Every career is slightly different in reality to how it appears, including real estate.

WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to a real estate agent and a recruiter to find out what people should know before entering into the industry.

Lynne Page of Knight Frank Hobart has been in the industry for 18 years, and said you have to be resilient and not personalise situations, because your friends and immediate circle may not always support you.

People might think that your close friends will come to you when looking at purchasing or selling property, however this isn’t always the case.

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“You may have thought you had a solid friendship but that doesn't always transpire, and it can be quite confronting,” Ms Page told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

“They may well have utilised your knowledge and confided in you, and then gone elsewhere.

“People often use the old line "we don’t mix business and pleasure," but you need to look past that as there are so many positives in the industry.”

Related reading: How to get into a career in real estate

Ms Page said when starting out in real estate you should maintain a relationship with anyone you encounter.

“Keep working on relationships, stick to people like glue without harassing.

“Pick up the phone and just be genuine, and don’t even mention real estate in the conversation.

“A nice handwritten note is also a good thing to do.”

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Ms Page said it’s important to have a wide network, and agents who are typically successful and enjoy longevity are involved in activities outside the industry.

“Don’t forget the professionals that surround you - accountants, lawyers, surveyors, town planners, and anyone on the fringe of the industry.

“They are good to get advice from, and you are also a source for them so don’t undervalue yourself.

“They can draw on your network and expertise," Ms Page continued.

"We have valuers calling us constantly asking our opinion on market values.”

Related reading: 3 things real estate agents should do before a job interview

Sharon Bennie, real estate recruiter from Specialist Property Recruitment told WILLIAMS MEDIA newcomers need to be aware that they won’t have a shiny new BMW and a fat bank account overnight.

“Real estate is hard work and it takes time to build a client base and momentum."

It is a six day week job, and involves lots of networking.

“In the beginning it is 90 per cent calls and depending on the area that you’re working in, it can be door knocking as well.

“The agents “killing it” have been honing their skills and building their database for years.”

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Related reading: 

Real estate agents should include these three things in their resume

Top five things real estate candidates may conceal or lie about in interviews

How to improve the health and wellbeing of employees in real estate