I say great, now there will be 51 agents competing for every listing rather than 50.

Yes I do & I often say 'please don't.' It's not what you think it is at all. (run!!! ... save yourself !!!!)

I discuss the importance of business skills, reserves, networking to build a CRM and working by referral over buying leads. I mention Active Rain and Buffini & Company too.

Someone contacted me through facebook recently.  We are connected through facebook but never really chat.  She's wanting to become an agent. All she can think is the flexible schedule, the commission (she doesn't know that we have to split our commission with our broker plus all other costs in running the business), how she likes to educate clients etc. After talking to her I told her to really think about it again but since she already made up her mind I didn't want to say to much anymore. Too many people think real estate is an easy job and get into the business.  I'm finding out that 90% of new agents from my previous brokerage have left the business. 

glutton for punishment....

Play with matches.  It's safer.

Know what you are getting into. It takes money to build a business. A broker is not your mom or dad. You only get paid when you close. We have to get business - it does not come to us. Relatives and friends may not want to work with you ... and know that is okay.   

Get your license. Find a good mentor. 

The list goes on and on.

I like telling them the good, the bad and the ugly. Most will change their mind when they learn there is no guaranteed paycheck

The great Dr. Hunter S Thompson said this about the music business, and your question reminded me of it, applied to ours:

"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."
😈

I ask them a lot of questions about which type of real estate, commercial, rentals, residential? to make sure they ahve done some reserach on it. I ask them why- some have some great answers and reasons. - after all didn't most of us switch to real estate after other careers?  I know I did.  It was slow at first, but totally doable.  The main thing that I tellpeople is that have to be completely self motivated.  The deal dont just appear, especially at the beginning, until you've putin a whole lot of effort. I do tell them that it is a great business, but very competitive. 

I ask them what their expectations are and go from there.

When I hear that I don't consider that person "real." And I ignore. 

I bought a van from a guy who said that to me today. will be sharing some info with him on this in the next few weeks.

I hear that all the time - I give them a truthful answer. 4 of those people I now have working for me! LOL

I pretend I did not hear them...and walk away as fast as possible.

Eve

You'll have to move to Utah !

Great.  Is there anything else you're thinking about?   We still have another 49 minutes on the clock before the next patient shows up.   Oops...wrong script.   

I would suggest taking some classes.

I put the squeeze on with a statement like "Very interesting, you don't look anywhere near retirement age." Seek some youth to build your company!

Annette,

My typical response is "good for you!"  And then we move on.  A

I tell them it is a rewarding profession, but it is not as easy as some think.

Think it through. Are you planning a niche? Do you have a budget and reserves to live on for a period of time? Will you seek a mentor? Will you look for a coach? Are you really willing to spend the time? Will you focus on buyers or sellers? (Why?)

I encourage them to go for it but to count the cost BEFORE they take the leap. Most of them have no idea how expensive it can be.

Might you considet telling them to "run!"?

Kathleen Daniels nailed this one!

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 I just say, good luck!

I heard a similar question this weekend, Do you think I would make a good real estate agent? I never had to answer as someone in the conversational group changed the subject.

I wish them good luck. :)

We saw this during the last boom - and when we busted, most of these people found other careers. 

I have a "coming to jesus" talk with them and tell them all about school v. the real world, costs, reserves, hours, commission splits... basically all the negatives.  Forewarned is forearmed.

When someone needs money, has time on their hands or thinks big, they all reach for the low-hanging fruit. Its too easy to get licensed... thus step one

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 Going into real estate is starting a business. Do you have the necessary start up funds and income saved to carry you through until your first commission check?

C'mon over! There's plenty of room!

No, I just ask them if they are nuts.

Wish them good luck.

Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041 - here's my answer -

You are more than welcome! Let me know how I can help you.

That was what Donald Trump thought. He even had a RE Investment University hired people with questionable characters....

Boy that is a long subject when people bring it up to me.

I tell then to do a bit more research.  I also ask them if they realize that over 90% drop out within the first year.