Join us for a Career in Real Estate

We consider real estate brokerage is a calling, not just a career. We’re always interested in speaking with anyone who feels drawn to this profession. There are so many good reasons to pursue this rewarding career. Serving people with care, diligence, thoroughness as clients pursue their dreams, goals, and needs, is paramount. It takes commitment to be available at almost any time, to take the time and trouble to learn as much detail as possible about clients so we can best serve them by putting their needs and interests above all other considerations and providing carefully considered insights and advice so that each client is in the best position to make informed decisions in their best interests. There are also good reasons not to do so. This is not a career where profit or financial motivation should be the primary goal. Yes, it can be a rewarding career financially but that should, in our opinion, never be the guiding principle.

It often takes time to build a stable income stream in real estate so it can be easier to enter the business if a candidate has another source of income, a spouse or significant other who can help meet expenses while building a career or substantial savings to draw on for a while.

There is so much to learn in this fascinating career and only some of which comes from the initial basic coursework required to become licensed. The continuing education begins with a license and is supplemented by an excellent experienced and accessible principal broker whose job should be to provide all the guidance and wisdom a candidate will need in order to succeed long term. Office support staff and other more experienced associates in the firm also add significantly to a new associate’s confidence and competence.

If you have considered real estate as a career, maybe the potential for leadership longer term, we would love to invite you in for a personal, confidential conversation to help you decide if there might be a promising fit for you in our firm. Please contact Paul Harsch directly by phone 413-458-4444 or email paul@harschrealestate.com to set up a time to meet.

A Career in Real Estate

Have you considered a career in real estate?

You are outgoing, positive, honest, ethical, warm, bright, caring, determined, willing to learn, to listen, to grow personally and professionally, to become a member of a close-knit, supportive and congenial team. With these positive attributes, we think you could be great in a real estate career with us.

You will need the means to support yourself as your career develops and be comfortable with commission based compensation. Many real estate licensees work part time at the beginning as they develop their career and later go on to full time.

You may not now have the confidence to realize you possess the qualities and capabilities we seek but if something about this description captures your attention or the attention of those who know you, then this could be the beginning of a whole new you.

Send your resume to: Harsch Associates, Attn: Joyce Harsch, 311 Main St., Williamstown, MA 01267

What Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons Do

All real estate professionals hold either a broker’s or salesperson’s license depending on which level they were trained and qualified for. In most states a person new to the business must begin with a salesperson’s license and may later seek a broker’s license.

Real estate brokers and salespersons help clients find a home and other types of real estate that meets their needs and aspirations. Real estate brokers and salespersons help clients buy, sell, and rent properties.

Brokers and salespersons do the same type of work, but brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate businesses. Salespersons must work under a broker’s license.

Duties

All real estate licensees typically do the following:

• Solicit potential clients to buy, sell, and rent properties
• Advise clients on prices, mortgages, market conditions, and other related information
• Compare properties to determine a competitive market price
• Generate lists of properties for sale, including details such as location and features
• Promote properties through advertisements, online marketing, open houses, and multiple listing services
• Accompany prospective buyers or renters to view properties
• Provide all of the mandatory legal disclosures for engaging a broker and as required for the purchase such as lead paint and other required forms depending on federal and state laws
• Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration
• Mediate negotiations between the buyer and seller
• Ensure all terms of purchase contracts are met

Because of the complexity of buying or selling a home, land, or commercial property, the majority of prospective buyers seek help from real estate professionals.

Although most real estate brokers and salespersons are experienced in residential property, others may be qualified to handle commercial property, land sales, or industrial properties.

Brokers and salespersons can represent either the buyer or the seller in a transaction. Buyers’ representatives meet with prospective clients to understand what they are looking for and how much they can afford. Sellers’ brokers and salespersons meet with clients to help them determine a suitable listing price and explain their experience and how they will go about finding a qualified buyer.

Real estate brokers and salespersons must be knowledgeable about the real estate market in their area. Brokers and agents also must stay current on financing options; government programs; types of available mortgages; and real estate, zoning, and fair housing laws.

Real estate brokers are licensed to manage their own businesses. Brokers, as independent businesspeople, are licensed by the state to list and sell real estate owned by others. In addition to helping clients buy and sell properties, they may also engage in the rental or management of real estate for a fee. Many operate real estate offices, handling business details and overseeing the work of salespersons licensed under them. Licensees with a broker’s license may also affiliate with and work under another licensed broker.

Real estate salespersons must work under a broker’s license and supervision. Salespersons most typically work on a commission split basis, earning a portion of the brokerage fee from each property they sell.