Here is from real estate agent Michael Solarz from Denver, Colorado.
What does your typical work day look like?
There is no typical day. Every day is very
different depending on where my clients are at in the buying process. As a real
estate agent that primarily represents buyers most of my time is spent
prospecting for new clients. Prospecting includes making phone calls to the
people I know asking them for referrals. Prospecting means attending events
with other brokers for the purpose of making contacts that might result in
future referrals. Prospecting includes marketing activities such as direct
mailings, website and e-marketing development, social media blogging…all for
the purpose of getting my name out in front of people when they may be in the
process of deciding it is time to buy a new home.
When a potential buyer is “in the market”
to actually buy a property then my day looks very different. After extensive
interviewing to be sure I understand what the buyers are looking for I do
thorough internet research about available properties and then send the
preliminary list to the buyer. Online real estate listings contain extensive
information about a property, including many photos, to help buyers weed out
properties that miss the mark. I then schedule visits to the most desirable
properties. Depending on their urgency, sometimes a buyer will make a decision
after viewing a handful of properties. In other cases, it may take months of
touring until the buyer finds their dream home.
There is a lot of paperwork that
accompanies a real estate transaction. The purchase contract and related
disclosures total upwards of 40 pages—all of which must be presented, reviewed
and understood by the buyer.
One of the most important services I
provide is assisting with the actual negotiations needed to arrive at an
executed contract. Once the initial contract is prepared it becomes a very
emotional time for a buyer, and having a skilled advocate in their corner is
invaluable.
After the terms are agreed to there is a
need to hire an inspector, who will evaluate the subject property and prepare
an extensive report. Based on the findings, I will need to prepare inspection
remediation amendments to the contract to address needed repairs. Clearly there
is a lot of detail that is required AFTER a buyer finds a property, they want
to call home.
In addition, some of my days are filled
with office meetings, taking required continuing education classes, attending
industry seminars and listing to industry specialists (attorneys, mortgage professionals,
new technology gurus, etc.) to learn how to provide the best possible guidance
to my clients.
Best thing about the job
The time between making an offer to the
seller and getting the contract signed is always a very exciting time for the
agent as this is the heart and soul of our business. Helping a buyer get the
house they want is the same thrill as finishing first in a competitive race.
Worst thing about the job
Agents only get paid when a real estate
transaction closes. A lot of time is spent with buyers who never buy for a
variety of reasons that are out of the agent’s control; examples: “we decided
not to get divorced, we decided not to relocate, or I decided to renew my
rental lease”.
Career Duration:
Agents can work well into their 70s.
Stress Level:
Medium
Hours sitting:
On office days: 8 On showing days: 2 hours sitting in car
Hours moving:
On office days 0 On showing days 6
Hours Standing:
On office days 0 On showing days 6
Weekend Hours:
Frequent weekend hours when
showing.
Daily Hours:
7
Shift:
day shift
Best Personality Type for the job:
Friendly, salesperson, not pushy
License:
Yes, issued by the state after
passing a 3-hour exam
Minimum Education:
High School
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