Residential Real Estate Assistant Career Guide and Counseling

Question: I want to start Residential Real Estate Career in So Cal on a team. Advice please? I am not licensed yet, in the exploratory stage to be sure the options I am seeking are available. I am interested in becoming licensed, on my own or through a brokerage program and joining a team as a licensed assistant such as buyers assistant. Looking to work in Mid West LA (Hancock Park/Larchmont) or South Bay area as primary markets. I need specifics on how to find teams that may be hiring and finding entry level opportunities in residential sales. I am not in a financial position to start as an agent and I respect that this is a career with a pretty good learning curve so I would really like to get started with a good team and learn the ropes. Thanks! Michelle

Answer: Real estate is a hard industry especially in Cali. I don't mean to burst your bubble but.......Last year there were over 500,000 real estate agents in CA, last year there were only 490,000 homes sold in all of CA, looks like allot of real estate agents didn't make any money. Just some food for thought. Good luck.

Question: I need a slogan for my Real Estate Business cards? I need a slogan or ideas for slogans. My background is 2 years as a broker's assistant for a Residential real estate co. I have been involved in all aspects of our listings and buying, Im young, energetic and social. The slogan or phrase im looking for needs to be short...all ideas are greatly appreciated! i think i need to use the word YOU as well,

Answer: i have the keys i open doors for you

Question: Real Estate Assistant looking for financial aid on Real Estate School? I have worked for a commercial company and now a residential company in Baton ROuge La, and it is something I love. Since katrina the market is great all around. But i have no money to go to school ? KNow of any programs or grants or anything. I am married wit a 6yr old . Myu hubby works away from home.

Answer: First you'll want to go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and apply for government grants and loans. The FAFSA is an application for both. It is the best way to tell what you'll qualify for. Since you're married, you'll have to factor in your husband's income, so be sure to have his (and your) info from last tax year. Second, you'll want to go to http://www.fastweb.com and apply for scholarships. Scholarships don't have to be repaid and it will be easier to find program-specific money (geared toward real estate education) than with FAFSA.

Question: Career as a Commercial Real Estate Appraiser ? I have a background in Real estate lending, residential wholesale and retail but am considering a move to the commercial side as an appraiser. I am currently located in Chicago which I feel is about the best place I could be for this line of work. Does anyone know what I have to do as far as mentoring, internship, etc? I know I have to take classes and such, but from what I have read it seems I must also "shadow" a licensed appraiser or become an assistant to one for a certain amount of time before I can get a license. Also, does anyone know what to expect as far as salary and or commission for this position? Would I work for a firm and get assigned jobs, or would I be looking for my own work? Any help is appreciated

Answer: I just received your e-mail and I felt I should post to help others that might be looking into getting in the field as well. First in order to become a fully licensed Certified General Appraiser you need 300 classroom hours, 3,000 experience hours in no less than 2.5 years and pass a state licensing exam. As of 1/1/2008 you will need more class room hours I believe 400+ hours, a four year college degree and the 3,000 experience hours in no less than 2.5 years, also there will be a new state test issued (harder than the current test). My first suggestion is to do the classes at the Appraisal Institute their website is www.appraisalinstitute.org. You will be exposed to other students (most of which are appraisers themselves) that can help you along the way. They have job postings and offer you the opportunity to join your local chapter and network with other professionals in the industry. As I mentioned getting into the business is very difficult. You should also find all the appraisal firms in your area and hand in your resume to them as well. You just have to take what you can get wether it be a residential or commercial job in the beginning and work your way up from there. Most appraisers are freelance and work on commission. However, appraisers that work for banks, IRS are salaried. You can try and get your own work to be more marketable but it maybe difficult because you are not licensed.