Gambino U

Choosing a career path can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Creating a list of questions to ask yourself and the company you want to work with is essential. But what questions should you be asking? We created a list of frequently asked questions and answered them all in one place for you. We hope this makes it easier to take your next step.

Here is a list of questions and answers to consider when you're contemplating a career in real estate:

What does it take for me to become a real estate broker? 

Selling real estate requires a license issued by the State of Illinois.  You must take a class and pass the final exam to obtain that license.  After that, you are prepared and able to take the state exam.  The course and the state exam are not terribly difficult, but you will need to pay attention in class and study to pass. Once you have passed the state exam, you can make an appointment with us to make arrangements to begin your real estate career immediately!

What is the typical workday like? 

No two days are exactly alike, which makes selling real estate interesting!  Your schedule is what you choose to make it.  You can work in the office or from home.  Most agents do a little of both.  Some days you will visit with clients, and on other days you will work on a market analysis of a home or handle the details of a contract and closing.  Most days, it will be a little bit of everything.  It helps if you are organized and can manage your schedule well. The most important job is to seek new clients to assist constantly.  The most successful brokers have a series of methods of finding new buyers and sellers, and therefore they enjoy a steady stream of new business. 

How much can I expect to earn, and when? 

Honestly, it can take a couple of months before that first commission check arrives. You should prepare financially to start slowly while growing your business over the first year.  Depending on their client prospecting ability, a typical full-time agent could earn between $25,000 and $40,000 their first year. 

What does it cost to get started? 

There are three costs associated with starting your new career: pre-license school $590, state exam $100, and membership fees for the National Association of Realtors and the Rockford Association of Realtors. You should budget $1,000-$1,200 to get started. There are expenses, including annual license renewal, membership dues, and access fee to the Multiple Listing Service. After your first year, you should budget $1,400 for yearly expenses. 

These questions are the most common ones we receive when someone is inquiring about a career as a real estate agent. We hope it helps you with your research and decision to take the next step.

Gambino Realtors believes in their agents and supports them on their journey. There are so many reasons to choose a real estate career, and we're here to help. If you have questions or if you are ready to dive right in, please reach out to get started today. Please contact Heather Porter at 815.316.4048.

Let's be honest.  You're looking at making a career change, and you have a lot of questions. We've been doing this since 1923, and we've partnered with hundreds of great people over the years.  Most have gone on to a long and rewarding career in real estate.  The truth is, nothing makes us happier than to guide and mentor someone to succeed well beyond their expectations. We know what it takes to become successful, and we know how to make it easy for you!

Since we've guided hundreds of new brokers to outstanding success, we know what to teach you and when.  Your pre-license classes teach you laws, terminology, and principles, but not how to make a good living selling real estate.  That's where we come in.  There is a lot to learn, and most of it can't be found in a book. 

Here's what you can expect:

Your first week with us will be devoted to getting you set up with a professional photo, ordering business cards, signs, etc.  We'll process your paperwork to get your Illinois Real Estate Salesperson's License; help you get set up with the Rockford Association of REALTORS, and many other details.  Don't worry; we'll do most of the work!

After you are all set up, we will introduce you to your very own personal business coach!  Your coach is very knowledgeable and experienced and takes a genuine interest in your success. We pay your coach for each sale, so they also have an incentive to see you succeed quickly!

Training is a constant here at Gambino Realtors.  We offer classes every week and twice monthly at our sales meetings.  In addition, we offer online courses through our Gambino Real Estate Institute so that you can learn from the best instructors across the country.

Classes, books, and webinars provide a wealth of information, but most people gain their skills in the field by interacting with real clients.  Our management team (including your coach!) is available 24/7 to help you navigate tricky situations, answer questions, and provide support.  We'll even go with you on your first few appointments to help you succeed!

Finally, we provide good leads.  We bring interested buyers and sellers directly to our agents through various methods.  You'll need to develop your own clientele, but it's nice to have some leads to work on as you get started!

Gambino Realtors believes in their agents and supports them on their journey. There are so many reasons to choose a real estate career, and we're here to help. If you have questions or if you are ready to dive right in, please reach out to get started today. Please contact Heather Porter at 815.316.4048.

Choosing a new career is not always easy. Whether you're starting on your career journey or making a switch, there are many factors to consider when making your ultimate decision. When you love what you do, then success will surely follow. Real estate is a great career, but it is unlike any other job you might consider. That's why we came up with a list of pros and cons to help you decide if it is the right career path for you.

Here is a list we compiled of pros and cons to being a real estate agent:

Pros: 

• Meaningful Work – you help people make their dreams come true. Being a Real Estate Broker gives you a sense of purpose, rather than just a job to show up to every day.
• Freedom and Independence – Real estate brokers are Independent Contractors, so you are your own boss.

• Work from Anywhere – You can work from home or the office. Technology allows you to work wherever you are.

• It's Not Boring – No two days are alike; No two clients are alike; No two homes are alike.

• Respectability - you will be considered an expert in your field.

• Flexible Hours – you get to make your schedule.

• Unlimited Income – you set your goals, and we'll help you achieve them.

As you can see, there are multiple pros to being a real estate agent! If the above list gets you excited about real estate, the cons list will be a minor distraction.

Cons: 

• Variable Income Stream – Real estate sales are somewhat seasonal, so you'll make big money in the spring and summer and less in the fall and winter. Getting started takes a little time, so the first year or two will produce a modest income.

• It Is Work – It looks like fun (and it is!), but only those brokers who work at it full-time reap the rewards of a full-time income.

• There Are Upfront and Ongoing Costs – of course, there are! As with any business (and you are your own business), there are costs to get started and maintain licenses, memberships, etc. Fortunately, those costs are very modest compared to the income!

Real estate is a rewarding career choice with so little on the con list. We've helped so many new Realtors launch their successful careers. We can help you navigate around the tiny list of cons so that you can enjoy the extensive list of pros!

Gambino Realtors believes in their agents and supports them on their journey. There are so many reasons to choose a real estate career, and we're here to help. If you have questions or if you are ready to dive right in, please reach out to get started today. Please contact Heather Porter at 815.316.4048.

Are you contemplating a new career in real estate? With any career change, there are questions you should ask yourself. Of course, we all want to be successful in our endeavors, so it's essential to take some time and do some self-examining. To make it easier, we have a list of four key attributes that will help you have a successful real estate career.  

Here are four attributes of successful real estate brokers:

1. You Need to be Self-Directed

Many people are used to being told what to do, when to come to work and when to go home.  That's not bad, but that doesn't happen in real estate.  If you think you can set your schedule and stick to it, you could very well be a success!

2. You Need to Prospect for New Clients Constantly

The number one factor determining success is waiting for something to happen or making something happen.  Our local market will experience over 5,000 homes sold in the next 12 months -that's 5,000 sellers and 5,000 buyers, and many of them don't know who their real estate broker will be.  We'll show you how to figure out who is getting ready to buy or sell and how to reach out to them!

3. You Need to be Organized 

The modern real estate transaction is somewhat complicated, but that's why our clients need us!  There are forms and contracts to complete, market analysis to prepare, title work, and many other details to monitor.  We'll teach you how to be an expert in every area, one spoonful at a time, and we always have your back.

4. You Need to Do This Full-Time 

We've heard some future brokers say that they'll do real estate part-time until they make the equivalent of their current full-time job.  Truth alert: It never happens!  Part-time effort and commitment yield part-time results.  Yes, you can hold down a part-time job for a little while, but it could be holding you back from making the kind of income you want.

If you find yourself nodding your head yes to all of these, then you may want to consider taking the next steps to fast-tracking your new career. Real estate can be challenging, but it is so much more rewarding and fun, making it very worthwhile. 

Gambino Realtors believes in their agents and supports them on their journey. There are so many reasons to choose a real estate career, and we're here to help. If you have questions or if you are ready to dive right in, please reach out to get started today. Please contact Heather Porter at 815.316.4048.