Is a Career in Real Estate Right For You?
Are you considering a career in real estate? Many people are drawn to real estate for a few well-known reasons: the flexibility to set your own hours, the ability to work for yourself, the process of helping clients through an important life event and more. But there’s much more to the job!
How do you know if real estate is the right career for you? Check out what current agents have to say about how they got into the industry, why they like it, the pros and cons of the field and the advice they would give to anyone thinking about making the jump to real estate.
Meet the Agents:

Jason Mickelson
Licensed in 2017

Mike Crabb
Licensed in 2015

Megan Mitchum
Licensed in 2005

Renee Dunkel
Licensed in 2016

Ethan Hokel
Licensed in 2015

Jessica Gilligan
Licensed in 2016
Why Did You Get into Real Estate?
Everyone’s story is different. Many people jump into real estate after careers in other industries. Some are recruited into the field by friends and family members who are agents. And still, others know from the beginning that real estate is where their interests lie. Find out what these agents had to say about how they got started in the field:

“In order to make a change to real estate, something has to be happening in your life. I just decided that the car business was too many hours and I was driving 50 minutes to work and I wanted something different.”
– Jason Mickelson

“I got into real estate because I was looking for a career that would reward me for the work that I put into the job. I think another reason I got into the business was for the flexible hours and the ability to create your own schedule.”
– Megan Mitchum

“[I wanted to] be in a field where I could still make a difference in people’s lives. So helping people buy or sell real estate, to me, is a pretty good idea. I also wanted to do something where I could own my own business as well.”
– Ethan Hokel
Did You Consult with Anyone First?
A career change (or start) is a major life event! Before starting the process, you should talk to agents currently in the industry, meet with brokers to learn more about their expectations and other professionals in the industry. These agents share who they consulted with before making the jump to real estate:

“Before I got into real estate, I talked to a few people- friends, family, some relatives that were agents elsewhere.”
– Mike Crabb

“I consulted with my aunt, who is also an agent in a different state. I consulted with someone I used to work with in the food sales industry and I also reached out to an agent I didn’t really know- but someone else I knew knew them pretty well.”
– Renee Dunkel

“I did a lot of online research, had a lot of conversations with my husband and parents and then, once I had decided it was something I was pretty seriously considering, that’s when I sat down with a few brokers in town just to learn more about what they expect from new agents.”
– Jessica Gilligan
What are the Pros and Cons of Real Estate?
Talking to a current real estate agent does more than just give you an idea of whether or not real estate is a good fit for you. A good real estate agent will share both the pros and the cons of the real estate industry. Check out the insights from these agents about what they like and dislike about being real estate agents:
Pros of Real Estate

“Pros and cons of getting into real estate: Obviously the pros are the ability to set your own hours and be your own boss. There’s really no limit on your potential- you can be successful as you’re willing to put in the work for.”
– Mike Crabb

“I thought that I would have a more flexible schedule- which I do. But I think what it came down to is: being my own boss.”
– Renee Dunkel

“Kind of create my own schedule- obviously you have to work around clients. And another pro was just to be able to help others and make an impact in their lives. This industry does come with a good amount of stress and it’s not as easy as people think.”
– Ethan Hokel
Cons of Real Estate

“There is no set schedule so sometimes that’s detrimental to people.”
– Megan Mitchum

“The reality that I probably wasn’t going to have a paycheck for the first 3-6 months.”
– Jessica Gilligan

“Another con is the inconsistency of the way the market goes. There are ups and downs, there’s busy seasons and dead seasons. You have to be good at budgeting and planning ahead and forecasting stuff like that.”
– Mike Crabb
Do You Enjoy Working in Real Estate Now?
Not everyone who makes the move to real estate stays in the industry. You may be wondering if the move will pay off, what you’ll get out of the business and if it’s worth making the career change. Read what these agents have to say now looking back on their decisions to go into real estate:

“I’m enjoying being in real estate and I’m glad I made the decision. It’s 1000% harder than I thought it would be but I still enjoy every part of it.”
– Renee Dunkel

“Overall, I get to make a difference in the lives of a lot of people.”
– Ethan Hokel

“The best decision hands down. The work is rewarding, the hours are fantastic, it’s whatever you want to make it.”
– Jason Mickelson
What Advice Would You Give Someone Interested in Real Estate?
There’s no better resource for understanding life as a real estate agent than current agents! They will offer the most realistic insight and straightforward advice to anyone interested in the field. Read on to find out what advice these agents have to offer anyone interested in a career in real estate:

“There’s more to this than just showing houses and getting paid. There’s a lot more to it than that. You have to stay on top of the market, you have to stay on top of the laws, you have all kinds of people and personality types that you’re dealing with. You know every transaction is different; some of them are going to be easy and some of them are going to make you wonder why you do this job.”
– Mike Crabb

“The key to this business is that they [clients] need to tell someone about this experience, they need to be willing to recommend you to their friends and family. In order to be wildly successful, you need to know how to go out and build a referral-based business.”
– Jason Mickelson

“My advice would be to put both feet in. I think it’s hard to focus on two things- I think it’s easier to hit the ground running. Because then you can give 100% of yourself to the business.”
– Renee Dunkel
The truth is real estate isn’t for everyone. It may seem like an easy job with flexible hours and no boss over your shoulder, but it also comes with its own unique challenges and drawbacks. Before you make the move to real estate, do your research and talk to current agents to get a holistic view of what life looks like as a REALTOR®.
PERSONALITY TEST
LEARNING CENTER
How To Submit A Real Estate License Background Check
A criminal background check is required by Iowa law for all real estate salesperson and broker applicants. Learn more about the process.
Your Guide to the Iowa Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course
To get your real estate license you will be required to take a 60-hour pre-licensing course. There are two options when it comes to course style – you can choose between taking the course in-person or online.
How To Choose A Real Estate Brokerage
There is so much more to consider when choosing a brokerage. The 4 main key components you should think through are the brokerages training, culture, brand, and costs/commissions. In order to become a realtor one of the very first things you learn is that you must hang your license with an existing brokerage.
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