i have a real estate question?

Question

i want to get my real estate license..... i'm a stay at home mom who is looking to go back to school but i want to get my real estate license first.... i have to filll out an application with century 21 so they can help me go to real estate school but i have to go on an interview first, what will they ask me in that interview? what are they looking to see? what does it mean working floor duty in a real estate office?

Answer 1

Okay - let's see what I can offer...

Let's start with your easiest question - "what is floor duty?"

First of all, as you probably already know, Realtors must work under the supervision of a licensed broker.

When a Realtor meets with a homeowner who agrees to allow the Realtor to sell his or her home, the seller is really contracting with the Realtor's entire brokerage firm, so the "listing" and other advertising of the home will include contact information for the brokerage office.

Realtors working "on the floor" will answer the phone at the brokerage office, and assist the callers with their needs. Many times, the caller only wants to be connected to "so-and-so's" voicemail, but sometimes the caller has seen a property advertised in a magazine and wants more information about the home. If the caller is not already working with an agent, the Realtor who answers the phone can offer to work with the prospective buyer, making arrangements to show them this house, as well as other homes that might be a better "fit" for the buyer's criteria. Sometimes a caller will be looking for a Realtor to help them sell their home, and the "floor" contact will enable the agent to go out and make a "sales presentation", in the hope of gaining a listing.

Working "the floor" is an excellent way for novice Realtors to find new clients. More experienced Realtors may find that their contacts, connections and referrals keep them busy enough so that they don't need to do "floor", which can often be tedious.

A Realtor's skill in working on the floor directly relates to the kinds of questions that you're likely to be asked in the Century 21 interview. A successful Realtor has a pleasant, outgoing personality, works well with people of all different kinds of socioeconomic backgrounds, is a good listener, and has a TON of patience. You'll need decent math skills, too.

Larger firms like Century 21 have a "corporate way", so they spend a good deal of time and money training you to do things the Century 21 way. A lot of times, the interview is intended to gauge the seriousness of your interest - a company hopes not to waste a lot of effort training new agents who won't stick around long.

You won't face a lot of substantive questions about your knowledge of "things", more likely, you'll face lots of questions that are intended to see what you're "like", how you deal with complications and frustration, if you're an organized person who can work under pressure and with deadlines, etc. If you think the business is right for you, go to the interview, smile and be yourself, and you'll probably be offered the training opportunity.

By the way, I don't know what part of the country you're located in, but the national real estate market is VERY slow right now, and this is definitely not the best of times to go into the business. Keep in mind that being a Realtor means that you'll work a lot of weekend hours, and that you'll need to be available, often on a moment's notice, at your clients' beck and call - that is, if you want to get those deals!

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

They want to know if you have the personality and excitement / motivation to live and breathe real estate. What you know about real estate, How big you network of contacts is...for buying/selling homes to. If you have great customer service qualities. And the time/flexibility to work the hours.

The license is pretty straightforward..and easy. Once you have it..you can work anywhere...even for yourself.

Floor duty means--hanging in the office shaggin calls for everyone...making it 9-5 ish for you. You become the admin for the slackers who claim to be in the field working leads. You can say Yes to this..in order to get your foot in the door...but make your move and don't show them your cards...let them know that you have strong leads and will convert them once you're licensed. Don't divulge otherwise, as they only care about themselves and getting a cut of the business. It is and always will be up to you to make it happen in real estate.

Make a point of telling them, that you're excited and see anytime as a great time for real estate...

Brush up on the book -- Rich Dad Poor Dad. He makes a compelling story about real estate and wealth.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Depending on your state, your education "hours" will vary..in NC, it is 67-plus hours to be able to sit for (and pass) the state license exam...which you have to have in order to sell real estate...it is not an easy course, or exam to take...then comes the "desk" fees most real estate compnay require YOU to PAY THEM (to work there..and yes C-21 has desk fees), then you have to pay for: your MLS fees (to be a "Realtor"which can be steep..more than $700 yr in NC that YOU pay), C-21 requires that agents pay for their OWN ad space in the local newspapers, business cards, computer, etc, etc,...it is a VERY expensive business to be in...make sure you have enough reserves in savings...you may not make any $$ for a while..
"Duty" or "Floor Duty" is when you are expected to be IN the office (even weekends) where any potential client that calls or walks in the door could be "yours" if they are not already working with an agent...you do NOT get paid to be there...some companies have all day "duty" and some do half-days..each firm is different (and since C-21 is owned locally, it will vary town-to-town)...some offices have soooooo many agents, getting "floor time" is tough....agents love those days, as your potential for new contacts is great...but since your not getting paid, some agents hate duty time....you will also have to finance any "farming" you do (sending out brochures or letters that you mass mail...you will also have to pay for your own postage)
Most firms are looking for a quick and self starter, someone who is aggressive, and look professional in dress and manner. Commission splits work like this: Say a house sold for $200,000..and the commission on it was 6%...means 3% goes to the listing agent and 3% to the selling agent...THEN, the 3% the agency gets it split AGAIN with the agent..meaning YOUR cut would be 1.5% of the sale IF your split is 50/50 which most companies start you out with)...C-21 has a "new agent" training program that YOU have to pay for, before being allowed to work "duty time"...in my town, C-21 charges the agent $1000.00 for this training...your initial cash out-put can be enormous..you will also have to provide your own cell phone, car, gas, ect...and be expected to work in the evenings and weekends..whenever it is best for the CLIENT...and NO, you should NOT take your kids with you on an appointment...also, you have to pay for the refreshments, ads, etc., when setting up and open house...you also pay for your own sign "riders" (the little thing on top of a sign that has YOUR name and number on it..)...
Please think of ALL of these, before spending money on getting your license...