Residential Remodeling Contractor pursuing Career Change…
Hi all,

I run a small remodeling company focusing mainly on kitchen &amp; bath, but also any other aspects of interior renovations. I am owner/operator and finish carpenter and have been in business since 2015. I am 30 years old and I am expecting my first child in July. I am currently studying to take my state exam to get my RE License (NJ) and through a family connection, I have a large, local CRE Brokerage that I could get started with. I have an in-home remodeling sales history, in which I did OK, but my age at the time (18-20) played a role in: A. Me, taking it seriously, and B. People taking me seriously. I clean up well, speak well, have great conviction, and am very personable. 

I am nervous about making a career change, but I am at a very decisive moment in my life. I do NOT want to grow my business to the point I need full time staff, an office, the overhead, the headaches, the problems, etc. I also do not want to be in the field at 40 years old, not to mention the toll this industry has taken on me already and I’m only 30. 

Any advice for me?
[{"id": "i9wf5fl", "text": "Why not be a general contractor", "replies": [{"id": "i9wf9xp", "text": "I am a general contractor. I just focus on interior renovations. We do decks, sunrooms, additions as well.", "replies": [{"id": "i9widat", "text": "I mean I guess you said you didn\u2019t want to expand and have a crew doing all the work. I know my window guy just does sales and has a sub do the installation.", "replies": [{"id": "i9x572s", "text": "I currently sub all trades except carpentry. This keeps my overhead lower, but profitability is also lower. And to be honest, I am just about done with this remodels. I will be looking to take on small finish carpentry jobs while I pursue a career in RE.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i9zcbnr", "text": "We have somewhat similar stories. Im licensed since 2015, and do mainly flooring and finishes. I'm 29. I've been going to school and will have an MRED in a year. Do you have a Bachelor's degree? If so you could do a Masters which will boost your prospects. You could also do those training programs like A.Cre. it sounds like you have a brokerage willing to bring you on, so you may not need those after all. What advice do you need?", "replies": [{"id": "i9zgp1j", "text": "I have no college degree. Went straight into sales from high school, then progressed into construction and stayed put. The brokerage in question is not a guarantee. \n\nMainly looking for advice on smoothly transitioning in CRE, advice on how to get things up and running, and overall advice you\u2019d give to someone just starting out.", "replies": [{"id": "i9zutgy", "text": "Well I'm just starting out as well so I can't give too much advice. I would say do some of the trainings at Adventures in CRE, Udemy, Break Into CRE so you can learn as much financial modeling as possible. If you can show you know the material then someone should give you a shot.\n\nThere are a lot of free videos of A.CRE on YouTube.\n\nI feel that our Edge as business owners(self-employed) is that we're driven and self-starters. Companies love that, so sell that.\n\nDefinitely need to have the basics down tho.\n\nI would also recommend seeing if an internship is possible. However, I know most require that you be in school or something.\n\nLook into your local colleges and see if they have any undergrad real estate certificates. A real estate agent license is completely different than CRE, but I'm guessing you know that.\n\nFor example, here is a undergrad certificate at the college I am attending: https://www.pdx.edu/business/academics/programs/undergraduate/real-estate-property-management-certificate\n\nWhat state are you in?", "replies": [{"id": "i9zvupo", "text": "Here are some I found in New Jersey:\n\nhttps://www.monmouth.edu/kislak/programs/certificate/\n\nhttps://www.fordham.edu/info/27683/real_estate_certificates\n\nSchool will show you are committed to the transition.\n\n\nAlso, coming from a construction background, you may be best used in a development company, just a thought. I recently applied to two internships: one is a REPE, one is a Development company.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ia9nz7y", "text": "The number one thing you\u2019ll likely find is that commercial re customers live and die by the schedule and the move in date. They have a lot more moving parts then a family that can live around a kitchen or bathroom being renovated.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]