The 5 Hardest Things About Being a Realtor | ADHI Schools (2024)

The majority of people who are not in the real estate business have little to no understanding of what an emotional rollercoaster it can be to be a realtor. The good days are really good while the bad days can be pretty tough to get through. Here are some of the toughest struggles that every realtor has to deal with on a daily basis.

1. Uncertainty about real estate market

This is perhaps one of the biggest uncertainties realtors have to deal with on a daily basis. Every realtor is worried about not being able to sell their properties and how it will affect his or her commissions at the end of the month. This uncertainty is real and can cause a lot of stress for realtors and their clients. The best realtors really do care about their client's properties and genuinely want to find them a buyer as soon as possible. It’s safe to say, realtors can carry a lot of weight on their shoulders.

2. Constantly being on the go

A realtor is always on the go, they are always thinking of new ways to market themselves and bring in potential buyers for their clients' homes. They spend most of their time on the road or on their phone calling both real estate agents and potential buyers. Not to mention, being on the go can last well into the night. The hours are different every day. It’s not uncommon for a realtor to be submitting offers at 10pm or receiving calls from agents at 12pm or calls from clients at 6am.

The 5 Hardest Things About Being a Realtor | ADHI Schools (1)

3. Commission is by no means a guarantee

In real estate, nothing can be guaranteed. Even if you do everything right to sell that house, from staging it perfectly, to showing the house as often as possible, there is still no guarantee that you will make a sale. The realtor will spend money marketing the home, paying for photography, doing open houses, finding buyers, etc. Even when the home is in escrow there are still occasions where it does not close escrow and you may have to start all over again. Most of the time realtors won’t get a commission check until 30 plus days after their listing receives an offer. There are times however that a everything right to sell that house, from staging it perfectly, to showing the house as often as possible, there is still no guarantee that you will make a sale. The realtor will spend money marketing the home, paying for photography, doing open houses, finding buyers, etc. Even when the home is in escrow there are still occasions where it does not close escrow and you may have to start all over again. Most of the time realtors won’t get a commission check until 30 plus days after their listing receives an offer. There are times however that a listing will not sell and a realtor will essentially not get paid for their time and efforts marketing that listing.

4. Being underpaid for hard work

As real estate agents, they put in more work than any other profession but are only compensated about 3% on the home sale. Just think about it, realtors get paid almost nothing for everything they do. They spend hours upon hours of their time marketing homes and placing phone calls, but real estate agents get paid very little for all of their hard work. There is a ton of time spent going back and forth in communication between escrow, loan officers, listing agents, etc. They juggle going back and forth to communicate with all parties in the deal and may have to deal with major headaches along the way. You never know what kind of setback will come up because someone on the other end isn’t meeting a deadline or doing what was asked. When working with buyers, the real estate agent can spend days, weeks, or even months showing house after house and put in several offers on behalf of their clients. Sometimes offers will not get accepted, other times they will, and sometimes the buyers will cancel even after the going back and forth to communicate with all parties in the deal and may have to deal with major headaches along the way. You never know what kind of setback will come up because someone on the other end isn’t meeting a deadline or doing what was asked. When working with buyers, the real estate agent can spend days, weeks, or even months showing house after house and put in several offers on behalf of their clients. Sometimes offers will not get accepted, other times they will, and sometimes the buyers will cancel even after the offer is accepted. You literally have no idea how each deal with go. Realtors deal with surprises and setbacks all the time.

5. Dealing with difficult clients

All realtors have had to deal with difficult clients at least once in their real estate career. Clients are always coming up with the most ridiculous demands and realtors have to deal with them no matter how crazy they may sound. Most realtors will do anything it takes to make their clients happy because realtors realize that it is all about building long term relationships. Sometimes realtors may have to end relationships with certain clients whose expectations are unrealistic and impossible to attain. It is the realtor’s job to educate their clients as much as possible about the real estate world. If the realtor has done everything they can to give their clients an understanding and guide them in the process of buying or selling and their client refuses to listen, it may be time to cut ties with that client.

So, are the ups and downs worth it?

Absolutely. Becoming educated about the industry and the expectations that come with being a realtor are a necessary part of starting in this industry successfully. Knowing what to expect can help tremendously when overcoming obstacles and dealing with the uncertainty that comes with the territory. Remember, the more experience you get the better you get at something. This goes for anything in life and if you stick with it, your sure to reap the benefits. The harder you work in real estate the more money you can make. The potential is endless. So stay consistent and don’t give up when the going gets tough.

Love,

Kartik

The 5 Hardest Things About Being a Realtor | ADHI Schools (2024)

FAQs

The 5 Hardest Things About Being a Realtor | ADHI Schools? ›

One of the biggest cons of this job is the amount of patience it requires. It may take a new real estate agent months to find their first client or close their deal. There is a lot of work that agents do before they ever see the profits, such as prospecting, advertising, and conducting open houses.

What are the cons of being a realtor? ›

One of the biggest cons of this job is the amount of patience it requires. It may take a new real estate agent months to find their first client or close their deal. There is a lot of work that agents do before they ever see the profits, such as prospecting, advertising, and conducting open houses.

Is there a lot of math in real estate? ›

While details vary by state, you can generally expect to encounter between 150 and 200 multiple choice questions on the real estate exam. Of those, roughly 10-15% involve math, which translates to between 15 and 30 questions per exam.

What type of real estate agent makes the most money? ›

Real Estate Broker

A real estate broker is permitted under law to negotiate and organize real estate dealings. A career as a real estate broker is one of the highest paying and lucrative professions in the real estate industry. On average, experienced brokers take home a six-figure pay.

Are most millionaires real estate agents? ›

More importantly, real estate remains a wealth-building tool for the majority of moguls. An estimated ninety percent of millionaires were created through real estate investing. Any billionaire in the U.S. or anywhere around the globe that you know of has invested in real estate in some form or the other.

What is the biggest challenge in real estate? ›

Keeping the building up to the predefined standards and whether to build in a specific area are all crucial issues faced by both real estate professionals and home buyers. Related to weather challenges, insuring real estate property and buildings is another major issue.

What are 4 risks that may impact a real estate agency? ›

Which strategies should I consider in my real estate risk management plan?
  • An injury during a showing.
  • Breach of contract.
  • Ethics violations.
  • Accidents while driving for work.
  • Data breaches.
  • Housing market volatility.
  • Employee injuries.
  • Damaged or stolen business equipment.
Nov 15, 2022

How do you survive being a real estate agent? ›

Grit - How to Survive Your First Year of Real Estate
  1. Get Your Mind Right. ...
  2. Choose Your Broker and Your Mentors Carefully. ...
  3. Create a First-Year Budget. ...
  4. Learn Everything You Can About Your Market. ...
  5. Find Your Niche. ...
  6. Set S.M.A.R.T. ...
  7. Create an Effective Routine. ...
  8. Prospect.

Why is being a realtor fun? ›

Some people relish in their work routine. It gives them control and limits the chances for surprises or changes. For most real estate agents, though, doing something new every day and facing new challenges are part of the fun of being an agent.

What is negative about real estate? ›

Real Estate Transaction Costs are High

The transaction costs associated with buying and selling properties can be quite steep. These costs, which include commissions, title insurance, loan origination fees, and a variety of closing costs, can easily wipe out the appreciation in market value of a property.

Why is being a realtor so stressful? ›

The emotional toll of selling homes is especially stressful because agents often have no control over their workload and schedule–they're at the mercy of their clients' needs and demands. When asked about the most challenging aspect of being an agent, one said “the constantly changing situations of each deal.”

What kind of math do realtors use? ›

Real Estate Math Formulas: Math formulas help you solve problems you'll encounter frequently as an agent. These include the Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM) Formula, the Commission Formula, Simple Interest Formula, Loan to Value Ratio (LTV), and more.

Is real estate tricky? ›

Earning a living selling real estate is hard work. You have to be organized in order to keep track of legal documents, meetings, and all the tasks that go into multiple listings. You may go without a paycheck for periods of time because the work is often commission-based. If you don't sell, you don't earn anything.

What kind of math is used in real estate? ›

Simple math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) is used in determining housing prices. Slightly more complicated math (using exponents) is used in calculating amortization schedules. Trigonometry and geometry is used in surveying plots of land.

How much do top 1% realtors make? ›

Each real estate office sets its own standards for top producers, but it's safe to say that a top producer would have to sell at least one home per month to qualify. Top producers earn around $112,610 a year to start, according to the BLS. 1 Mega-stars could earn $500,000 per year and up.

What is the fastest way to make money in real estate? ›

Fastest Ways To Make Good Money in Real Estate
  1. Wholesaling. ...
  2. Flipping Houses. ...
  3. Short-Term Rentals. ...
  4. Rent-to-Own Lease Options. ...
  5. Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) ...
  6. Bird Dogging.
Jun 1, 2023

What is realtor salary? ›

Where do 90% of millionaires come from? ›

Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate. More money has been made in real estate than in all industrial investments combined.

How do real estate agents get so rich? ›

The main source of that income comes from commissions on real estate sales. If you're buying a home, it's important to understand how any agents you work with earn their commission.

How do 90% of people become millionaires? ›

“90% of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.” This famous quote from Andrew Carnegie, one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs of all time, is just as relevant today as it was more than a century ago. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world have built their wealth through real estate.

Why am I not successful in real estate? ›

The most common mistakes that agents make is inadequate prospecting, failing to market properties in ways that lead to fast sales, and not following up with their contacts so that strong relationships result in returning clients.

What is the number one killer of deals in the real estate industry? ›

Experienced real estate professionals know there are hundreds of ways a deal can fall apart, from credit and financing problems to appraisals to just plain cold feet. But certainly, one of the more common deal killers is the home inspection.

Is real estate career risky? ›

There are three main risks to becoming a real estate agent. They can be divided into the unpredictability of the housing market, stress from many areas, and legal issues. Safety is also a concern, as you're often working with clients who you've never met before. Is real estate a dying career?

Who takes the biggest risk in an open listing? ›

The seller gets more flexibility, at the expense of being limited by the number of potential buyers. If there are more buyers than sellers with attractive listings, the risk is minimal. The main risk is actually exposure, or lack thereof, to all buyers.

What are the two basic types of risk in real estate? ›

6 Types Of Real Estate Investment Risks That Investors Need To Know
  • 6 Types Of Risks In Real Estate Investment. 1.1. Structural Risk: 1.2. General Market Risk: 1.3. Financial Risk: 1.4. Asset-Level Risk: 1.5. Legislative Risk: 1.6. Location Risk:
  • Tackle Real Estate Investment Risks With BFPM.
Sep 27, 2022

What is the life of a real estate agent? ›

A typical day might involve spending time at the office, meeting with clients, staging and showing homes, and scheduling appraisals and inspections. Other tasks include generating leads, researching, marketing, and accompanying clients to property closings.

Which states have the most real estate agents? ›

Florida has more Realtors than any other US State, with 218,906 Realtors compared to California's 202,970. NAR publishes its membership report monthly where this information is visible publicly.

What country has the most real estate agents? ›

Indeed, more than 3 million real estate agents work in these countries:
  • United States 2 million.
  • China 500,000.
  • Brazil 300,000.
  • Europe 250,000.
  • Canada 100,000.
  • Australia 65,000.
Feb 10, 2020

Do realtors need to be attractive? ›

At least for real estate agents, it turns out that beauty is indeed more than skin deep. A recent study of physical attractiveness and how it impacts real estate brokers' pay and productivity shows that the more attractive the real estate agent, the higher the listing price of the home for sale.

What is the personality of a realtor? ›

Engaging personality

A good real estate agent doesn't just sell properties—they sell themselves. It's important to show your real personality. People will respond to you if you have a great attitude, are personable and honest, have confidence in your abilities, and are interested in helping them and others.

What are the pros and cons of being a realtor? ›

The Pros and Cons of a Real Estate Career
  • Pro #1. Achieving Freedom. ...
  • Pro #2. Feeling Responsible. ...
  • Pro #3. Being Respected. ...
  • Pro #4. Excitement. ...
  • Con #1. Having Nothing to Do. ...
  • Con #2. Doing the Wrong Things. ...
  • Con #3. Weird Working Hours. ...
  • Con #4. Irregular Income.

Why is real estate less risky? ›

The risk of putting your own money to invest can also be minimized as real estate offers multiple financing options. Investors can finance their real estate purchases by applying for a loan. You can then cover the loan amount and repairs cost by selling the property at a profitable price.

Is real estate good for you? ›

On its own, real estate offers cash flow, tax breaks, equity building, competitive risk-adjusted returns, and a hedge against inflation. Real estate can also enhance a portfolio by lowering volatility through diversification, whether you invest in physical properties or REITs. Internal Revenue Service.

What is negligent in real estate? ›

According to the dictionary, negligence is the “failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in like circ*mstances.” In a legal sense, negligence is different from fraud in that it lacks intent. A real estate agent is fraudulent if they intentionally dupe or mislead a client.

Why do realtors love their job? ›

The ability to help people. When you work as a real estate agent, you're helping people make the most important financial decision of their lives. You're also helping them find homes where they will create cherished memories for years to come. This gives many real estate agents a high amount of job satisfaction.

What is the least stressful job? ›

Table of Contents
  • The least stressful jobs that offer good work-life balance.
  • Landscaper and Groundskeeper.
  • Orthodontist.
  • Software Developer.
  • Web Developer.
  • Dentist.
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant.
  • Computer Systems Analyst.
Feb 16, 2023

Are real estate agents depressed? ›

The industry has the second-highest rate of clinically diagnosed depression among a wide range of professional occupations in the U.S., according to a 2014 study published in the academic journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology.

What accounting method do realtors use? ›

Learn more about our accounting and bookkeeping services

Generally there are two methods available for real estate activities: cash and accrual. These methods differ in several ways, including how income and expenses are reported on your tax return.

Do FBI agents use math? ›

FBI Profilers use all kinds of math, from basic addition to geometry and pattern analysis to statistics and probability to reasoning and logic.

What state has the hardest real estate exam? ›

Texas is largely considered the most difficult state to obtain your real estate license. Many factors go into this, primarily the sheer size of the state. Texas is also the prime destination for immigration internationally and domestically alike.

What is going hard in real estate? ›

“Sign-and-go-hard transactions are real estate acquisitions or dispositions, which require the buyer to commit its deposit upon entering a purchase agreement, without an opportunity to reclaim its investment if it discovers an undesirable condition on the property following such execution,” Alain R'bibo, a real estate ...

Which state has the easiest real estate exam? ›

According to our analysis, Massachusetts is the best state for Real Estate examinations in the US. There, most candidates have it relatively simple. This is true since the state only needs 40 hours of pre-licensing training. Before sitting for the test, you must first complete a state-approved real estate school.

Do you need algebra for real estate? ›

Yes. Real Estate careers generally require some basic math skills. The good news is that there are many apps, computer programs, or calculators that can help you greatly. Many real estate careers involve financial decisions, value decisions, and other details that deal with math.

Is there a lot of math in real estate appraisal? ›

Math is used to determine the living space of a home, the size of the lot, to determine fractional increments of return on the dollar for investments made in a property.

What does estate mean in math? ›

The net worth (assets minus debts) of a person, usually what they leave behind when they die.

What is stressful about being a real estate agent? ›

High pressure environment

As a real estate agent, you're under a lot of pressure to get your clients the best deal. There is no room for error; if you don't close the sale and get them their dream home, it's going to be on your shoulders.

What are the pros and cons of being a real estate agent? ›

The Pros and Cons of a Real Estate Career
  • Pro #1. Achieving Freedom. ...
  • Pro #2. Feeling Responsible. ...
  • Pro #3. Being Respected. ...
  • Pro #4. Excitement. ...
  • Con #1. Having Nothing to Do. ...
  • Con #2. Doing the Wrong Things. ...
  • Con #3. Weird Working Hours. ...
  • Con #4. Irregular Income.

Is it hard to be good at real estate? ›

The difficulty of the real estate exam varies by state, but the California real estate exam is known to be one of the most difficult. In fact, the pass rate for the California real estate exam in the last two years was under 50%, which means it's incredibly competitive and difficult to pass.

Is being a real estate agent hard in a recession? ›

What does it take to succeed as a Realtor during a recession? It's hard to succeed as a Realtor when the economy is good and even harder when the nation is going through a recession. However, some real estate agents succeed no matter what comes their way.

Why did you quit real estate? ›

Some common reasons why realtors may choose to leave their jobs could include feeling burned out from the long hours and high pressure of the job, feeling like they are not earning enough money, or simply wanting to try something new.

Is real estate agent a good career for introverts? ›

You might ask whether introverts make good real estate agents? Of course, they can. There is this common misconception that introverts make incapable real estate agents. This myth can be attributed, in part, to a misunderstanding of what it really means to have an introverted or extroverted personality.

What kind of personality does a real estate agent have? ›

Top Ten Traits of a Real Estate Agent
  • Problem solver mindset.
  • Self-motivated entrepreneur.
  • Honesty and integrity.
  • Hustle and tenacity.
  • Interest in houses and architecture.
  • Engaging personality.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Understand the local housing market.

What are the biggest disadvantages are to owning real estate? ›

Disadvantages of Real Estate Investing
  • Real Estate Investing is a Long Grind. ...
  • Real Estate Income Can Be Variable. ...
  • Real Estate Requires Maintenance. ...
  • Real Estate is Impacted by Rent Control. ...
  • Real Estate Requires Your Time. ...
  • Real Estate Transaction Costs are High. ...
  • Real Estate Income is Subject to Taxation.

Why do real estate agents have a bad reputation? ›

Truth be told, many agents don't have enough experience and will never gain enough experience to develop into a true professional. There's significant turnover in the real estate industry, and the number of active real estate agents often falls and rises with the economy.

What is the job outlook for real estate agents? ›

Why is it so hard to learn real estate? ›

There are several reasons why the California real estate exam is so difficult: The questions themselves can be tricky or misleading. Questions occasionally contain unnecessary information. There are numerous concepts and terminology that you will need to familiarize yourself with.

How long does it take to get good at real estate? ›

Whether you are an independent real estate agent or working for a larger firm, the road to success may take a little bit of time. But exactly how long does it take to become successful in real estate? It can take anywhere from six months to several years of continuous hard work to build a successful business.

What makes real estate difficult? ›

Earning a living selling real estate is hard work. You have to be organized in order to keep track of legal documents, meetings, and all the tasks that go into multiple listings. You may go without a paycheck for periods of time because the work is often commission-based. If you don't sell, you don't earn anything.

How can I make money when my real estate is slow? ›

Here are a few ideas: Rent out properties – This is a great way to generate income, even when the market is down. By renting out properties, you can still make money while waiting for the market to improve. Sell other services: If you're not selling homes, you can still sell your services.

How to make money in a bad real estate market? ›

Here are the top 3 ways in which to do just that.
  1. Buying Rental Properties. Rental properties are generally a popular purchase for the real estate investor because they can offer a steady cash flow. ...
  2. Purchasing Real Estate Investment Stock. ...
  3. House Flipping.

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