questions for Dublin based realestate agents

jordanfaf

Like many I'm out of work now, and am evaluating how I can steer away from my current industry (not necessarily for stability, but for a job I will enjoy more and with a better work/life balance). I recently worked in the design stage of the construction industry, Very high pressure, massive amount of unpaid overtime, constant crunch times and project deadlines, and relatively low salary's.

I have worked sales previously, windows/doors in my family business, and car sales in a used dealership in Canada, As well as flipping a few cars on my own here in Ireland when I see a good deal. I am very interested in property, i usually peruse both motor and property listings in my free time just for fun. I think Property sales or even property management may be an industry id quite enjoy working in. The idea of spending my day talking to clients, staging/ preparing houses for viewings, showing properties and helping people realize potential in houses really appeals to me. ( im aware there is probably a lot of the more mundane office work and such that goes on behind the scenes also)

Anyway, a few off the cuff questions for any in the industry!


1. What does one need to do to be hired as a real-estate agent. I have an Bachelor of science degree in a construction field. Would I need to go back to college or is it as straight forward as applying and testing for a license?

2. Work life balance... How is your work life balance, I expect you work weekends to accommodate the average buyer, are hours exceedingly long (above 40 hour weeks) or do you get a reasonable amount of down time during the week? maybe you are in the office all day but possibly quiet enough for you to work on your own projects etc?

3. Salarys... I understand basic salary's are quite low, but what commission would one expect to earn on an average year of sales. if your wiling to say it would be great to hear what your basic + commission salary was in say 2019!