Know your local market inside and out. And, demonstrate your expertise by providing helpful resources like informative blogs and email campaigns. 

​4 – Show appreciation.
When clients know that they are appreciated they are more likely to be loyal to you when they need real estate services again in the future and to pass your name along to others who are looking for a real estate agent. Therefore, say and show thanks (with no strings attached of course). For example, send a handwritten note following closing or give a housewarming gift, or do both. Make a quick thank-you call when they send referrals your way. And consider hosting client appreciation events like a picnic, movie night at a local theater, a wine tasting or a garden party.

​5 – Leverage CRM technology to enhance your efforts.
Pairing personal relationship-building efforts with customer relationship management software helps you to better manage client interactions and more easily foster relationships. For instance, using CRM software, you can automate and fine-tune follow up; build out client profiles with relationship-building info like anniversaries, birthdays, holidays celebrated, and the like; personalize your marketing and services using intel you’ve collected; and set up a plan for a series of purposeful, valued contacts with past clients.

​Wrap-up: Whatever efforts you make to cultivate client relationships, be sure to concentrate on building trust, being consistently responsive, providing value, and delivering stellar service and results. As well, use your knowledge and expertise to inform and educate. This all makes it easy for clients to reward you with long-term loyalty and to recommend you to others.

Picking the firm where you will launch your real estate career is a big deal. You will be learning your craft and building your business, and the brokerage you work for will play a major part in how successful you are at that. Therefore, it follows that it’s crucial to pick the “right” firm.
 
So, the question is: What are some things that are helpful to do (or not to do) when choosing where you will first hang your license? Read on for 10 tips.

1. Narrow your search by company type.
​From national franchises to local independent firms and large traditional brokerages to specialized boutique firms, there are many different routes to take when it comes to real estate offices. It can be to your benefit to take a beat to compare the various options and decide which one is the best fit for you. Then, focus your search to make it more manageable. 

2. Confirm you’ll get the training you need to succeed.
​Yes, you learned a lot in the pre-license course. And before your first year comes and goes, you add to that knowledge with the post-license course (which is conveniently offered online by the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate). But, as you get your feet wet in the business, you’ll find that few things help as much as a solid training program and real-world guidance. As you talk to brokers ask what training is available and whether it’s free, structured or informal. Also find out if there is educational content specifically for new agents and if formal mentoring is available. 

3. Don’t just look at the cheapest offices.
​No doubt about it, commission splits and fee structures are important in making your choice. As such, you may be inclined to pick the broker with the lowest fees or the split that lets you pocket the biggest share. Resist the urge, though, to primarily focus on the compensation model. Rather, balance it with aspects like support and services that will help you get your business off the ground.

4. Take note of what technology systems are available.
​Because technology continues to transform the way real estate agents do business, you can’t afford to join a firm that doesn’t offer up-to-date tech tools. Check to see what digital resources will be available to help you with lead generation and if you will have access to customer relationship management (CRM) software that facilitates marketing, contact and transaction management.

5. Get the scoop on how much office support you’ll get. 
​Administrative support can vary widely from broker to broker, even among individual offices of national franchises. So, inquire as to whether you will get help with activities like appointment setting, Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data entry, and contact database management. Getting tasks like these off your plate can free you up to focus on things that generate the most income for you

6. Research the company’s reputation.
​Think about it, when consumers are choosing who they want to work with, they look for a broker with a well-regarded reputation. It’s in your best interest to do the same. Accordingly, do your homework. Research companies online, check out any press mentions, consider what you have heard via word-of-mouth, and do some digging for poor reviews or complaints that have been filed.

7. Ask how leads and referrals are handled. 
​Once you get some experience under your belt, you’ll tend to generate your own referrals and leads. As a new agent, you’ll likely need some help. Ask brokers how they distribute inquiries from potential clients that come in through various avenues like the website, office visits, social media and calls. Are these routed by sales territory, “round robin,” agent on duty, or another method? 

8. Find out what the brokerage expects from its agents. 
​Before you say “yes,” make sure you know the broker’s expectations of you. For example, are there meetings that are mandatory to attend? Is there a minimum number of sales that you are expected to close every year? Is desk or phone duty required? If yes, how often and how many hours? Are there any required memberships? Is there a policy manual that you can look through?

9. Don’t underestimate the importance of culture. 
​When you work at a brokerage where the culture aligns well with your values, goals, style and the way you prefer to work, you’ll be happier in your real estate career. What’s more, being in a culture that suits you can have a highly positive impact on your level of engagement, your performance, and consequently your success. So, give due consideration to how well you feel you would fit in.

10. Use your head in addition to your heart. 
​While you will almost certainly have a “gut feeling” about which brokerage is the one for you, it helps to affirm that choice by pragmatically assessing how the companies on your list stack up against each other. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each firm in the areas of consideration (e.g., culture, compensation, reputation, business opportunity, technology, training, market share, etc.) and rank them in terms of how strongly they align with your ambitions, disposition and work style. Then land on a decision. You will be much more likely to choose a brokerage that turns out to be the right one for you now and for a good while to come

Once you obtain your real estate license, it’s up to you to be up to speed on renewal requirements.
And, naturally, you’ll have questions about that process. At the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate –
the oldest school of its kind in Savannah – we routinely get questions about the renewal process for
a Georgia real estate license and what that all entails. So, we thought that a quick summary of
answers to the questions most often asked would be a handy resource, especially for newer agents
as well as agents/brokers who are new to Georgia.
So here goes.

How long is my Georgia real estate license good for?
The renewal clock starts ticking with your licensure year and, whether you are an agent or a broker,
you must renew every four years after that to keep your license current. Renewal is due no later
than midnight on the last day of your birthday month in the designated year. There is no grace
period if that day falls on a holiday or weekend, so plan accordingly.

What are my options for renewing?
The quickest and easiest way to renew is via the Georgia Real Estate Commission’s online renewal
system, which is available 24/7. You also have the option to download the application from the
commission website, complete it and submit via fax, courier or snail mail, or deliver it in person.

How much does renewal cost?
The renewal fee for a salesperson is $125; the cost is the same for brokers and associate brokers. If
you renew online, you’ll get a $25 discount.

​What happens if my renewal is late?
If you don’t pay the fee by the due date, your license will lapse. Versus renewing, you’ll then need to reinstate it. You can do so online if you don’t let a year pass by. If you wait more than 12 months, you’ll have to send in a Reinstatement Application. Either way, you’ll pay a late fee.
 
How far in advance can I renew?
Your renewal window opens four months before the due date.  So, you can renew as early as 120 days out, or at any time within that window.
 
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my license is inactive?
Yes, you do, if you want to maintain your license. If you fail to pay your renewal fee on time, your license will lapse even if it is on inactive status. Renew by the due date so that your license is current, and then when you’re ready to be active in the business again you can reactivate it.

I’m an agent renewing for the first time. What continuing education (CE) do I need?
If your license is active when you renew, you’re required to complete 36 CE hours. The Post-License course counts as nine hours toward that requirement. That leaves 27 additional hours, including a mandatory three hours in license law. The Ben Farmer School of Real Estate makes it easy for you to fulfill both elective and mandatory hours. We offer a wide range of approved CE courses that you can take online – studying at your own pace and wherever it suits you.


​Do agents and brokers have the same CE hour requirement for renewal?
Yes, the requirement is at least 36 hours of approved coursework – including the three compulsory license law hours – during each 4-year renewal period. This applies to everyone who holds an active Georgia real estate license (except grandfathered licensees). Whether you take individual courses or opt for a package of courses such as our school’s Complete CE package is up to you.
 
Can I still renew if I don’t finish my CE courses in time?
You can. And if you do, it will give you time to finish the required CE and save the expense of paying a reinstatement fee. Be aware, though, that your license will renew to inactive status and you won’t be able to conduct activities requiring a license until you complete the CE and activate your license.
 
Is it true that CE isn’t required for renewal if my license is inactive?
Yes, it is true that you don’t have to complete CE if you are maintaining your license on inactive status. This does not mean, however, that required CE hours don’t accumulate. They do, and you must finish them all before you can return to conducting business as an active licensee.
 
Still have questions? Check out the frequently asked questions section of the commission website to see if the answer you are looking for is among those included there. The commission also has Information Specialists available to provide assistance to licensees in a variety of ways. You can contact an Information Specialist via the website email form. 

Are you thinking about becoming a real estate agent for the next chapter in your life? Perhaps you are in a mid-life career slump. Or maybe your goal is a new professional adventure post-retirement. Whatever your reason, you’re far from alone in looking at real estate as an encore career. In a 2018 survey of its members, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that about 95% of those who responded said that they started their professional life in a career other than real estate. So, as you consider making the leap, know that you’d be joining many others from all walks of life who have made the real estate business their second-act. But before you do, it’s important to mull over the realities. Here are five questions to help you do that, including a look at the plus sides.

​1 - Can you commit to the study requirements for licensure?
​You’ll need to invest time and energy in pre-licensing education before you can take the real estate exam. In Georgia, the requirement is 75 hours of coursework at a Georgia Real Estate Commission approved school like the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate. The number of hours may not be overly onerous, but make no mistake, the complexity of the coursework and the breadth of material you must learn require serious commitment and hard work. The exam is rather difficult too. On the Plus Side: Compared to some other professions, you can complete the education requirements relatively quickly – in a manner of weeks. And at the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate, you can choose either a classroom setting (12-week course) or an online course (anytime, anywhere). We also offer a cram course to help you prepare for the exam.

​2 – Are you all set for working on straight commission?
​If you are accustomed to a regular paycheck, working on commission can be disquieting and financially challenging. There is a real possibility that it may be a while before you cash your first commission check. Meanwhile, you’ll have to cover your startup expenses and the costs of your day-to-day life. If you don’t have a nest egg put away, it could be a tough go. On the Plus Side: As the captain of your own fate, you won’t have someone else placing salary caps or raise restrictions on your earnings. Work smart, hard and consistently and the sky’s the limit.

​3 – How willing are you to trade evenings and weekends for flexibility?
​If you’re like most people, when you think of a real estate career the freedom to set your own hours comes to mind. There’s a caveat though. Your clients are likely to have regular day jobs. That means you’ll need to be available during their free time. Are you okay with working irregular hours and even some holidays in order to gain flexibility at other times? On the Plus Side: You don’t have to clock in or clock out. So, for the most part, you’ll have latitude in deciding how your days will look and in making time for hobbies you’ve put on the back burner. 

​4 – Can you call on prior experience in wearing many hats?
​As a real estate salesperson, you’ll wear a variety of hats in your daily professional life. One minute you’ll be handling marketing, sales, or business operations. The next you may be an educator, a negotiator, or scheduler. And some days, you may feel like a tour guide or a professional juggler. Depending on what you’re used to from your previous work life, it can lead to feeling overwhelmed. On the Plus Side: Every day has the potential to be a new adventure, and the work is anything but boring. You can flex the skills you already have, pick up new ones, and hone your versatility. 

5 – Are you up for dealing with a mixed bag of personalities?
​As you weigh the pros and cons of getting your real estate license, seriously consider how you feel about being in a “people business” at this particular stage of your life. You’ll encounter all kinds of personalities and decision behaviors – some more difficult than others. Are you up for the challenge or does the thought give you pause? On the Plus Side: Chances are, most of your clients will be reasonable to work with. You also get to meet lots of new people and expand your network. And, difficult clients can keep you on your toes, making you a better agent overall. 

​Real estate is a career that rewards hard work, and the work is highly rewarding. If you decide that it’s right for you, let the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate help you get started on your encore career. Just give us a call at (912) 692-1085 ext. 2 or fill out the email form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!