When I started my real estate career nearly 30 years ago, I immersed myself in learning everything I could. Every course leading to my real estate exam felt intense as I absorbed the essentials: real estate practice, business law, finance, ethics, appraisal, principles and more. My goal was to continually enhance my expertise, earning designations and enriching my education to better serve the public’s real estate needs.
Over the years, I’ve stored countless details in my brain. For example, California real estate law stems from Spanish law, and the baseline for our state runs along Baseline Street. I even memorized the exact size of an acre: 43,560 square feet. (No one has ever asked me, but now you know.)
Earning a real estate license is a great milestone, but it’s only the beginning. The required courses don’t prepare you for the real challenges of being an agent. They don’t teach you how to market yourself, manage business finances or navigate the ups and downs of commission-based income. They don’t touch on negotiation, empathy or the everyday problem-solving skills that make you invaluable to clients. The reality is, you must put in the work, learn by doing and hone your craft to thrive in this business.
Real estate is not a part-time gig. Successful agents live and breathe their profession, dedicating themselves to mastering the local market and serving their clients. That’s why it surprises me when I hear of buyers or sellers hiring agents who don’t know the area or only dabble in real estate part time. Hiring the wrong agent can cost you time, money and peace of mind. Think of it this way: If you needed brain surgery, would you trust the surgeon who operates once in a while or the one who does it every day?
When choosing a real estate professional, go beyond Instagram posts or flashy websites. Interview multiple agents. Ask the important questions, like how familiar they are with your market, how they communicate and how they plan to help you reach your goals.
For those considering a career in real estate, passing the exam is just step one. Look for brokerages that offer mentorship, ongoing education and a supportive culture. Where you choose to work will shape your career and earning potential.
Our mountain communities are home to many exceptional brokerages. At Theresa Grant & Associates Real Estate Partners, we pride ourselves on our partnership with REAL Broker, where our guiding principle is simple: “Work hard, be kind.” Whether you’re buying, selling or starting your real estate career, we invite you to discover how we can help you achieve your goals.
If you’d like to learn more about the current local market conditions, reach out to Theresa Grant, Real Estate Broker (DRE #01202881), at Theresa@HomesInLakeArrowhead.com. You can also follow on social: Instagram, @theresagrantrealtor | YouTube: @theresagrantrealtor. Theresa is a Broker Associate with REAL Broker Technologies.
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