Career Opportunities
Real estate is an amazing business that requires hard, dedicated individuals who are eager to learn. After completing the basic requirements learned at real estate school, visit the offices of several real estate agencies in your area to learn of and compare the options that each agency will offer. Check out the atmosphere of the people with whom you will work. After doing so, make a selection of the office in which you would like to work. It is wise to already have an office in mind prior to graduation. After graduation, you should consider further education (e.g., designations such as ABR, GRI, CRS, CCIM, etc.) because higher learning in real estate balances out the lack of sales experience. We do not throw our new agents out there with the wolves. We provide personal, one-on-one mentoring to every agent. We always have an opening for real estate professionals who are self-starters, highly motivated and who want to work from home. Please contact Rhodes Realty Service at:
P. O. Box 447
St. Peters, Missouri 63376
Telephone: 314-564-4000
Email us
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Realtor Careers - FAQ
What is a Realtor?
A Realtor is a licensed professional salesperson, who is involved in the real estate business and is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the largest trade organization in the U.S.
Although a Realtor may work in one of many areas of the industry, the majority choose to sell or rent residential homes, land or commercial buildings.
Purchasing a home is one of the most important decisions a person can make during their lifetime. A smart homeowner will turn to a Realtor for help. A Realtor has the experience and knowledge to help find his/her client the perfect home.
What high school classes can I take to help me with a future real estate career?
Classes such as math, public speaking, public relations or other communications classes are all beneficial in preparing for a career in the real estate industry.
Who can I talk to about becoming a Realtor?
If you are thinking of becoming a Realtor or want more information about the real estate industry, you should contact a local real estate company. You can talk to a manager/broker with no obligation. They will discuss options you may choose to take and advise you on becoming a Realtor.
Do I need further education to become a Realtor?
To become a Realtor, you must first obtain a real estate license by taking 60 hours of a pre-license sales course and pass the Sales Person License exam. You can either agree to take the class through a company which you will be employed, or you may choose to attend a real estate license school on your own.
What do I do after passing the license exam?
After you have passed the exam, you are a real estate agent, but still not a Realtor. To become a Realtor you must join a local board or association such as the St. Louis Association of Realtors, which will include your membership at the state and national levels as well. Once you belong to an association, you must follow their rules and regulations and take required continuing education courses.
How much does a Realtor make?
How much money one makes depends on how dedicated you are to selling, such as the amount of time you put into your work, as well as your ability to provide excellent customer service. Realtors are paid on commission from their sales.
How does commission work?
The commission money may go to one Realtor if he or she listed a home (put the house up for sale) and then sold that home. Or a Realtor may have to split the commission if one Realtor listed a home for sale, but another Realtor actually had a client that bought that home. The commission amount is agreed upon by the home buyer and the Realtor, but usually ranges from 5 to 8 percent of the sale. For example, if you sold a home worth $200, 000 and you receive the entire commission, you would average $13,000 for that sale!
How do I find a home buyer/seller?
Networking, such as joining groups or clubs, making friends, and attending meetings can be a big part of how well you do in the real estate industry. Many of your friends may suggest that their own family and friends call you to help them buy a home. In addition, many clients may call your agency or just stop in a real estate office looking for help. You may be the next person available to speak with them. This is your chance to convince the client that you are honest, dependable and willing to take the time to work with them until they find the home of their dreams.
How do I find information on available homes for sale as well as other necessary supplies?
If you become a member of the St. Louis Association of Realtors, you will be able to use the Multiple Listings Service. This computer-generated database will provide all the information you need about homes for sale, previous homes sold, location, style, etc. As a member, you may also use the SUPRA system, which is an electronic common lockbox system. Electronic cards are carried by each Realtor which provides easy and convenient access to all listed homes in the Regional Multiple Listings Service. The association also provides all legal forms and contracts which are used in a sale.
What other job duties does a Realtor handle?
Realtors are key players in the entire home buying and selling process. Not only do they show listings (homes), but they listen very carefully to their client's needs, wants and concerns. They determine the client's financial status and what they can afford on a monthly mortgage payment. They can put their client in touch with home repair services, mortgage and lender companies, inspectors and other services which a homeowner may need during his/her move. A Realtor often has the freedom to make his/her own schedule and work the hours he/she wishes. This can give him/her a lot of flexibility, however the most successful Realtors put in many hours and often work weekends.
What equipment does a Realtor need?
A Realtor spends many hours on the road, between appointments, showing homes and so forth. A reliable car, able to hold passengers is a must. Most companies will have access to computers, but a Realtor may invest in one for him/herself. A successful Realtor always carries a cellular phone. - St. Louis Association of Realtors
For additional information, contact Rhodes Realty Service/314.564.4000 or:
St. Louis Association of Realtors
12777 Olive Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141
(314) 576-0033