My Journey Into Real Estate
By Devan Chambers | Realtor
When I decided to make a career change, I wanted to do something that would challenge me both professionally and personally. Real Estate was as foreign to me as a new language and seemed like a perfect fit for my personality and goals.
While there are some start up costs to becoming a Realtor, (i.e. prep courses, practice exams, books, study aids, Exam costs, application and licensure fees), the cost of entry is very low compared to the potential for income. Real Estate sales offers a direct correlation between the effort and rewards. The more you put into your career, the more you can expect out of it. That is a great incentive for anyone looking to advance their career both professionally and financially.
In addition, friends who were Realtors seemed excited about their careers and the lifestyle It provided. And of course, there was HGTV and all the home buying/selling shows that make it look fun and exciting as well. But what did I know?
What I found is that the life of a Realtor is not all that others share and certainly not just what you see in a 30 minute HGTV show. The reality is what you see on TV is a mere glimpse into the world of a Realtor.
It has been everything I thought it would be and more…
The start up costs were easily covered by the amount of my first commission check, and then some.
There is a learning curve and it begins on day 1 as a Realtor, learning all the nuances of real estate not taught in the prep courses.
The people I’ve been able to meet, work with and work for have been great. Of course, as with anything in life, some transactions, situations, and people are easier to deal with while others provide greater challenges.
It has forced me out of my comfort zone and has made me more comfortable and successful at interacting with people from all walks of life.
The multiple deadlines involved in a real estate transaction certainly add to the stress but is a part of the job that I have embraced.
Some things have been more of a surprise…
HGTV isn’t reality TV. Because the reality of real estate isn’t just about showing pretty houses. There’s so much more behind the scenes to even get to that point.
A huge part of being a Realtor is lead generation. Gary Keller, Founder of Keller Williams has said once you are a Realtor, you aren’t in the business of buying and selling homes, you’re in the Lead Generation business. It is a constant and it is critical to long term success. It starts with your Sphere of Influence (SOI) and expands from there to door knocking, circle calling, Open Houses, marketing and pursuit and follow up of leads. To help people find their dream homes, you must first find those people.
Having entered into Real Estate in 2021, the market has been faster and higher than at any other time in recent history. The pace at which real estate moves is very fast. In order to secure your clients’ dream home demands you be ready to find and show homes, write offers and negotiation successfully at an incredible pace.
One huge advantage has been my Team!
Having done my research, I knew that joining a successful team was the best way to launch a successful career. I had heard that Keller Williams is the best Brokerage for new agents and that The Malley Group is the best team at Keller Williams. I joined Nate Malley on The Malley Group and it has made all the difference.
Everyone is incredibly helpful, kind, and talented. The onboarding process is well organized, and the training is top notch. The team setting offers a fantastic environment for scripting practice. The one-on-one coaching prepares agents with situational readiness and the support from the Operations team for agents and clients is beyond compare.
The Malley Group is professional but fun. Everyone is down to earth and we have fun events for the team and our clients. The appreciation for clients’ business and support is amazing and the support of our agents is the best.
I’ve been able to help many clients since becoming a Realtor and look forward to continuing this journey for years to come. If you have had any thought to get into Real Estate and you possess drive, ambition and a strong work ethic, I recommend you go for it. Reach out to The Malley Group (info@themalleygroup.com) and get started.
--Devan Chambers