A week of real estate school is no picnic. It is one of my first priorities for setting up my Jacksonville Home Staging company. I thought after having already had my license for 6 years in SC plus working for a large brokerage 2 years prior to that, it would get easier. No. Real Estate school is still tough. The math formulas and word problems alone are a nightmare that borders on the ones from high school, where you forgot to wear pants. Still, I know for me that this is a good move. Having access to MLS for statistical data, and learning the language is something that agents appreciate. They know I’m serious about what I do.
There are other advantages too. For instance, I’m in a class with approximately 35 students – who ALL WANT TO BE REAL ESTATE AGENTS. In case I’m being a little fuzzy on that statement, they are all potential clients. They are also easily trainable because they are new. They don’t have bad habits yet. They don’t remember how easy the market used to be.
There are also a couple of real estate investors in the class. They buy, hold and rent, or flip. Uh huh. The guy right behind me in class is taking the course to save money when he flips homes. Well, who do you think I’m making it a special point to talk to? Not in a phony way, but we understand each other. The questions and discussion come naturally.
Real Estate school is one of the best investments in your business. Between referral fees, data, and networking opportunities, while it’s been a tough week, it’s been a good one. Oh, and today I got my first phone call from a potential client. She’s looking for a redesign, but happens to also be an agent. Where did she find me? Google. It also pays to know your SEO.
Megan Richard says
I agree with everything that you are doing. I wish that more stagers saw the benefit of having a license or at least having someone on their team with a license. I genuinely wish that more stagers were willing to step out of the cozy little box and do more to help their business grow. Doing the same thing for years with little to no results will only get you little to no results in the future. You really know what you’re doing and I admire that. Thanks for being such an inspiration to me an so many others out there. I am truly glad to know you.
melissamarro says
Thanks Megan! A real estate license is another great investment in my business and more often than not, it is the investment that will make the most difference.
ANgie Renn says
Hey Melissa – Glad you made it through!! The Real Estate week is grueling, but oh so worth it! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Amy Powers says
The journey you are own is GOLD to a new stager. You are showing them how to do it step by step. Even with my experience, I am learning a few things. Thanks for sharing your journey.
melissamarro says
Thanks Amy. I am putting it out there for that reason. I think it is helpful to see how someone who has done it before would do it again, if they had to start over.