Folks rushing to get a Real Estate License in Charleston

By now, everyone has heard that the S.C. coastal real estate market is on fire. Everywhere you turn, people are talking about the low inventory levels, increase in asking prices, and the amount of new homes that are being built.

The Charleston MLS (Multiple Listing Service) statistics support the general opinion that the market is really active. One impressive statistic that a lot of people overlook is the "days on market". In each of the three counties that make up Charleston, the average "days on market" have decreased.  As this statistic continues to improve, the public will gain more confidence that the recent shift in the local real estate industry is real.

Another result of a very active market is that many people will flock to real estate for a career change. Of course, many top agents have proven that this career can be very lucrative. The challenge that we are likely to face now is that many people will attempt to get a license because they feel this is a quick and easy way to make some money.

This is the very mindset that new licensees had back in 2006 right before the real estate market took a sudden turn and eventually crashed. I think most would agree that a person should get into real estate, or any career, because they feel they have the qualities that are needed to serve the consumer. Any time people get into business because they are chasing a commission check, problems eventually appear.

Most recently Charleston, as well as the Myrtle Beach licensing schools are full, and in some cases there is a waiting list. We have to wonder, is the market in this area really that HOT or are people just trying to make a quick buck?

Because we will never really know the answer, here is a list of the top 5 things that are needed to build a profitable career in this type of industry climate.

Top 5 Ways to Attract Success as a Realtor:

1. Be a Student of Real Estate – You can never learn enough. Take classes on negotiations, presenting offers, customer service, and market data analysis; as well as many other skills that will be needed.
2. Find a Coach – Be careful when choosing a real estate company. Every company will tell you they have a training program. Then, they give you a book, tell you to go to the internet and forget that you are there.
   
3. Focus on the Consumer – Remember, a real estate transaction is one of the largest financial transactions that the average American will ever complete. Don’t worry about your commission, worry about reaching the client's goals. If you help your clients get what they want, then you will eventually get what you want.
4. Active Marketing – Too often, real estate agents are accused of listing a property, putting it in the MLS, and then forgetting about it. Be an agent that understands the various ways a property can be marketed. More marketing creates more demand, which eventually results in a sale.
5. Communicate – You need to get this right from the beginning. Poor communication is the #1 complaint amongst real estate agents. If you know this is the number one complaint then make it your strength. Frequent communication will lead you straight to the top.