Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Virginia is a lucrative thought when someone first sees or hears just "how much money is made on a single sale," but there is a little more to go with that whole equation, ball game, ball of wax, et al.
Becoming an agent from a dream, vision, or desire is the first step to success. This may come from frustration with a current job or no job, but the dream usually appears. For me, the dream or desire appeared from a closing door and sitting down for a thinking session on what I wanted to do next. Since I enjoyed playing Monopoly, this may be my venture, passion, and newfound enjoyment.
After the decision was made a few days after pondering it, it was time to enroll in the course. Numerous upon numerous options on the web and spam emails started rolling to sign up for a considerable discount and savings with a guaranteed pass on the exam voucher.
Ultimately I chose The CE Shop because of the various offers included in the package. Finally, The CE Shop did its duty; however, there was a lot of reading, clicking, and more clicking, and even more clicking. The process was frustrating, but ultimately, I completed the required Virginia 60-hour course in only 143 hours. I took extra time to complete as much ancillary learning as possible because the Real Estate course is pretty much an introduction to contracts; several times through the system, you are warned against modifying a template buyer or sellers agreement because of the probability of being accused of practicing law without a license. Consequently, lawyers can execute home sales contracts without a real estate license but not the other way around.
Along the course studies, you will learn that you must work under a "broker" in Virginia, someone that has completed additional training and licensure requirements and supervises real estate agents. Selecting a broker is a critical thought out process because every broker wants you to work for them and some offer agents incentives to recruit other people to become agents. I joined a brokerage that has such referral program. These programs should not make your decision, ultimately the focus you need to have is to be a sales agent and do that job well, first. I strongly recommend a mentor or apprenticeship program because in the midst of many hours of learning, there is a need for someone that is experienced with using the tools to show you how to do the same. Mentoring and apprenticeship do NOT come free and if they do come free, they are not going to work as fast as you want them to or appear affective as you would hope. I know this from being a business mentor with another organization where I have been trying to decide if it is just me or is the system a bit bloated. Patience is required - fix yourself a cup of coffee or tea and plan for a lot of notes and hopefully some hands on experience guidance.