The Real Life of a Real Estate Agent

I meet up with a friend considering a career change to real estate today.  When she thought of a Realtor to talk to she thankfully thought of me.  I say thankfully because in my opinion, that is one of the top goals of a Realtor, to be top of mind when people think of real estate in general.  

When talking to her about what she thought of the field what the job looks like, I realized how different the reality of being a Realtor is to how it looks from the outside.  I shouldn’t be surprised about this.  Real estate is a highly glamorized job with shows about luxury real estate like ‘Selling Sunset’ but the majority of the real estate reality is shockingly different.  So what is the life of an average Realtor? 

According to salary.com, the average yearly salary of a Texas realtor is just over $42,000; however, that can vary dramatically depending on the success and location of the actual agent.   The point is, not all agents are making tons of money, and earning a commission is anything but easy. 

Yes, we look at houses, but the majority of real estate agent’s work happens outside of the showings. 

Yes, we look at houses,

but the majority of real estate agent’s work happens outside of the showings. 

First, we have to find a client. Real estate agents market the services they offer, and the marketing strategies vary from agent to agent.  Some agents make cold calls, buy online leads such as Zillow leads, run ads on social media, send out email campaigns, etc. 

Marmie and I have been very fortunate that the majority of our business comes from people we know, past clients and client referrals. 

So now we have a client. If it is a buyer client, searches are set up to begin looking online at homes that meet their criteria. Then showings start, and so much driving. If it is a seller client, research begins on how to price the property and we determine what needs to be done to get the home to show the best and sell for the highest price.  

At the Touris Leech Group, we stage our listings, plant flowers, hire a professional photographer to take pictures, etc. We have even assisted with picking out paint colors and other renovations to maximize the property’s value. Once the property is ready to list, we begin the marketing champaign by putting the property on MLS, social media ads, email campaigns, print marketing and open houses. 

We write up contracts once a property is found for a buyer, and negotiate terms with the other party. We schedule inspectors and contractors to investigate the property’s condition and follow up with lenders, title companies, appraisers and surveyors to make sure all the necessary steps are being completed to be able to close as scheduled. We deal with the unexpected regularly, and come up with creative solutions.

There is no hard job description of a Realtor. Bottom line, we do what needs to be done.  I have hauled off trash, comforted discouraged or stressed clients, chased after cats that have darted out of the front door of the house I am showing, cleaned windows, floors, counters, yes, even toilets……the list goes on. 

Our job may not be all sunshine and cocktail parties, but I love what I do, and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.