Getting started as a real estate agent is going to require time, energy and money on the part of the individual who wants a career as an agent. The first thing you are going to have to do is attend, whether in person or through correspondence, a good school. You will have to commit large amounts of time to your schooling to do a good job. Schools also cost money, but check around for scholarships in your area.

What Do You Want to Do?

What you want to do in the field will also be an added factor in getting started. Depending on whether you are going to specialize in residential real estate, commercial or industrial real estate will make a difference in the cost of your start-up and where.

Jack of All Trades

Plan on doing a lot of legwork, both in the beginning and throughout your career, as a real estate agent. Many real estate agents start out training under more experienced agents in a small firm. As their experience grows, the agent then moves up to bigger and better responsibilities.

You may even start out in the mortgage section of a bank. Experience can be gained through simply listing real estate or rentals through a brokerage firm.

Independent Agents

If you are going to branch out on your own then you must figure in added time and expenses. You will need basic office equipment such as a fax machine and a computer. Office space is needed, but a corner of the house can do until you grow.

Plan on investing a good bit of money into advertising. Getting the word out is going to be one of your first goals. You cannot make money if no one knows you exist.

A willingness to do all the menial tasks yourself is a must. You will be the real estate agent, office boy and bathroom cleaner all in one. The advantage is you will also be the boss.

Getting started can be tough. But once you have built up a solid reputation in your area the rewards will be worth the cost it took in the beginning.