Hey guys, I just wanted to take a second to introduce myself to the community here. My name's Paul, I'm 22 years old and I live in Burlington, North Carolina.

I was drawn to Real Estate at first because I couldn't decide what direction I wanted to take in my studies and I was ready to get out in the world and make a career for myself. I wanted a job I could be proud of and have something to show for myself...and I wanted to quit working 2nd shift for a measly $9.50/hour.

I've completed my prelicensing course and am preparing for my second attempt at the state exam. I'll admit I wasn't nearly 100% prepared the first time I took the exam so my failure is all on me.

Naturally, like anyone else, the housing market and economy in general worry me when it comes to getting into this business, but like with any other business I realize it will take a lot of HARD and SMART work to succeed.

I'm still trying to determine weather or not this is the right career choice for me, but that's why I'm here. I want to talk to people that really are in the field and hear what they have to say.

I look forward to communicating with you all, and much luck to us all trying to make it in the world today :woot:

Welcome Paul,

Like anything, you will learn something getting involved with real estate. Maybe you learn it's not for you, but you learn something.

The best thing you can do is figure out the best way to incorporate technology into what you do. You're young so that's your advantage.

Best wishes,

Tom Wood
Real Estate Auction Systems
www.reauctionsystems.com

Hey Paul...Welcome!

My name is Len and I am only 26. I have been in this business for almost 4 years. I have been interested in this business since I was 16 years old.

It is definitely not for the lazy person. If you truly want to run your own business, then this might be for you. Many people come into this business believing that it is extremely easy. It's not. Many people think that they will only need to work maybe 4 hours a week and they will become rich. That is the furthest from the truth! In this business you will need to treat it as your own business. In order for your business to be successful, you will need to work at it. The success of your business will be a direct result from the level of your performance and motivation. Basically, you will control how successful you are. Some people like this and some people don't because it forces them to push themselves.

Here is some advice coming from someone that went through a lot to even get where I am today. I look pretty young. Do you look young? If you do, it is obvious that it can potentially get in the way of you gaining someone's business and trust. Many times your looks is the first thing people notice about someone. The best way to overcome this is to gain as much knowledge about your area of the business as you can. This way when you speak to your potential clients, they will realize that you may look young, but you seem to be very knowledgeable. People want to work with people that are knowledgeable. Another piece of advice, act professional. I can't tell you how many times I see someone that just blows off being professional just because they are too lazy. Those people don't treat their business as a business. Don't get me wrong, it is ok to have fun. Just make sure your clients feel that you are their professional and not just some young kid.

Paul, this is a great business to be in if you are willing to put 100% of your efforts into it. You will need to earn everything in this business. Nothing is given to you. Make sure you have some money in savings that you can use if you are not producing in the business right away. For most new agents it takes a minimum of 6 months to even close their first transaction.

More importantly, you need to love what you do.

Like I said, I have been through a lot in this business. Like many of us, I almost quit and put real estate behind me because I was having a very difficult time making money. Instead, I pushed myself forward and looked at my business entirely different. Ever since then I have done pretty good for myself in this business, other than a few bumps in the road. Everyone has bumps in the road now and then though. So I am so glad I decided not to quit. The statistics say about 98% of new agents quit within the first 2 years! With the market being the way it is right now, it is a tough time to excel for many agents. Many seasoned agents even quit the business within the last 2 years. I am very proud to say that this year has been my best year yet. I am doing really well and I will continue to work my [censored] off so I can maintain my business. Since we are close in age, we probably have some things in common. Feel free to ask me any questions anytime. I hope this post helped a little. Good luck and I hope to see you around the forum!

P.S. Don't let ANYONE ever tell you that you will not succeed at something!

You might miss the $9.50; hope you have some savings because there is nothing worse than looking at a potential client/customer and seeing $$$$ signs. If you dont quit and have staying power you will succeed!