Confidence and determination are keys to success in any career. There’s probably nothing you can’t accomplish if you believe in yourself and work hard to achieve your goals. You might have more aptitude toward one type of career over than another. If you’ve been thinking about enrolling in classes to earn a license as a real estate agent, there are several issues to consider to help determine if you’re well-suited to this career.

If you don’t feel like you align with every characteristic described in this post, it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t become a real estate agent. If, however, you feel a personal connection with the attributes that many successful agents have in common, then a career in real estate might be something you'll want to explore further.

A profitable real estate agent is typically an enthusiastic people-person

While it might not be impossible to succeed in real estate if you don’t like being around people, it’s logical to assume that your chances for success are greater if you consider yourself a “people-person.” As a real estate agent, you’ll be interacting with people on a daily basis. That interaction occurs on a very personal level, as you’ll be helping people sell their home or find a new home that fits their budget, lifestyle and needs.

Would you describe yourself (or would others describe you) as energetic and enthusiastic? If you enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their lives and their dreams, a career as a real estate agent might be something you’d want to consider.

Self-motivation and willingness to work hard are keys to real estate success

When you set a goal in life or at work, do you get excited about it and work hard to accomplish it? Even if you sign on with a supportive brokerage that actively participates in providing encouragement and assistance in your work, when it comes right down to it, self-motivation is a key to your own success.

If you want to sell houses, you must be willing to put in the time and effort it takes to generate leads and turn offers into closings. That doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of skills that others have to offer to help you create a successful real estate business. In fact, the most profitable agents understand the importance of networking. It does mean, however, that a strong work ethic is a positive attribute when your goal is to become a profitable sales agent.

Adaptability is a must in real estate

While you obtain the pre-license education required to sit for your real estate license exam,you’ll want to think ahead to prepare for your new career and lifestyle. Being a real estate agent might be different from other jobs you’ve had, especially because there isn’t a set schedule, nor is there anyone looking over your shoulder on a daily basis to make sure you carry out the tasks at hand.

Many real estate agents find it liberating to go into business for themselves. If you easily adapt to changes in your schedule and to unexpected circumstances (which are common in real estate), then real estate sales might be a great career choice for you.

A new career on the horizon

Schedule adaptability is one of the benefits of enrolling in real estate school. You can continue to work another job while studying for your license exam. If you get excited when you think about being a salesperson, you might be a good fit for the real estate industry.