The real estate industry is a good one to consider if you are starting a career or experiencing the need to change career paths. Daily, it is rewarding being the person who makes a first-time homebuyer's dreams come true, helps an investor purchase commercial property, or helps someone sell their home or property.  Every day is different, and every client is different making real estate sales an exciting business.
 
A real estate practitioner is a self-employed, independent contractor who can reach her own desired income levels by persistently working a business plan.
 
It starts with completing sixty hours of education in real estate principles and practice and then passing a state licensing exam.  After passing the exam, a person with a salesperson’s license must affiliate with a responsible Broker who will provide training or access to training in the legal, professional, and sales aspects of the business.
  
Once licensed and affiliated with a Broker, you will learn how to become a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS® with access to a wealth of resources to help you meet your goals. REALTOR® membership is what enables you to establish your reputation as a professional. REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training every two years to ensure they are providing the highest level of service to their clients and customers. REALTORS® strive to continue their education beyond that which is required by law.  They understand that the more they know, the better the service they can provide.  The REALTOR® trademark has been around for over 100 years and has become familiar to consumers as a symbol of trustworthiness and professionalism. 

REALTORS®, because of their vast resources and knowledge of the industry, are the Voice for Real Estate.  Although there are a plethora of public search websites consumers use to search for property online, nothing can replace a REALTOR® when it comes to negotiating on your behalf, navigating the many hurdles in the buying and selling process, locating and providing the appropriate forms for the transaction, identifying a reputable lender, etc.  They are also advocates for homeowners and homeownership actively involving themselves in the political processes that support good legislation and oppose legislation that is harmful to the industry and property owners. REALTORS® are community leaders as well as your partners in the buying and selling processes.

Check out the Salesperson’s Pre-licensing course schedule offered by the Mississippi REALTORS® Institute on Lakeland Drive in Flowood, MS at realtorsinstitute.org or 601-932-5241.