There are many things homebuyers and sellers expect from a Realtor, including knowledge of the local market, strong negotiating skills and the ability to confidently guide clients through the buying and selling process. While Realtors are already the most prepared to do all this, they also bring a little something else to the table: past experience in other business sectors.
According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2015 Member Profile, only 5 percent of Realtors say real estate was their first career (even though the typical Realtor has been in the game for about 12 years). In fact, almost 20 percent of Realtors previous worked in management, business or the financial sector, while 16 percent worked in sales or retail. This is especially true in the Lowcountry market, where many Realtors make real estate a second career.
As Realtors launch their careers, many real estate companies offer in-house training on topics that are important to be success. When real estate licensees become members of the Hilton Head Area Association Realtors, they have access to many local professional development sessions including informational programs on the area neighborhoods and gated communities, area schools and weekly reports on meetings of the local municipalities and counties. Other online classes and webinars are offered through the South Carolina Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
A career in real estate can be very rewarding. It requires self-motivation, the ability to set and meet goals, and the desire to help people.
So while homebuyers and sellers can be confident a Realtor is the best partner in their transaction due to their real estate experience, a Realtor’s past career will also be a benefit.
Jean Beck is the executive vice president of the Hilton Head Area Association of Realtors.
