From Nursing to Real Estate: Making a Successful Career Change to Real Estate Agent on Long Island

Why Make a Career Change to Real Estate on Long Island?

Are you considering a career change to real estate agent on Long Island? You’re not alone. Many professionals from various backgrounds are drawn to real estate for its flexibility, unlimited earning potential, and opportunity to help others achieve their dreams. Marie Asher, a successful Long Island real estate agent with Coldwell Banker American Homes, made this exact transition 20 years ago, leaving her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for the exciting world of real estate.

“I was a nurse. I was an LPN, and I went to college and got a degree in community health,” Marie explains. “But my grandmother got sick, and I was 42 years old, so that’s 20 years ago. And I decided I needed to do something that I could take care of her.”

Like many career changers, Marie was attracted to real estate by the promise of flexible hours. “I opened up the paper, and it said, ‘make your own hours.’ I didn’t know it was 24/7,” she laughs. This honest reflection highlights an important reality for anyone considering this career path – real estate offers flexibility, but it also demands dedication.

How to Transition from Another Career to Real Estate Successfully

Marie’s journey from nursing to becoming what her broker calls a “Realtor Extraordinaire” offers valuable insights for anyone considering a similar path. Her story demonstrates that with determination and the right approach, career changers can thrive in Long Island’s competitive real estate market.

The transition wasn’t immediate. “The first year was scary because nothing was happening,” Marie admits. But rather than giving up, she used visualization techniques to manifest her success: “I’m going to see myself sell 20 houses in the next 12 months. I want to see it. And I always, I’m a big believer in, if you see it, you’ll be it.”

Her persistence paid off. “That second year I did, I sold 22 houses. I never looked back. I mean, it’s just been a great ride,” she shares.

Real Estate License Requirements for Career Changers in New York

Before you can start selling properties on Long Island, you’ll need to complete several steps:

1. Complete a 77-hour pre-licensing course through an approved provider
2. Pass the New York real estate salesperson exam with a score of 70% or higher
3. Find a sponsoring broker
4. Submit your license application through the Department of State

While the licensing process is straightforward, the real challenge comes in building your business afterward. Marie’s experience shows that having the right mindset during this period is crucial.

Finding a Mentor When Starting Your Real Estate Career

One key factor in Marie’s early success was finding the right guidance. “I was lucky enough to become an assistant to a top producer and I just, it was the same thing. I said, I’m going to do this,” she explains.

Working with an experienced agent gave Marie the opportunity to learn the business from the inside. Today, she pays this forward by mentoring new agents herself. “If you can help them build their business, I’m happy to do it,” she says about working with newcomers to the industry.

Finding a supportive brokerage with strong training programs should be a priority for anyone changing careers to real estate. Marie emphasizes the importance of this support system: “When I first started and agents would take me out to broker open houses, I didn’t know what an extension was. I didn’t know what a dormer was. And sometimes people, when they first start, they’re afraid to ask questions.”

Financial Considerations for Career Changers Entering Real Estate on Long Island

If you’re planning a career change to real estate on Long Island, financial preparation is essential. Marie’s journey illustrates that success rarely happens overnight, and having financial stability during your transition period is crucial.

How Much Savings Do You Need Before Becoming a Real Estate Agent?

Financial experts and experienced agents consistently recommend having 6-12 months of living expenses saved before fully transitioning to a commission-based real estate career. This buffer provides peace of mind while you’re building your client base.

“It takes time and effort to build up your real estate business,” explains Tom Gallagher, a Long Island real estate veteran. “Having financial support or starting off as a part-time agent while you work another job is common for people in their first year.”

Marie’s own experience confirms this reality. While she jumped in full-time, she acknowledges that the financial uncertainty of the first year was challenging. “The first year was scary because nothing was happening,” she recalls. This highlights why many career changers maintain their primary job while establishing their real estate business.

What is the Income Potential for New Real Estate Agents?

Income for new agents varies dramatically, especially on Long Island where the market can be competitive. While Marie eventually built a successful business selling over 20 homes annually, she’s transparent about the challenging beginning.

The commission-based structure means your income may be inconsistent, particularly at first. Marie describes this reality: “It’s also EXTREMELY inconsistent for the first MANY years. You might make $50k in June, and ZERO in Jan, Feb, and March…and August, and December.”

For career changers, this unpredictability represents a significant adjustment from the steady paychecks of traditional employment. Planning for these income fluctuations is essential for your financial well-being.

Time Management Tips for Career Changers in Real Estate

One of the biggest adjustments for professionals changing careers to real estate is managing an entirely different work schedule. The structured 9-to-5 routine disappears, replaced by a more fluid schedule driven by client needs.

How to Balance Family and Real Estate Career Demands

Marie’s experience as a single mother of two while building her real estate career offers valuable insights into work-life balance. When asked how she managed both responsibilities, she shares her practical approach:

“In the beginning, I took Allie to showings. I would say, ‘Allie, come. Just hang out with the family that we’re showing houses to. And don’t open your mouth. Don’t say anything bad about the house. Don’t say anything good about the house.'”

Marie found creative ways to include her children in her work when necessary, while still setting professional boundaries. Today, she maintains this balance by prioritizing family time. “I go over to Megan’s house in the evening and I play basketball with Landon and Sonic the Hedgehog with Harrison. So I make sure I balance it. I have time for my friends. I just figure it out.”

Creating a Successful Real Estate Schedule as a New Agent

Establishing a structured schedule is vital for new agents, despite the profession’s inherent flexibility. Marie emphasizes the importance of discipline:

“Like most really good agents, you make it work. I make it work.”

Effective time management means:

• Setting consistent business hours while remaining flexible for client needs
• Dedicating specific time blocks for lead generation and administrative tasks
• Scheduling family and personal time as non-negotiable appointments
• Understanding that weekends and evenings will often involve client work

“If I’m not working, I’m not getting paid, and even when I am working, I’m often not getting paid,” notes one experienced agent. This reality underscores why disciplined time management becomes so critical in real estate.

Building a Successful Real Estate Business on Long Island After a Career Change

Once you’ve made your career change to real estate and obtained your license, the real work begins. Marie’s 20-year journey from newcomer to top-producing agent offers valuable insights into building a thriving real estate business on Long Island.

How to Develop Your Sphere of Influence in Real Estate

The concept of a “sphere of influence” – your network of personal and professional contacts – is fundamental to real estate success. Marie learned this crucial lesson early in her career:

“Tom Gallagher worked out of that office back then, and he would pop his head in, and he said, ‘Sphere of influence. Your sphere of influence. Tell them what you do. Do not be a secret agent.'”

This simple yet powerful advice transformed Marie’s business approach. She explains, “Talk to the people that you know. And for me, you know, there was a worry. Like, people would think, ‘Oh, she’s the nurse. She should be a realtor.’ But I hooked up with someone that knew what he was doing.”

Your existing network – regardless of your previous career – represents your first potential client base. Marie’s nursing background initially seemed unrelated to real estate, but she leveraged her connections and reputation for caring to build her business.

What Makes Long Island Real Estate Clients Choose Their Agent

Marie’s exceptional client testimonials – over 70 on her website alone – reveal what truly matters to real estate clients on Long Island. When asked what sets her apart from other professionals, Marie emphasizes genuine care:

“I think that it’s really important to show that you care and really care about the people that you deal with. But I’m also not above or beyond cleaning the toilet. You know, just people when they sell their houses, they need emotional support.”

This comprehensive approach to client service extends beyond transaction management:

“If I’m going to take care of your home, I’m going to take care of it like it’s my own home or if it’s one of my classmates that, you know, gave me a referral and it’s their parents’ house, you know, I’m going to take care of your mother’s house like it’s my mother’s house.”

Marie understands that real estate transactions are typically triggered by significant life events – both positive and challenging. Her nursing background equipped her with the empathy needed to support clients through these transitions.

Essential Training Resources for New Real Estate Agents

Marie enthusiastically advocates for continuous education, even after 20 years in the business. When asked about advice for newcomers, she emphasizes taking advantage of all available training:

“I would go to the Levittown office every Wednesday night for classes. And then I think you said this earlier, you went to every training. Five times over. Yeah. But, I have experience. I’ve 20 years. Yeah, I go to training.”

Her commitment to ongoing education highlights an essential truth: successful real estate professionals never stop learning. Marie explains why this matters: “Everything changes. It changes and we got to change with it. Whether it’s been technology over the years and how we communicate or just industry changes.”

For career changers entering real estate on Long Island today, this learning mentality is even more crucial as you’re building both industry knowledge and business skills simultaneously.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Brokerage for Career Changers

Marie’s experience underscores that finding the right brokerage environment dramatically impacts your success as a career changer. She briefly left Coldwell Banker American Homes early in her career, only to return:

“I left for about 18 months. Smarty pants. Be a manager and a little mom and pop. And I came back with my tail between my legs because I realized that being working for a big company, you guys had the tools that I needed for my sellers, for myself, for the buyers, things and the training.”

When evaluating potential brokerages, Marie’s experience suggests looking for:

• Comprehensive training programs specifically designed for new agents
• A supportive office culture with collaborative agents
• Access to modern technology tools and marketing resources
• Mentorship opportunities with experienced agents

“Between them being new and us not being so new, it’s a great combination,” Marie notes about the mentoring relationship between experienced and new agents.

How to Give Back to Your Community as a Real Estate Professional

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Marie’s career is her commitment to giving back to her community. She serves as chairman of the Family Services Committee for Heart of American Homes, their company’s charitable foundation.

“The Heart of American Homes is a foundation that helps people that need help in a crisis situation,” Marie explains. Through this work, she and her colleagues provide financial assistance to families facing emergencies like medical crises, house fires, and funeral expenses.

This community involvement isn’t just personally fulfilling – it’s also strategically valuable for building your real estate business. Marie’s charitable work has deepened her connections throughout Long Island and enhanced her reputation as someone who genuinely cares about the community she serves.

“Get involved in local chambers of commerce and business organizations. Support community initiatives and charitable causes,” advises one successful Long Island agent. “Build relationships with everyone.”

Final Thoughts on Making a Successful Career Change to Real Estate on Long Island

Marie Asher’s journey from nursing to real estate demonstrates that with dedication, the right support system, and a client-first approach, career changers can build thriving real estate businesses on Long Island.

The path won’t always be easy – Marie candidly shares the challenges of her first year – but for those willing to invest the time and effort, real estate offers unique rewards. Twenty years after making her career change, Marie reflects, “I enjoy my work. I enjoy it. Like if I have a day off and there’s no appointments, I’ll still buzz into the office a lot of times just to see what’s up and see if I can help.”

If you’re considering a career change to real estate on Long Island, Marie’s story offers both inspiration and practical guidance. By preparing financially, finding the right brokerage, leveraging your existing network, and committing to continuous learning, you too can build a fulfilling and successful real estate career.

Ready to take the first step? Contact Marie Asher directly at 516-353-2177 or masher@cbamhomes.com to learn more about transitioning to a real estate career with Coldwell Banker American Homes.