Career Opportunities in Indiana Real Estate and How to Get Started

There are a number of reasons someone might decide to embark on a career in real estate. Some people love the architecture and history of homes, some people might enjoy the thrill of closing on a big deal, and some people are simply passionate about helping families find ideal living solutions in welcoming communities. Whatever the reason may be, real estate is a thriving industry in Indiana and elsewhere around the Midwest. Even amid times of unprecedented economic uncertainty, the real estate business is still alive and well.

If you want to be a real estate agent in the state of Indiana, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we will discuss some of the basics on how to get started, what to expect as a real estate agent, and some helpful tips and guidance on the process as a whole. Read along to find out more information about available Indiana real estate classes, beneficial skills for real estate agents, and much more.

How to jumpstart your Indiana real estate agent career

If you are a passionate self-starter interested in learning the next stages of the process, it may first help to decide what kind of real estate you are most interested in. Or, in other words, are you more interested in commercial or residential real estate applications? Are you excited at the thought of working on a team with other realtors or would you prefer to work on your own at your own pace? Is real estate something you want to do full-time, or are you more interested in supplementing your existing income? Make a list of some of the things that are important to you before deciding how you wish to proceed.

There are a handful of options for those interested in enrolling in Indiana real estate classes or Indiana real estate courses. Traditionally, many real estate courses were only offered in person, but there are now more accessible opportunities for people to further their education online as well. Reputable organizations like the Indiana Real Estate Institute (IREI) offer both in-person and online courses for real estate agents looking to bolster their professional acumen, but the IREI is also a great opportunity for newcomers to the real estate industry.

Responsibilities of real estate agents

While some may be attracted to the perceived air of prestige and affluence afforded by the image of the real estate tycoon, being a real estate agent requires a fair amount of knowledge and skill. Not only that, but your daily activities could vary broadly depending on what your clients may need trends within the housing market, and other external factors.

Real estate agents are generally expected to be responsible for keeping in touch with the industry, observing ongoing or evolving housing trends, and cultivating a healthy pool of clients. Daily activities may vary drastically from one day to the next in some cases. At the start of the week, for instance, a real estate agent might need to work on drafting documents or contracts for clients. As the week progresses, they may have to continually consult with clients to ensure that their needs are being met on top of planning or hosting open houses or property tours for other clients. By the end of the week, a real estate agent may be able to finalize transactions and file paperwork.

Many successful real estate agents have an abundance of charisma and a knack for problem-solving and identifying solutions that appease all parties involved. In some cases, being a real estate agent requires as many “hard” skills as it does “soft” skills – if not more.

Real Estate Agent Hard Skills

• Knowledge and/or experience within the real estate industry
• Excellent communication skills and literacy
• Understanding of local geographics, demographics, and community features
• A robust professional network of industry professionals
• An eye for detail

Real Estate Agent Soft Skills

• Confidence
• Impeccable time management
• Persuasive
• Resourcefulness
• Self-awareness
• Persistence, resilience, and/or dedication
• Business ethics
• Empathy and compassion

Ultimately, however, there are many ways to be a good real estate agent. Having skills is important, but having the aptitude to know which situations call for which skills is an invaluable asset. In addition to these skills, there are also courses available that can help provide industry insights and information about best practices for new and established real estate agents.

Indiana real estate courses

The Indiana Real Estate Institute offers several helpful courses for existing real estate agents and people interested in becoming real estate agents. While some of the classes provide more foundational basics of the industry, others offer in-depth knowledge about effective brokerage strategies, handling legal documents, and more.

Broker Pre-Licensing Course – This class is a great starting point for prospective real estate agents who want to obtain their Indiana real estate broker license. This course covers numerous topics like property law, licensing, environmental issues, Fair Housing regulations, contracts, taxes, and other vital information. Basic and premier packages are available.

Broker Post-Licensing Course – Newly licensed brokers must complete this mandatory course within two years of obtaining their license.

Managing Broker Course – For individuals who would like to become a licensed Managing Broker in Indiana, this 24-hour course is mandatory and provides students with information about how to found a real estate business, recruit agents, and operate a real estate agency lawfully and successfully.

Continued Education Courses – And for people who are interested in furthering their real estate knowledge, there are additional online courses to provide additional learning and networking opportunities, and all of IREI’s course packages meet basic managing broker requirements.

Ready to embark on your real estate journey?

The Indiana Real Estate Institute is one of the best resources in the Hoosier state for individuals ready to embark on their new real estate careers. With over three decades of experience serving more than 10,000 students, it’s easy to see why IREI is often the first choice when it comes to individuals deciding where to start their real estate agent training journey.

IREI also offers dozens of courses and unique workshops that are as entertaining and engaging as they are educational. Students will learn everything they need to know in order to pass the state exam, identify and develop crucial skills, and much more. Visit our website or contact us to learn more and get started today!