Hey, millennials: Pursue a career in real estate

Millennials, those ages 18 to 34, are looking for a career that allows them to be independent, flexible and entrepreneurial, according to a recent study from Bentley University. A career in real estate meets all of these specifications and also offers a laundry list of advantages and benefits that make realty the perfect occupation for young professionals.

“Now that the real estate market is on the upswing, there are huge opportunities for young people to enter the industry, and joining the National Association of Realtors and the Arkansas Realtors Association offers millennials even more advantages,” said Maurice Taylor, 2017 president of the Arkansas Realtors Association. “With benefits such as a Young Professional Network and award programs like the 30 Under 30 awards, there has never been a better time for a young person to become a Realtor.”

Here are some of the advantages millennials can expect from a career in real estate:

Be your own boss. Millennials are the true entrepreneurial generation, and real estate is the ultimate profession for self-starters. Real estate agents are independent contractors, meaning agents can choose to work as much or as little as they want; it all depends on their aspirations.

“The success of your business is entirely in your own hands,” Taylor said.

Earn what you want. A career in real estate offers individuals the flexibility and freedom to set their own pace and income goals. Profits are often directly linked to efforts, so it all depends on their aspirations. Realtors have access to additional education and resources that can help grow their business and increase their income. There is really no limit on how far hardworking, motivated men and women can advance in the field.

Make your own schedule. Real estate has never been a 9-to-5 business, and while Realtors are often at the mercy of a client’s timetable, they also have a lot of freedom when creating their own schedule. “If you need to arrange a doctor’s appointment or attend a family event, you can organize your schedule around it,” Taylor said. “And you may never have to ask permission to take a vacation.”

Be a part of your community. Building relationships and becoming a presence in the community are important parts of any agent’s business.

“Realtors have unparalleled knowledge of their local neighborhoods and regional market conditions, and to maintain that knowledge, many are active participants in their community,” Taylor said. “Realtors live in the communities where they work, so helping their neighbors achieve the dream of homeownership and being a good neighbor are important.” House to House is distributed by the Arkansas Realtors Association. For more information about homeownership in Arkansas, visit