Consider a few of an agent’s daily challenges: marketing “not-so-marketable” properties, managing a huge client database and supervising heated negotiations. Add in the stress of a commission-based income and an unstable market, and you can understand why few agents say their jobs are “easy.”

Real estate agents drive around in flashy cars, live in mansions, and are up to their eyeballs in million-dollar deals, right? Wealthy agents are definitely out there, but 7-figure incomes are not the norm among agents. The average gross income for members of the National Association of Realtors who worked 40-59 hours a week was $42,500 in 2016, down from $45,800 in 2014. That’s a solid income, but not enough to support a warehouse full of Ferraris or a palatial vacation home.

When I first got into real estate, I was so excited by the idea of “working for myself.”  Now, my husband teases me frequently that I work for everyone BUT myself. Most real estate agents aren’t held to the “Monday-Friday, 8-5” routine. Agents have some flexibility to work at the times and locations they see fit. But that doesn’t mean agents can abandon the office for days on end or vacation at a moment’s notice. Clients have demands and busy lives as well, and many expect agents to cater to their schedules. Buyers may want an immediate showing of a new listing. Sellers expect listing agents to constantly monitor leads.

Y’all! This one gets me fired up and is one of many reasons why For Sale By Owner is so dangerous!!  I’m constantly in training seminars, classes, and coaching to be able to adequately serve and advise my clients.

Every licensed agent must meet their state’s training guidelines before starting a practice. Plus, more than 30 percent of NAR members have some type of college degree, and 65 percent hold licenses as sales agents. And over a third of NAR members have at least one professional designation, such as GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) or ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative). It’s true that most universities don’t offer a bachelor’s degree in real estate. Don’t let that tidbit obscure the fact that agents undergo rigid licensure training and continuing education to succeed.  Agents are a well-educated crowd!

Just like any other profession, real estate has its highs and lows. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, or an easy career for someone without the proper training. But if you love personal interaction, marketing, and being self-employed, working as a real estate agent can be incredibly rewarding. Connecting buyers with their dream homes or helping sellers move on with their lives is a wonderful calling. And you get to look at houses all day long. (Better consider a different career path if that doesn’t excite you!)