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Real Estate Salaries – Getting Started in a Real Estate Career

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Name: Kevin Meyer
Job Title: Real Estate Agent
Years of Experience: 9+
Where: Woodinville, WA
Current Employer: Coldwell Banker Bain
Other Relevant Work Experience: Market Leader LLC – a leading provider of real estate marketing software
Education: Rockwell Real Estate Institution Bellevue College
Salary: Research the median real estate agent salary.

Real Estate Salaries – Getting Started in a Real Estate Career

Real estate salaries can vary greatly depending on how long an agent has been in the business, changes in the economy, location and many other factors. Since real estate agents are generally paid on commission rather than earning a set salary, getting clients can be one of the most important parts of the job. For those just getting started in a real estate career, honing skills in marketing and customer service can help build a successful business. In this Salary Story, real estate agent Kevin Meyer describes what it's really like to be an agent, and offers valuable advice for individuals who are just getting started in a real estate career.

PayScale: What is your real estate agent job description?

As a realtor, it is my duty to provide my clients with the best possible experience, hold their needs above all others, and make sure everything runs smoothly from start to close. I focus my business on being an expert on the Eastside. I cover everything from first time home buyers to luxury properties in Bothell, Woodinville, Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish and Issaquah. You can see for yourself here, www.youreastsidehome.com. A few of the many duties that I perform for my clients are: walking clients through the step by step process of buying and selling a home; providing comparable information for homes that have sold or are currently on the market; sharing neighborhood information such as school information, nearby shopping/restaurants, etc.; advertising on behalf of my clients; negotiating to ensure my clients receive the best possible offer; alerting clients to potential risks; and helping clients prepare for a smooth closing of the transaction.

PayScale: How did you get started in a real estate career?

Selling real estate has been a goal for a long time. It is hard work, but very rewarding when you have done a good job. I got into the business because of my love for houses and providing people with superior customer service. I have worked at a real estate marketing company for 7.5 years, working directly with top agents around the country and meeting a lot of them face-to-face. This has provided me with priceless knowledge as well as inspired me to be the best I can be. In addition, I have over 14 years of sales experience and have always prided myself on doing what is best for my customers. This comes first and foremost, and that is why I have had such great success; my clients always come back, and a bulk of my business comes from referrals.

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PayScale: What do you love about your job as a real estate agent?

Having gone through my own buying and selling experiences over the years, I have realized that real estate is my passion. There are so many things to love about the business. From the always-changing market conditions to the newest development plans in our local communities, it’s important to me to stay on top of the game to make sure my clients are always informed. For me, the service that I provide while helping someone make quite possibly the biggest decision of their life is something that I take very seriously and invest a lot of time in. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing my clients smile as I hand over the keys to one of the many new homes in Woodinville WA, or perhaps a property in Redmond close to the Microsoft campus, or Sammamish Plateau Homes, maybe Kirkland waterfront property, or Bellevue homes close to all the great shopping. And what about homes for sale in Issaquah with access to trails and parks? The Eastside has so much to offer, and I love being a portal to the next chapter in my client’s life.

PayScale: What are the biggest challenges faced in real estate careers?

The biggest challenges that people run into in the real estate industry would have to be the misconception that it is an easy job to do. Real estate is a lot of hard work and it takes a lot of dedication, focus, discipline, and a plan of attack to be successful. Clients typically do not just fall into your lap, you have to go out and get them and compete with the thousands of other agents who are after the same customers.

PayScale: What advice do you have on getting started in a real estate career?

My advice to a new agent or someone who is considering getting into the field would be to get your ducks in a row first. Plan out what success looks like to you and exactly what you need to do to achieve it. Also, since real estate is a commission-based business, if you are not closing deals, you are not bringing home any bacon. Therefore, have your emergency funds lined up and don’t quit your day job until you have a pipeline that you are confident will carry you through the beginning months. It’s a tough business to start out in and that is why only 20 percent of agents succeed. Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.

PayScale: Have any crazy or amazing things happened during your real estate career?

Every day in real estate is different, which is nice because things always stay fresh, but also hectic because you never know what you will encounter or what your days will hold. I am fortunate enough to have not encountered too many crazy stories, although I have heard my fair share of horror stories. You never know what will be in the home you are about to enter, but so far everything has run pretty smoothly for me and my clients. The most amazing things that have happened to me are the relationships that I have built in helping others and the ability to give back to the community by being actively involved in community projects and local charities. I love giving back.

 

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