The First Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent: An Insight to the Initial Costs of a Career in Real Estate

Henry D. ‘Hank’ Myers
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595489299
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (12/07)


Henry D. ‘Hank’ Myers is writing to alert new and prospective real estate agents of the time-consuming effort required to become successful in the real estate industry. He draws from twenty years experience as a successful California Realtor®** and offers expert advice concerning the level of commitment necessary to succeed in this competitive market.

“The First Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent” is a compact user’s manual for anyone thinking about commencing real estate as a profession. Each of the nine chapters is packed with information. Myers provides tools that will equip the reader to get started and to follow through with their decision to become a part of this growing and exciting industry.

Myers points out the fallacies in thinking prevalent among entry level agents and shares five cold, hard facts that need to be recognized before taking this first step.  He points out the hidden costs that affect the realty agent’s net income, the personal cost of time and stress, dealing with co-workers, the time commitment for meetings and events, and the art of negotiation.  The final chapter emphasizes the rewards of the profession, both in dollars and in the sense of well-being that comes with a job well done.

I particularly appreciated Myers’ candid approach in alerting the novice to the special skills required and the potential pitfalls that may be faced during the early stages after launching a professional career in real estate.

“The First Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent” should be prerequisite reading for everyone who is considering or thinking of pursuing a career in real estate.  Every broker should supply a copy to each of his agents.  The book is a valuable primer for the novice and an important resource for the veteran.

“The First Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Agent” is a fast, interesting, and challenging resource, providing insights to inspire the reader to attain a rewarding, consistent success and a lucrative career in real estate.

**Realtor® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a Member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

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