What to Consider Before Becoming a Commercial Real Estate Agent
Commercial real estate is not a fast money and minimal work hours type of job. The skills and knowledge needed for this profession’s demand is like no other. Starting a career in commercial real estate can be both rewarding and unpredictable.
Income
Your salary is based on commission. Like residential, a commercial agent retains around a 3% fee on all sales and leasing transactions. Depending on the brokerage firm that your work for, the firm will then receive 35 to 40% of that fee.
Commercial real estate deals are time-consuming and complex. Some deals may take anywhere from six months to one year for the parties to settle on a price, funding has been secured, paperwork as been signs, close escrow and ownership has been made.
Leasing transactions do take less time, but in some cases you will have to wait for the lessee to assume tenancy before receiving your commission.
Your income will be received sporadically, and some deals you need to know that you might not see your commission for a while, if the deal ever closes.
Qualities
If you want to be a successful agent you need to be able to sell.
Some of the best agents know who the power players are in the market. They know who their competition is, their potential clients, are continuously seeking out leads, are able to network and market themselves.
Most of these agents are seen as confident, social, persistent and trustworthy. They work hard for their clients and move quick on opportunities. Agents who are able to make and maintain connections takes time. You will have long days/nights, work weekends and sometimes holidays. You will have to understand that the clients that you work for have busy schedules and you will have to work around them.
Education
Every state requires a license to sell commercial real estate. Most states will have you complete 30 to 180 hours of courses and have a passing score on the state exam. You are able to get your license online or through your local college. You will also have continuing education courses and you will have to renew your license every 2-4 years depending on which state your are located in.
Do your research. Keep up to date on what the market trends. Read and follow commercial real estate publications and news outlets. Continuously research and stay active and connected with the community and state that you reside in.
Your clients will be thoroughly impressed with the knowledge you obtain about the local market and when is best to sell or buy. They are typically already educated themselves but by you confirming what they already know will give you the upper hand. Also, being able to understand economics, finance and tax law will get you even further.
Brokerage
Research and narrow down the search on which brokerage best fits you.
Be sure to interview some of the agents and the owner of the brokerage to see what their goals are, what does training look like, are they members of MLS’s, what is the commission split. Find out what your obligations would be to the brokerage if you were employed. What technology support and marketing resources to you get.
Want to know more about becoming a commercial real estate agent? Connect with us!
608.472.8240 | info@wicommercialgroup | wicommercialgroup.com
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