Becoming a R.E. Agent in NYC

Would a brokerage in Manhattan hire an ambitious 18 yr old with only a highschool education and a real estate license? Just asking I don't want to get my hopes up or make myself look stupid.

I'm a 40 yr old father, looking to change careers. I have always wanted to get my RE license, but full time work responsibilities have made it difficult. My business has been failing and it seems like the perfect time to make the leap into RE. I'd like to work in Manhattan, but will I be able to find a company/broker who would be willing to sponsor me, as I have little experience (I did work with a licensed agent in Washington state years ago), and no license yet.

The economy right now is horrible, particularly for anything mortgage or real estate related.Haven't you been watching the news or reading the papers? I have been doing this for 2 years.I started in December or 2006 and stopped December of this year, when my license expired.I will not be renewing it anytime soon.I plan to wait until the economy improves.December 06 and January 07 were the strongest for me with apartment rentals.Everything started very slowly but surely going downhill after the summer of 2007, following that sub-prime mortgage collapse.Sales is very difficult and only the very experienced agents and brokers with 10 yrs or more track record are getting anything done.And they don't look too happy to me when I speak to them, here in Queens and Brooklyn.I gather their sales volume is down too.Granted, sales is easy in a decent economy and is where the better income is for realtors.If you want a part time apartment renting job on the weekends or after say, 5 pm Mon-Fri when people leave work and go apartment hunting, then yes, you might make some income.It won't be great.You will need to retake the courses and take the 2 exams for NY State - school exam and state licensing one.Being a Queens agent with Queens experience, and having worked one year in a competitive Manhattan firm mostly known for apartment rentals, I can tell you Manhattan is highly competitive.Your firm agents play dirty, outside agents play dirty, educated customers try to take apartments behind your back without paying your commission.Manhattan sellers are "overly savvy" and try to play behind your back also, on occasion.If you have ever worked as a stockbroker or other highly competitive industry where "anything goes as long as you don't get caught" - then Manhattan is the playing field for you.I was making more money in Queens, working my own areas (I am 12-yr Queens resident) - and able to focus more on true customer service and making money, not "deflecting the competition".

A competitive market is good, as it gives options to sellers, buyers, landlords renting, and customers who are apartment hunting.However, too much of anything always kills it.When realtors are too busy and too focused on deflecting the competition or doing the old "the best defense is an offense", then the third party comes in and does the sale while they other two or three fight it over.My advice is to get a license and work the Staten Island area, which you probably know well and can "sell". I know the area has some beautiful Victorians and other housing. The guy from Texas above doesn't live in New York. Why is everyone leaving the real estate field? If is was that easy and economy was that great, they wouldn't be leaving. You need to be realistic.Do some serious research, don't listen to the recruiters as they do what they are being paid to do, recruit.New York has been hit hard, Wall Street has been hit, mortgage industry, foreclosures.Just do your own homework, research - don't listen to people in Texas, Ohio or others who don't practice real estate in YOUR area.Selling in Texas is different than in high-end Manhattan.

Grant,

You seemed to have not read what he was looking to do...he wants to change careers, not show apartments on the weekend. 80% of people in real estate have the same attitude and don't last two years in the industry, like you! You are listening to the tv and reading the papers instead of getting your info from the most reliable source...your broker and your market stats. If you're not constantly lead generating, studying your market and adjusting your business, you won't make it. Agents are getting out of the industry because they don't do the work. When times are good and deals fall in your lap, your doing fine, but when it gets tough, you don't know what to do.

It doesn't matter where you are in the world, people are still buying and selling real estate. Take the worst market in the country, add up the number of sales in a year and divide it by the number of agents. If all agents were doing their part, they'd all be making very good money.

The real question is if you want to make a career in real estate, are you going to stay consistent and do the work? This isn't rocket science, but it does take hard work and time to build up your business.

John, take what everyone says with a grain of salt...only you know what is right for you and your family. If you choose real estate as your career, understand you can be successful, but it's not going to happen overnight. Good luck in your decision; whatever you decide will be the best one.

Hi, I have a few questions and was hoping to find a few answers.

I am currently a flight attendant. My job is actually very secure because we only do military charter, but I am looking to transition into a PROFESSIONAL, lifelong career.

I get approximately 14 days off a month, the rest of which I travel and work maybe four days, leaving me a lot of down time even when away.

I live in Manhattan now and would like to enter that marketplace. I attended the University of Pittsburgh and left without finishing my degree. I wasnt majoring in anything specific to a career, so I decided to save my money and move to New York City to get some work experience. I am 24 years old and insecure about my resume for that reason, and being that this here is my only job to speak of...two years here.

I have travelled the world extensively, to dangerous and obscure places, so I think that is something. I plan on getting my license and started looking at schools. New York Real Estate Institute? I was wondering if it matters where I get the license and if you think with a little sprucing up of my resume, I could get hired at a decent firm and still keep my more secure job.

It seems like a whim for a lot of people entering the field, and given my background, I just want to set myself apart when the applying.

Thank you. And thank you Brent for the replies you gave! You're very helpful!

Brent Mitchell in Austin, Texas said: You are young, but can be a success if you are willing to put forth the effort. Training and education are the most important things you need at this point. I do know of an office there that can help you get your career in real estate off the ground. It's been a while since you posted this, so let me know if you are still interested in this opportunity.

Hi Brent Mitchell, my name is lee james and i really want to be a real estate broker. I graduated high school last year, and know I am seriously thinkin about joining the navy to help me pay for school, but being a real estate broker has always been my dream. If there is any way you can help me get start or any advise you could give me I would really appreciate it, but i hope to hear from you soon

QUESTION : DO A " REAL ESTATE AGENT NEED IA LICENCE ? BECAUSE THERES A WOMEN WHO I FOUND OUT THATS A FELON, AND DISABLE, AND IS PERTENDING TO BE A REAL ESTATE " AGENT " SHE GOT ME A PLACE UNDER MY SECTION 8, AND IS TRYING TO FORFIT IT, BECAUSE THE CITY OF NEW YORK IS NOT MOVING FAST ENOUGH FOR HER , OR THE BROKER ? WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO STOP HER ?

Well, it looks like Indeed doesn't like any links posted in this forum. My previous posts were deleted.

Lee, my suggestion is to research a real estate career to make sure you are prepared. You can locate more information through my profile if you would like more specific info. Thanks.

Juggerknott, you're in a tough situation, but I really don't know how to advise you. Contact your state's real estate board to find out more. Search for New York Real Estate Board...they will point you in the right direction. Good luck.

THANK YOU FOR GETTING BACK TO ME.
JUGGERKNOTT.

Hello Brent,
I am looking to become a RE agent in NYC. Would know the right direction to take? I'm 28 and looking for a career move. I have always been in sales and wouldn't mind selling houses, renting apartments nor selling lots of land. I currently work for a real estate investor as a personal assistant. I have learned a lot in this line of work and I'm excited to learn and move in a different direction with this field.
If you have any advice or know of some successful people here in NYC, I would be so humbled for any advice you throw my way. I am doing my home work and researching any avenue to make money and succeed in my new career adventure.

Thank you for reading and hopefully responding!!

Tami Lavi

So, I'm hoping this thread is still active. I'm halfway done with my salesperson license course in NYC, but there are SO many real estate firms here.. Can anyone give me any insight on a good firm to work for as an infant salesperson?

So far, I'm considering Anchor, A.C. Lawrence, and Citi Habitats.

Also, Brent- I see you're in Austin, Texas. I've for so long wanted to move there-- How's the current real estate situation there? One of my possible options is gaining experience and building a nest egg here in NYC, then moving elsewhere.

Thanks in advance,
Eric

Nice, I'll definitely keep Austin in mind. I'm hoping this next year will be rewarding, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a bit nervous. In any case, I'm ready to work those 10-12 hour days, but I hope they won't be in vain haha.

As far as Keller Williams goes, I've read good things about them, and I'm sure if I moved, it would be the firm I'd join. but I can't say I know Queens very well--I've lived in Manhattan all my life, so I'd like to work there primarily to start off. Thanks for the info.

-Eric

I'm currently looking for a career in RE and would like to know if they are looking for an assistant or a receptionist for the Manhattan office that opened up? If anyone knows of anything to help me out with my search, I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

Tungsten Property is really great.

After passing New York State real estate sales person exam, the next step is to find the sponsor broker and to apply for Initial Salesperson License from NYS.
My question- ” is there any time frame a passed students need to find the sponsor broker and to apply for license".

Thanks

I am crystal Gifford, 25 years of age form St. Lucia and would like to be come a sales agent Representative for Bare Minerals. my reason for this is that women in st. Lucia can't get good make up apart from Mac but it don't look natural. i have tried Bare Minerals but is is very difficult to get and i would like to make it easy for me and women through out St. Lucia and 1 day the whole Caribbean. I will appreciate any suggestions.

Thank You
Crystal Gifford

Hobbins in Leipzig, Germany said: Hi, I have a few questions and was hoping to find a few answers.

I am currently a flight attendant. My job is actually very secure because we only do military charter, but I am looking to transition into a PROFESSIONAL, lifelong career.

I get approximately 14 days off a month, the rest of which I travel and work maybe four days, leaving me a lot of down time even when away.

I live in Manhattan now and would like to enter that marketplace. I attended the University of Pittsburgh and left without finishing my degree. I wasnt majoring in anything specific to a career, so I decided to save my money and move to New York City to get some work experience. I am 24 years old and insecure about my resume for that reason, and being that this here is my only job to speak of...two years here.

I have travelled the world extensively, to dangerous and obscure places, so I think that is something. I plan on getting my license and started looking at schools. New York Real Estate Institute? I was wondering if it matters where I get the license and if you think with a little sprucing up of my resume, I could get hired at a decent firm and still keep my more secure job.

It seems like a whim for a lot of people entering the field, and given my background, I just want to set myself apart when the applying.

Thank you. And thank you Brent for the replies you gave! You're very helpful!

If you're still thinking about going into real estate feel free to email me @ Pallotta3@gmail.com I'm new to NYC real estate and think I can help a little :)

I currently work for a cell phone company. I like my job but I don't think of it as a career; the idea of becoming a Real Estate Broker has been dancing around my head for some time now, and with every passing day I want to do it more and more. I don't know much about the field, or even how to get started. At fisrt, I would like to do RE part time, and keep my current sales job part time, just so I have a steady income. Does anyone have any suggestions?