Real Estate Career FAQ

Are you exploring the idea of becoming at agent at Weir Manuel? Our FAQ may help you along your way.

• I have no experience as a real estate agent, but I always thought I'd be good at it. Can someone like me become a Weir Manuel agent?
• My degree is totally unrelated to real estate. Can I be successful in real estate?
• I don't have a college degree. Will that hurt my chances of being an effective agent?
• Isn't this a bad time to enter the real estate field? How will the market affect my ability to succeed?
• I would like to talk to some of your agents and get a fair idea of what it's like to be a Weir Manuel agent. How do I do that?
• Could I become an agent part-time?
• How do I get compensated?
• What training support does the company provide?
• What kind of marketing support will I receive?
• How do I get licensed?
• How much money do I need to set myself up in business?

I have no experience as a real estate agent, but I always thought I'd be good at it. Can someone like me become a Weir Manuel agent?

You can discover if you have aptitude for real estate sales by taking our detailed online simulation assessment. The answers you give will used to prepare an accurate assessment of your strengths and potential for success. We will then share the results only with you and discuss your career path. (Click here to take our Real Estate Simulator evaluation. Please allow 45 minutes of uninterrupted time.)

My degree is totally unrelated to real estate. Can I be successful in real estate?

In fact, having a degree in the arts, for example, might allow you to network with other like-minded people. Because real estate is a relationship based business, a wide range of knowledge and experience can be a big asset.

I don't have a college degree. Will that hurt my chances of being an effective agent?

Although a degree adds to your real estate ÒtoolboxÓ, it is not essential for becoming a successful agent. An agent needs certain personality traits and personal integrity. Beyond that, we can teach you everything else you need to know.

Isn't this a bad time to enter the real estate field? How will the market affect my ability to succeed?

Real estate markets fluctuate, but highly skilled professionals who are dedicated to the business will thrive in any market. When times are tough, consumers always seek true professionals who are affiliated with the most trusted firms for their advice.

I would like to talk to some of your agents and get a fair idea of what it's like to be a Weir Manuel agent. How do I do that?

Because our agents are very successful, they are generally busy working with clients. Weir Manuel agents, however, are always willing to help engaged newcomers to the profession. Once you have met with one of the Sales Managers, he/she will be able to arrange a conversation with one or more of our agents.

Could I become an agent part-time?

At Weir Manuel, we demand that our agents be 100% committed to their career as a consultative real estate professional. We have found through experience that anything less than a 100% commitment greatly lessens your chances for success.

How do I get compensated?

Working as a real estate agent is much like owning your own business. In a sense, you are in an interdependent partnership with the brokerage firm. You are paid only for the business you produce. The brokerage pays for most of the major expenses and takes a certain percentage of each commission to pay for that support. In other words, the harder you work and the more transactions you are able to close, the more you make. There is no ceiling on your income.

What training support does the company provide?

Weir Manuel offers a specific training program that picks up where the state required pre-licensing training ends. In addition to formal training classes, we have regular sales and training meetings. We also provide hands-on support and training by our highly experienced non-competing sales managers.

What kind of marketing support will I receive?

Our national award-winning marketing staff will help you promote yourself and your listings with both print and on-line advertising. We also help with event planning, press releases and other PR, photography, interactive and multimedia presentations Ð even broadcast. We are confident that you won't find this level of marketing expertise at any other agency.

How do I get licensed?

The State of Michigan requires 40 class hours of pre-licensing training which is available through many local sources, including online. Once you have completed the required training, you must pass a State administered exam. Once these two requirements are met, you can then apply for a Salesperson's License through a licensed broker.

How much money do I need to set myself up in business?

This is an important question since starting any kind of entrepreneurial business requires some amount of capital. In addition, it may take several months before you close your first transaction and begin receiving commission income. It is normally good advice to have at least three to six months of your normal living expenses in reserve. You will also need a suitable four door vehicle, cell phone, personal computer and business attire. Beyond that, actual out of pocket start-up expenses are generally less than $1,000.