Are you considering a career change to real estate? Is real estate a good career? If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone. A total of 65% of American workers are actively searching for a new full-time job. The average age Americans change their careers is 39 — meaning becoming a real estate agent at 40 is not only possible but common!
If you're considering your career change options in Georgia, use this guide to see if becoming a real estate agent is right for you.
Real Estate Is a Great Midlife Career
There are numerous reasons why real estate is a great midlife second career choice. Here are some of them:
Flexible Schedule
You can choose your schedule as a real estate agent, giving you a ton of freedom. And if you're good at persuading people to buy a house, you could work fewer hours than in an office job.
Work From Home
You'll only have to leave your home to meet with clients when they are interested in a home. You'll spend a lot of time researching on the internet and sending clients information about potential houses.
Unlimited Income Potential
Unlimited income potential: You'll likely make more in real estate than you did in a previous career. The average salary of a real estate sales agent in Georgia is over $43,000, while the average salary in Georgia is $37,050.
No Degree Needed
You don’t need a college degree to start. You can take a course to become a real estate agent, which can be completed in just 75 hours. A college degree, in comparison, takes four years to complete. Learn more about how to become a Georgia real estate agent.
You Get to Help People
As a real estate agent, you'll get to show beautiful houses to people and help them find the house that is right for them. Finding the right home and buying it is a big moment in people’s lives, and you'll be there to witness it.
Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Midlife: What the Data in Georgia Says
Being a real estate agent is one of the best careers in Georgia. A 2019 Member Profile Georgia Association of Realtors Report shows that 75% of realtors in Georgia were very certain they would keep working in real estate for two more years.
Here is what else the report shows:
The median age of realtors was 54.
78% of realtors in Georgia were licensed sales agents, 15% held broker associate licenses, and 12% held broker licenses.
15% of realtors in Georgia had a previous career in sales or retail, and 14% had a previous career in management, business, or the financial sector.
Only 4% of realtors in Georgia reported that real estate was their first career.
Aceable also conducted a survey of 605 qualified real estate agents in 45 of 50 states who switched careers just before or during the pandemic. Here is what we learned from the survey about why people pursued a career in real estate:
46% thought real estate would offer them the opportunity to help others.
39% believed real estate would allow them to control their working hours.
26% believed real estate would offer them good flexibility.
46% say that COVID-19 created the need for additional financial support and/or increased the need for flexibility due to family care.
65% say they thought real estate would offer them the opportunity to earn a living.
One of the biggest takeaways from the survey is that 84% are happy with their choice to pursue a career in real estate.
Many Career Choices With a Real Estate License
In addition to a real estate agent, there are other careers in real estate you can pursue in Georgia, including the following:
Real Estate Appraiser: A real estate appraiser determines the value of properties. They need to know the principles of appraisal and have practical experience, along with good math skills and some knowledge of accounting and economics.
Escrow Agent: An escrow agent is a person or entity that holds funds for the buyer or seller before closing. Come closing, they'll distribute the funds to each party accordingly.
Broker: A broker is a licensed real estate professional that manages other real estate agents. A broker ensures that real estate transactions meet legal requirements, all monies are recorded and reported, and all paperwork is both correct and complete.
Property Manager: A property manager oversees and manages a real estate investment. The responsibilities of the property manager include dealing with maintenance requests, setting and collecting rent, and filling vacant units.
Real estate marketing specialist: A real estate marketing specialist manages the marketing efforts of a group of real estate agents. Real estate marketing specialists improve the online presence in search results of real estate agents. Their duties include writing copy for web and social media, creating digital marketing content, and analyzing and interpreting online marketing analytics.
Midlife Is a Great Time to Start a Real Estate Career in Georgia
Midlife is a great time to start a career in real estate. Starting a new career at 40 and beyond is within your reach. You can bring your valuable life experiences and hard-won wisdom to a lucrative career in real estate.
Want to get your Georgia real estate license? Begin your pre-licensing course today!
Updated 11/2/22