How to Become a Real Estate Agent Posted: 08 May 2021 05:00 PM PDT Real estate can be an exciting and varied career—you might help a family find their first home one day, then help someone sell their luxury condo so they can sail around the globe the next. The exact requirements vary by state, but typically you can become a licensed agent in 4 to 6 months.[1] Here, we've compiled answers to your most common questions about how to become a real estate agent. [Edit]Do you need a college degree to become a real estate agent? - No, but getting a degree can make you more competitive. Most states require you to take several hours of college-level courses before you can take the license exam—but that's just the bare minimum. Getting a degree gives you a greater depth of knowledge in the field.[2]
- Many colleges and universities offer 2- or 4-year degrees in real estate. If a specific major in real estate isn't available from the school of your choice, consider a business or marketing degree.
- Some real estate brokerage firms require a bachelor's degree if you want to work for them, even though it's not technically required to join the profession. This is worth looking into if you're not decided on whether to get a degree before you start your career.
[Edit]Can you become an agent without any experience? - Yes, an agent is considered an entry-level real estate professional. Because you need a license to act as a real estate agent, you can't really get any experience as an agent until you become an agent. You could work in a real estate office as a secretary or receptionist, but it certainly isn't required.[3]
- After working as an agent for about 3 years, you can take courses and sit for an exam to become licensed as a broker. Brokers can own their own real estate firms and supervise agents and other brokers.[4]
[Edit]How do you qualify to get a real estate license? - Each state has its own requirements related to your age and background. Generally, you need to be at least 18 and a legal resident of the US. Beyond that, you also need to pass the licensing exam, which tests your knowledge of real estate principles and practice.[5] Visit https://www.arello.org/index.cfm/resources/regulatory-agencies/#region1 and scroll down the list to find the link for your state's real estate commission.
- States require varying numbers of hours of education to qualify for a license. For example, you only need 60 hours of training to get your license in Virginia, while you need 135 hours in California.[6]
- Most states also require you to pass a criminal background check.
[Edit]What courses are required to become licensed? - Most states require completion of college-level courses on real estate. The specific requirements vary among states, so check with your state's real estate commission to make sure any courses you take are approved. Generally, you'll need courses in the following subjects:[7]
- Real estate principles, including basic property law
- Real estate practice, including the basics of buying and selling property
- Real estate finance and economics, including mortgage lending
[Edit]How do you apply to take the licensing exam? - Check the website of your state's real estate commission. Each state administers its own licensing exam and has its own procedures for taking the exam. Generally, start the process about 6 weeks before the exam is scheduled so you'll have time to get everything in order.[8]
- Most states require you to pass a criminal background check, so you'll need to get fingerprints taken for that and submit them to the appropriate law enforcement agency. You'll likely pay fees for this (usually less than $100).
[Edit]What if you don't pass the licensing exam? - Each state has its own rules regarding how to take the exam again. Typically, you'll get a letter from your state's real estate commission letting you know that you didn't pass. That letter includes information on what to do if you want to take the exam again.[9]
- Some states limit the number of times you can retake the exam, so be careful! If you didn't pass the first time, that's a sign that you need to study more before you try to take it again.
[Edit]How much does a real estate license cost? - Generally, it costs between $300 and $700 total to get your license. The fees vary among states, but you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 to take the real estate licensing exam. Provided you pass your exam, it costs $200 to $400 to activate your license.[10]
- Don't forget to factor in small fees for other things, such as getting your fingerprints taken or a background check completed.
- You'll usually pay tuition for pre-licensing courses as well. Financial aid in the form of grants or loans might be available in some circumstances, typically from the educational institution offering the courses.
[Edit]Do you need separate licenses for multiple states? - Yes, you usually need a separate license for each state. Some states have reciprocity agreements that recognize some of your training and coursework you completed for your license in another state. However, you typically have to sit for the exam and get a separate license.[11]
- Most real estate agents only need a license in one state, but if you live near a state border, licensing in more than one state can make you more competitive.
- Getting licensed in more than one state can also be helpful if you live in a large metropolitan area where people commute from other states. For example, a real estate agent in Charlotte, NC, might benefit from getting a license in South Carolina.
[Edit]Where do real estate agents work? - Real estate agents work under a broker, usually at an established firm. Look for a real estate office with listings that reflect the types of property and areas where you want to sell. If you live in a larger metropolitan area, large real estate firms might have several offices that specialize in particular neighborhoods, residential, or commercial property.[12]
- Do background research on real estate offices before you decide where you want to go. Choose one with a sterling reputation that's well-respected in your area.
[Edit]Do real estate agents make good money? - Some real estate agents make great money, but income is extremely varied. While the top 10% of real estate agents earned more than $174,100 in 2020, the lowest 10% earned less than $25,460. When you consider that most real estate agents work 40 hours a week or more, that means many real estate agents are technically earning less than minimum wage.[13]
- It's also important to keep in mind that not all real estate agents work full time (although most do). Annual income figures don't account for the number of hours each agent works.
- Individual income can also be highly varied depending on the general demand for property in the area where you work. You might have 15 listings worth a total of $1 million in commissions for you, but you'll only make that money when you sell those properties.[14]
[Edit]How do real estate agents get paid? - The bulk of an agent's income comes from commissions on sales. Commissions vary dramatically depending on the type of property sold (commercial or residential) and its value. The commission is typically a percentage of the total sale price, divided among the buying and selling agents, brokers, and their firms.[15]
- An agent's commission is typically around 5-6% of the total sales price—although this total percentage is often split between the buyer's and seller's agents.[16] So, for example, if you sell a home for $150,000, you might expect to earn anywhere between $3,750 and $4,500.
[Edit]How can you improve your chances of success? - Make connections in your community to build your personal network. Most people don't buy and sell homes frequently. If people know you and like you, they'll be more likely to use your services. Here are some ways to forge connections and raise your standing in your community:[17]
- Maintain a relationship with clients after the transaction is completed (for example, by sending holiday and birthday cards)
- Volunteer for nonprofit and community projects
- Get to know your local market and keep abreast of changes in zoning and other local ordinances that impact real estate
- Get involved in local activities and organizations
- Get your broker license, as well as certifications or designations for particular specializations, such as mortgages, appraisals, residential property, or commercial property.[18]
[Edit]What's the difference between an agent and a Realtor? - Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The NAR is a trade association with a strict code of ethics. Membership is open not only to real estate agents but also other professionals in the real estate industry, such as property managers, appraisers, and brokers.[19]
- The terms "Realtor" and "real estate agent" aren't interchangeable. You can be a real estate agent without being a Realtor (although it's not common). You can also be a Realtor without working specifically as a real estate agent.
- Membership in the NAR costs about $200 a year. With your membership, you also gain access to a lot of resources and assistance only available to members.
- Success in real estate often comes down to hustle. Be available on short notice and really go the extra mile to make the sale—your efforts will be rewarded.[20]
[Edit]Warnings - This article discusses how to become a real estate agent in the US. If you live in another country, the process might be different.
- Real estate licenses have to be renewed every 2-4 years. Many states require you to complete continuing education courses before you can renew your license.[21]
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How to Install Google Authenticator Posted: 08 May 2021 09:00 AM PDT Google Authenticator is a free app from Google that helps you sign into websites and services securely. If your email account, workplace, bank, or other service has asked you to install the Google Authenticator so you can use two-factor verification or two-step authentication, you'll just need to install the app on your Android, iPhone, or iPad, and then set it up with the service you want to use. This wikiHow teaches you how to install and set up Google Authenticator on your smartphone or tablet. [Edit]Android - Open the Play Store on your Android . It's the multicolored triangle icon labeled "Play Store" in your app list.
- Type into the Search bar. It's at the top of the Play Store.
- Tap in the search results. It's the app with a round gray vault icon.
- Tap the green button. Depending on your settings, you may have to verify your PIN or approve the download. When the download is complete, the "Install" button will change to "Open," and Authenticator's vault icon will be added to your app list.
- Enable two-factor verification (2FA) or two-step authentication for the site or service you want to sign in to. You can use Google Authenticator to sign into many different sites and services, including Google (of course), Facebook, Coinbase, Discord, Amazon, and Twitch.[1] If your workplace or school supports 2FA, you can usually use Google Authenticator for that as well.
- To get started, locate the area of the site or service that allows you to set up two-factor authentication or two-step authentication, and then select the option to use an authentication app. You may be prompted to re-enter your password to confirm the change. The steps vary by service, so if you're not sure how to set up 2FA, check with the site administrator or help area.
- When setting up two-factor authentication or two-step authentication, you'll usually see a QR code that you'll be prompted to scan. Because of this, you'll want to use a computer, or a different phone or tablet, to enable this feature on your account. That'll allow you to scan the QR code with your Android. If you only have one device available, choose the option to display a setup key instead of a QR code.
- Open Authenticator. If you're still in the Play Store, tap Open. Otherwise, tap the new vault icon in your app list.
- Tap . This takes you to the "Setup your first account" screen.
- Select a setup method. This part depends on the site or service you're setting up.
- The Scan a QR code option is the most common—choose this option if setting up 2FA on the site or service resulted in displaying a QR code.
- If you see a string of text called a "setup key," select Enter a setup key instead.
- Scan the QR code or enter the setup key. Once verified, Authenticator will be ready to use.
- If you selected the option to scan a QR code, tap ALLOW when prompted to give Authenticator permission to access your camera, and then align the QR code in the viewfinder.
- If you're entering a setup key, type a name for the account, enter the key, and choose a key type from the menu (the option you will choose varies by the service you're setting up; just make sure you select the option required by your service provider) and tap Add.
[Edit]iPhone/iPad - Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad . It's the blue icon with a white "A" in your app list.
- Tap . It's the magnifying glass icon at the bottom-right corner.
- Type into the Search bar and tap . This displays a list of matching search results.
- Tap in the search results. It's the app with a round gray vault icon.
- Tap . Depending on your settings, you may have to verify your PIN or approve the download. When the download is complete, the "GET" button will change to "Open," and Authenticator's vault icon will be added to your app list.
- Enable two-factor verification or two-step authentication for the site or service you want to sign in to. You can use Google Authenticator to sign into many different sites and services, including Google (of course), Facebook, Coinbase, Discord, Amazon, and Twitch. If your workplace or school supports 2FA, you can usually use Google Authenticator for that as well.
- To get started, locate the area of the site or service that allows you to set up two-factor authentication or two-step authentication, and then select the option to use an authentication app. You may be prompted to re-enter your password to confirm the change. The steps vary by service, so if you're not sure how to set up 2FA, check with the site administrator or help area.
- When setting up two-factor authentication or two-step authentication, you'll usually see a QR code that you'll be prompted to scan. Because of this, you'll want to use a computer, or a different phone or tablet, to enable this feature on your account. That'll allow you to scan the QR code with your iPhone or iPad. If you only have one device available, choose the option to display a setup key instead of a QR code.
- Open Authenticator. If you're still in the App Store, tap Open. Otherwise, tap the new vault icon on your home screen.
- Tap . This takes you to the "Setup your first account" screen.
- Tap a setup method. This part depends on the site or service you're setting up.
- The Scan a QR code option is the most common—select it if setting up 2FA resulted in displaying a QR code.
- If you see a string of text called a "setup key," select Enter a setup key instead.
- Scan the QR code or enter the setup key. Once verified, Authenticator will be ready to use.
- If you selected the option to scan a QR code, tap ALLOW when prompted to give Authenticator permission to access your camera, and then align the QR code in the viewfinder.
- If you're entering a setup key, type a name for the account, enter the key, and choose a key type from the menu (usually Time based, but the service you're setting up may require a different option; either way, the option will be clear in your service provider's instructions) and tap Add.
[Edit]Using Google Authenticator to Sign In - Log in to the site or service. When you're ready to sign in to the site or service you've added to Google Authenticator, open its login screen and enter your typical username and password to sign in. Once approved, you'll be prompted to enter a verification code.[2]
- Open Google Authenticator on your phone or tablet. It's the gray vault icon on your home screen or in your app list.
- Enter the code. As soon as you open Google Authenticator, you will see a 6-digit numeric code for the account(s) you've associated with the app. Codes refresh automatically every 30 seconds. This code is what you'll need to enter into the site or service to complete the login process. Once the code is verified, you'll be signed in.
- This code actually changes every 30 seconds, so you'll only have 30 seconds to enter the code. If you are still typing the code when it refreshes, erase what you've typed and enter the new code instead.
- If you're entering the code on the same phone or tablet, simply tap it to copy it to your clipboard, and then paste it into the verification screen by tapping-and-holding the verification blank and selecting Paste.
- You can add multiple accounts to Authenticator. To do so, set up 2FA on another site, open Authenticator, tap the + at the bottom-right, and then choose to Scan a QR code or Enter a setup key for a new service.
- If you switch to a new phone or tablet, you can transfer the accounts to that device.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
How to Become a Vegetarian Posted: 08 May 2021 01:00 AM PDT There are a lot of reasons you might consider switching to a plant-based diet—maybe you're passionate about the treatment of animals, have a desire to decrease your impact on the environment, or want to improve your health. Whatever your reasons, you might be concerned that becoming a vegetarian will be tough. While you can expect a few hurdles along the path, making the switch can actually be a lot easier—and tastier—than you expected! [Edit]Start by introducing a few meatless meals into your diet. - Gradually increase how many plant-based meals you eat each week. Jumping straight into a vegetarian diet can be a little tough if you're used to eating meat most days of the week. Instead, try reworking a few of your favorite meals each week so they're vegetarian-friendly. Over time, replace more and more of your meals with plant-based options until you're able to completely switch to a vegetarian diet.[1]
- For instance, if you love to eat spaghetti, you can still enjoy it—just leave out the ground beef. Instead, load up your pasta with hearty veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, yellow squash, carrots, and red peppers.
- If you love chicken stir-fry, try substituting extra-firm tofu instead.
[Edit]Give up one type of meat at a time. - Don't try to quit everything all at once. Try eliminating foods on a schedule, like cutting out one meat every week. Not only will it be easier for you to adapt your meals if you switch gradually, but it can also give your body more time to adjust to the different diet. You might even plan to have one "last meal" with each ingredient you're giving up before you resolve not to eat it again.[2]
- For instance, you might start by cutting all red meat from your diet, like beef, lamb, or venison. After a week, you might eliminate pork, such as bacon and ham, followed by chicken, then fish and shellfish.
[Edit]Find plant-based substitutes at the grocery store. - Try meat alternatives when a craving hits. If you're really missing a certain food, check out which meat substitutes are available at your local grocery store. For instance, you might be able to grab some veggie burgers, wheat-based "chicken" cutlets, rice-paper "bacon," or soy "hot dogs." If you're going vegan, you might be able to find alternatives for things like eggs and cheese, as well.[3]
- The texture and taste of these products usually aren't exactly the same as their meat-based counterparts, but you may find that you develop a preference for them anyway.
- Tofu, tempeh, and seitan can be used as a substitute for meat in a lot of conventional recipes.
- Avoid basing your whole diet on these meat alternatives—they're usually highly processed, and you usually won't get the same nutritional benefits as you would from adding in more veggies to your meal.[4]
[Edit]Experiment with new recipes. - Check out vegetarian menus and cookbooks for new ideas. When you're starting out as a vegetarian, it's usually easiest to adapt recipes you already like. However, there's a whole world of vegetarian food out there, so don't feel like you're limited to just meals you already know! Read vegetarian cookbooks, blogs, and menus to find recipes that interest you. Branch out into new cuisines, as well—Indian food, for instance, has tons of tasty vegetarian dishes you can try![5]
- Visit vegetarian restaurants to find new foods you like, then try to recreate those dishes at home.
- Get creative—the more variety you can include in your diet, the more likely you'll be to get all the nutrients you need.
[Edit]Decide what kind of vegetarian you want to be. - There are a number of different vegetarian diets to choose from. Vegetarians range from vegan—meaning they don't consume or use any type of animal products at all—to partial vegetarians, who just try to stick to a plant-based diet the majority of the time. This is a really personal choice, and it's okay if you need to experiment for a while to find out what works for you. In the end, it comes down to what makes you feel the best, both physically and mentally. Some of your choices include:[6]
- Vegan: No animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, gelatin, or honey.
- Lacto-ovo vegetarian: No meat, including poultry and fish, but can eat eggs and dairy
- Lacto vegetarian: No meat or eggs, but can have dairy
- Ovo vegetarian: No meat or dairy, but can eat eggs
- Partial: May eat fish (pesco-vegetarian), poultry (pollo-vegetarian), or fish and poultry (pesce-pollotarian).
[Edit]Eat tons of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. - Don't just rely on pasta and junk food. Technically, as a vegetarian, you could just eat chips, noodles, and fries all day. However, that's not going to be very good for your body.[7] Instead of eating a lot of processed, high-calorie foods, make sure you're getting plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. In general, each day you need about:[8]
- 2 1/2 cups (around 400 g) of vegetables
- 2 cups (around 220 g) of fruits
- 6 1/2 oz of whole grains (the equivalent of 6 slices of bread or 650 g of cooked rice or pasta)
- 3 cups of dairy (equal to 237 ml of milk or 83 g of shredded cheese, for instance)
[Edit]Research your nutritional needs. - Pay close attention to your intake of important nutrients. In particular, be sure you're eating enough vitamin B12, calcium, protein, iron, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals that you'd normally get from meat. Luckily, you can get a lot of the nutrients you need just by eating a variety of fruits and veggies each day. For instance, to get:[9]
- Iron: Eat legumes (like chickpeas and lentils), tofu, dried fruit, broccoli, and iron-fortified cereals.
- Calcium: Drink milk, fortified soy milk, and fortified orange juice; eat tofu and leafy greens like kale.
- Vitamin D: Drink milk or fortified soy milk and eat fortified breakfast cereals. Also, spend time outside—your body produces vitamin D when you're exposed to sunlight.
- Protein: Eat eggs, dairy, nuts, tofu, beans, whole grains and cereals, and tofu.
- B12: Consume eggs, dairy, fortified soy milk, fortified breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeast.
- Zinc: Eat dairy, dried beans, tofu, and fortified cereals.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Vegetable oils like soybean, canola, and flaxseed, as well as eggs, walnuts, and chia seeds.
- Iodine: Use iodized salt to season your food.
[Edit]Read ingredient labels with care. - Be aware that some surprising foods contain animal products. The only way to know for sure if a prepared product like a sauce, condiment, or soup is vegetarian is to read the label carefully. When you're starting out, it can help to carry a card with the names of animal-based ingredients so you can compare it to the label while you're at the store. A few foods to be mindful of:[10]
- Cheese—may be made with rennet, which is made from the stomach lining of young animals
- Worcestershire sauce—contains anchovies
- Curry pastes—may contain fish sauce or shrimp paste
- Desserts—may be made with gelatin or colored with cochineal, a food coloring made from beetle shells
- Alcoholic drinks—may be filtered using animal products
[Edit]Don't give up if you eat something with meat. - It's normal to have a relapse once in a while. Many vegetarians have cravings for meat once in a while, especially in the early days. If that happens and you give in, it doesn't mean you're any less committed to a plant-based diet, so don't be too hard on yourself. Just remind yourself why you wanted to be a vegetarian in the first place, and keep trying.[11]
- You might even find that it's easier for you to eat a mostly plant-based diet, but to still have meat or fish occasionally. If that's the case, don't fret—you'll still get many of the same health benefits as you would from following a fully vegetarian diet.[12]
- One study found that as many as 84% of vegetarians have a relapse after a year, so if you do give in and have a meat-based meal, keep in mind that you're definitely not alone.[13]
- If you suddenly start craving meat, you might not be getting enough food. Be sure you eat at least 1200 calories a day, and include legumes, nuts, and seeds in your diet so you'll get enough healthy fats.[14]
[Edit]Ask your family and friends for support. - Talk to the people you're closest to. Let them know your wishes for your diet, and briefly explain your reasons for going vegetarian. For instance, you might let them know that it fits your religious beliefs, that you want to improve your health, or that you care deeply about animal welfare and want to do your part to make a difference. You might even say that it's more affordable—plant-based meals often cost less than meals made with meat. No matter your reasons, try to keep an open mind about these conversations and ask people to respect your decision even if they don't agree.[15]
- Don't be surprised if you're met with a little resistance when people find out you're a vegetarian. There can be a lot of reasons for people to be critical—they might feel defensive of their own choice to eat meat, they might be ill-informed about vegetarianism, or they might have concerns about your health.
- Offer to cook for the people in your life—they might be surprised how delicious a plant-based meal can be! If you're invited to gatherings, bring vegetarian-friendly foods so you know there will be something you can eat.[16]
[Edit]Plan ahead if you're going to eat out. - Check out the restaurant's options ahead of time. If you're invited to a restaurant you've never been to before, go online and scope out their menu. See if they have any vegetarian options that will work for you, like veggie burgers, cheese quesadillas, or meat-free salads. Some restaurants will be willing to make small changes to their meals to make them meat-free, but if there's nothing on the menu that you can eat, either suggest somewhere different or politely decline the invitation.[17]
- If you're going on vacation, take some time to research any vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the area before you leave.
- Many of your favorites can be turned vegetarian, such as lasagna, chili, and spaghetti without the meat or with meat substitutes. Also, many familiar foods such as peanut butter and jelly, pasta and tomato sauce, or black beans and rice are already vegetarian.
- If you're not getting enough nutrients from your diet, you may need to talk to your doctor about taking a daily multivitamin or other supplements so you stay healthy.
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