6 Things People Think When They Hear Their Friend Is Getting a Real Estate License

It takes time and dedication to even get licensed to sell real estate — which needs to happen before even showing someone a house or sticking a for sale sign in their front yard. So you better believe the minute someone you know gets their real estate license, they’re excited, and you’re gonna hear about it!

Being on the other end of that excitement can create some mixed emotions for friends of a new agent with a stack of fresh-off-the-press business cards waiting to be handed out. Considering licensing school doesn’t prepare a new agent for all of the realities of being an agent in the field, it’s no surprise that the things their friends think and feel are new territory as well.

So let’s take a look at 6 things that might go through your mind when you hear your friend is getting their real estate license, to let you know you’re not alone, and help you relate to the new agent in your life:

1) Maybe they should keep their day job…

Getting your license is one thing, but succeeding as an agent is another thing altogether. New agents get into the business with all the hope in the world, but also know deep down that it won’t be easy, and support from friends and family is critical to their success.

So if you’re thinking your friend should have a back-up plan, or keep their “real job” and just sell a house or two on the side, try to keep it to yourself. They know the struggle will be real, and they don’t need to struggle with your thoughts bouncing around in their head as well.

2) Oooh, I can get into houses I wanna see…

One of the coolest parts about being an agent is that you can legally go into people’s homes and look around while they’re not home… with their permission of course. This can be something an agent’s friends may want to experience as well; they sometimes think their newly-licensed bestie can just bring them through any house they want to see for fun, even if they’re not actually planning on buying it.

The reason homeowners give that permission and trust to agents is because they presume they’ll be bringing people into their home who legitimately might buy it. So don’t think your friend is being a jerk for not agreeing to show you houses just because you want to be a nosy neighbor.

3) Ugh, I hope they don’t always talk about real estate…

Having a friend who can’t stop talking about themselves or the latest thing they’re into can be so annoying. Some people are just like that. But even people who aren’t like that most of the time might talk about the fact that they’re an agent quite a bit.

Real estate can be all-consuming, so brace yourself for your friend who’s an agent to talk about it a lot. But rather than cringe or avoid talking to them, prepare yourself for some pretty interesting and crazy stories, because real estate life can be pure entertainment. Plus, you’ll probably pick up a lot of valuable tips about the market and how to buy and sell houses that’ll come in handy when you make your next move.

4) I hope they don’t push me to buy or sell a house…

Technically, agents are salespeople. Unfortunately some people think that means they’re going to try to convince them to buy or sell a house. But agents aren’t out there trying to convince you to buy or sell… they just want to help you when you’re ready to buy or sell a house.

So they might ask you on occasion if you, or anyone you know, might be thinking about selling now or in the near future. But don’t take that as a sales pitch. It’s just a question and reminder to hit them up when you or someone you know is thinking about doing so!

5) Hmmm, maybe they’ll sell my house for free…

Unless your friend is the broker / owner of their own firm, they can’t help you buy or sell a house for free because their company won’t allow them to. Nor should they — this is their livelihood and career! It may seem like a fun and easy job, but there’s a lot of work and expenses that go into helping clients buy and sell a house. And those costs and the work are entirely on the agent until (and unless) they sell a house.

So be prepared to pay for their services, and try not to make them feel bad or guilty for not being able (or willing!) to work for free.

6) …or at least give me a discount on the commission

See above explanation in #5. The same applies to discounts…