Ever dreamt of ditching the 9-to-5 grind and building a career on your own terms? Real estate offers that freedom, but the path from newbie agent to industry leader requires a shift in mindset. Here’s a glimpse into the potential realities you’ll face, year by year as we pontificate on the immortal question – where do you see yourself in five years?
Year 1: Building the Foundation
Job: Staying in your current job might bring steady pay and stability, but it could leave you feeling dissatisfied or bored. Even worse, despite your hard work, your income remains stagnant year after year. If you stick with your job, that outlook doesn’t change. Sure, it’s easier, but it won’t be nearly as rewarding or exciting. You have defined tasks, a set schedule, and limited control over your income. Success is measured by hitting performance targets set by your employer.
Business: Let’s jump right in. Imagine for a moment that you made the decision, and immediately started your licensure classes. As the determined person that you are, you finish your classes, ace the state exam, and join the local brokerage that wowed you while you were doing interviews. You join the local board, get your Supra boxes and signs, and in a perfect world you’ve got 9 – 10 months left in your first year to shock the world. The real estate world anyway.
Next, you enroll in some excellent training courses (think Keller Williams) and start building out the models that create the foundation of your successful business. It’s slow going at first, and you sell a few homes, but are still lagging behind what you made in your 9 – 5. That’s when the fear sets in. But remember, you’re investing in your future. The initial investment of time and effort will pave the way for a thriving career on your own terms.
Year 3: Taking Flight
Job: You may have climbed the ladder, leading a team or specializing in a niche. While potentially making more income, you’re still subject to company policies and limitations. You’ll only earn as much as the company is willing to pay you based on structured pay scales. Sure, you could jump employers, but that often leads to a reset and as a job holder, you’ve gotten use to your set schedule. Success is defined by exceeding internal targets and contributing to the overall company goals. But even when you do, your pay and responsibilities only go up if your superior sees value in your contributions.
Business: You’ve established a strong client base with repeat business and referrals. You’re honing your negotiation skills, closing deals, and building a reputation as a local market expert. You measure success by exceeding your goals, building your brand, and achieving financial independence. You’ve moved beyond relying solely on your prospecting efforts, and now a growing percentage of your business comes from referrals. If business is thriving you may have built a small team which is when you understand that leverage is the true indicator of a successful business.
Year 5: Owning Your Success
Job: The ceiling might be in sight. You may feel a lack of control over your career trajectory. Success is defined by staying relevant within the company structure. You’re no longer the youngest, cheapest employee that can do the job as the company continues to hire, and what’s this you keep hearing about outsourcing? Suddenly, you can’t help wondering where you would be had you jumped into real estate five years ago when you first considered it.
Business: You’re a seasoned leader! You have a team working for you, specializing in a lucrative niche, or even owning your own brokerage. You actively contribute to the industry and mentor new agents. Success is measured by your own definition – financial freedom, work-life balance, and a thriving business built on your terms. You now understand that the defining characteristic of owning a thriving business is that you can step out of it when you need or want to. You’re now able to take off for a week at the beach when the urge hits, knowing that your team will keep the business rolling along.
The Choice is Yours
While both paths offer a living, running a successful real estate business empowers you to create your own legacy. It requires hard work, dedication, and a hunger for growth. But the rewards – financial freedom, flexibility, and the satisfaction of building something from the ground up – are undeniably significant.
Ready to take the leap? Start by researching your local market, connecting with successful agents, and taking pre-licensing courses. Remember, the journey to a thriving real estate business starts with a single step – yours!