I was looking for a house with a Real Estate Agent.  She did not know the area and showed me houses that did not fit my criteria.  I keep thinking: I could do a better job than her! Then she told me she had to leave so she could pick up her kids from school.  I thought wow!  She gets to work around her own schedule and she is making money doing this!  I started asking her questions.  Then I went home and did more research.  It all sounded perfect.  Lots of money, you are your own boss, you get to work with great people, and you set your own hours.  I keep thinking that is just the career for me!

Luckily it was the right choice.  But lots of people become Real Estate Agents and quickly realize it is not the right choice.  The turn over is very high.   Here is an honest look to help you decide whether real estate is the right choice for you.

THE INCOME.  If you have a second income you will have an easier time making a real estate career work for you. 

Getting started as a Real Estate Agent is expensive.  You have education, license fees, office fees, Multiple Listing Service fees, and for most the list goes on.  Most offices also start new agents at a lower commission structure making it harder to make money to cover these fees.   You don’t get paid until the house closes.  For sellers it could easily take six months and buyers three months (check the figures for the area you intend to sell in).  Most Real Estate Agents who do not have a second income during the first year (possibly two) usually do not succeed in Real Estate.

THE HOURS.   If you can be flexible you will have an easier time making a real estate career work for you.   

Real Estate Agents often work around the clock.  Days, Nights, and Weekends.  We have no limits.  Learning to create limits while still having a flexible schedule is hard to do.   Trying to decide if your kids soccer game is more important than the out of town client are common decisions Real Estate Agents face.  And because contracts all have deadlines be prepared to take your work with you where ever you are (including the family vacation).  Burnout if very common with Real Estate Agents because they do not know how to schedule a life around the hours.  

THE CLIENTS.  If you have a large sphere you will have an easier time making a real estate career work for you.  

Think about who you know and if you think they would use you to sell a house.  If you don’t have a sphere then you have to create one.  Creating one however can take time.  You will need to meet people.  Joining some organizations in the community is a way to get the process started.  If usually takes three years before you start seeing repeat clients and referrals coming your way.  So until then you have to create your own clients.  And if you don’t have a sphere then the only way to do that may be through office phones and cold calling. 

THE BOSS.  If you are multi-task and detail oriented you will have an easier time making a real estate career work for you. 

You are your own boss.  You are also the receptionist, the secretary, the mail clerk, the marketing director, the advertising staff, etc.   Be prepared to spend as much time on the computer as you do with the client.  Because of the amount of responsibilities a Real Estate Agent faces be prepared for the amount of stress that comes with it.  You will have to oversee every aspect of the process from the first showing to the day it closes.  And deal with all the people that come with it (clients, loan officers, other real estate agents, inspectors, surveyors, inspectors, repair contractors, closers, etc). 

In the end, I hope real estate is still the right choice for you!

4/3/2 plus formal living, formal dining, and game room, 3254 Sq Ft (per tax), 1993 year built

$350,000  $339,900

115 Mill Valley Drive, Colleyville, TX 76034

MLS#11381951

For more info please contact:

Located on a cul-de-sac in Keller ISD!  Sparkling in ground POOL!  Amazing kitchen with granite countertops, tumble marble backsplash, island, tons of cabinets, breakfast bar and eat-in-kitchen area!  New carpet and wood laminate 2009, paint inside and out 2009, AC 2007!  Oversized master with large sitting area, 2 walk in closets, his her sinks, garden tub, separate shower, and privacy toilet.   

4/2.1/2 formal living, formal dining, study, game room, plus pool, 2908 sq ft (per tax), 1997 year built

$239,900 

1633 Mountain Laurel Drive, Keller, TX 76248

MLS# 11391334

 For more info please contact:

his house is perfect for the new home buyer.  Located in the heart of Keller.  Close to shopping and schools.  Beautiful wood laminate is found throughout the house, fresh paint, split bedrooms.  Cozy fireplace in the family room.  Eat in kitchen.  Walk in closets in all the bedrooms plus TWO walk in closets in the master bedroom. Nice backyard with storage shed.  Don’t miss the lovely home.   Shows lots of TLC. 

3/2/2, 1391 Sq Ft (per tax), 1994 year built

$120,000

974 Indian Blanket, Keller, TX 76248

MLS#11377562

For more info please contact:

This South Fort Worth home is completely updated…Remodeled kitchen with granite slabcounter-tops, tumbled stone back splash, new Whirlpool Gold appliances (gas on glass cook-top, convection oven, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator), vent hood, granite composite sink, antique bronze faucet, recessed lighting, refinished cabinets, and new cabinet hardware.  Remodeled master bathroom with travertine floor and shower with bench, granite vanity, antique bronze faucets, and new toilet.  Remodeled hall bath with travertine flooring, resurfaced tub, sink, and shower/tub surround, and vanity top, refinished cabinets, new cabinet hardware, antique bronze faucet, and new toilet.  New dual pane, dual hung, tilt sash Low-E vinyl windows with argon gas (transferable warranty).  New carpet throughout, hand trowel wall texture in all bathrooms and bedrooms, fresh interior and exterior paint, updated electrical outlets and switches throughout, new light fixtures and ceiling fans throughout, new interior and exterior doors, new antique bronze door hardware, new door and baseboard trim throughout, new pantry added, attic foil radiant barrier installed, and, foundation repairs completed with transferable warranty.  Cedar shutters, storage building, covered porch, and covered patio.

3/2/2, 1656 sq ft (per appraiser), 1957 year built

$125,000

5704 Waltham Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76133

MLS #11371214

For more info please contact:

Shows like new!  Lots of upgrades!  HUGE YARD!  GRANITE!  Custom paint.  Stainless Steel,  Brush Nickel Fixtures, Plus more!  Master planned community!  Hurry this one is going to go fast!

4/2.1/2 plus formals and gameroom!  3006 sq ft (per tax), 2007 year built

12464 Leaflet Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76244

$200,000  List price & SOLD PRICE!!!!!!

MLS#11360678

For more info please contact:

New carpet! New paint! Keller School District! Two cozy fireplaces!  Open concept with eat in kitchen and views of the central family room with corner fireplace.  Wonderful master bedroom has large walk in closet, fireplace, and relaxing master bath.  Master bath features double sinks, separate shower, plus a garden tub.  This wonderful home is located in Keller School District within walking distance of the elementary school.  It is also one half block from the city park and trails!  Don’t miss seeing this home!

3/2/2 plus formal dining, 1503 sq ft (per tax), 1996 year built

$117,000

7728 Kelly Lynn Lane, Watauga, TX  76148

MLS# 11350914

PICTURES COMING SOON!

For more info please contact:

Located in sought after Keller High School boundaries this house has space galore!  With over 3627 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 3 car garage, 3 living areas, 2 dining areas, plus a study!  Over-sized open concept kitchen has large central island and lots of cabinet space.  A big family room is adjacent with cozy fireplace and views of the sparkling in ground POOL!  This house shines with recent paint, new carpet, and a new roof (a/c units also replaced in 2007).  Master Bedroom is an owner’s retreat with warm colors and luxurious bathroom with jacuzzi tub, separate sinks, vanity area, and separate shower.  Come see this wonderful home priced at BELOW MARKET for $269,000. 

4/3/3 formal living, formal dining, study, gameroom, plus pool, 3627 sq ft (per tax), 1995 year built

$269,000  Amazing new price: $259,900! 

1536 Lakeview Drive, Keller, TX 76248

MLS# 11294834

For more info please contact:

2009 was extremely busy.  Jolynn and I sold the most houses of any year we have been selling houses.  And to top it all off I had a baby in November of 2009.  My sweet little baby girl.  But I am back at work now and playing catch up on all that I have missed.  Thank goodness for my Real Estate partner Jolynn!  She is wonderful and helps me juggle life and work at the same time.

They currently range in price from $350K to $120K.  Hopefully when I get back in town (I’m on vacation) I can write about them. 

Jolynn is holding down the fort but I was swamped the week before I left.  I know this week has been just as busy.  Hopefully I will find time to post a couple articles while I am out of town.  The biggest thing to talk about is appraisals!  Government and their changes are affecting us once more.  I hope to update everyone soon!