Q: Why Are So Many Retail and Hospitality Workers Flocking to Real Estate?

If you’ve been displaced in the retail, service, or hospitality industry, real estate may be the perfect new career for you.

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One interesting side effect of the ongoing pandemic is that many people are making the switch to careers in real estate. We’ve seen workers in hospitality especially, such as bartenders, waiters, and hotel employees, begin new paths in real estate as a way to escape unemployment caused by a struggling industry. Coincidentally, many of these people unknowingly receive their first experiences in sales by working in these environments, and they tend to have a smooth transition into helping clients buy and sell homes.

At their cores, people who work in retail or hospitality are forward-facing individuals who deal with customers each day. That’s pretty close to what Realtors do as a career—it’s just a different kind of customer and a different kind of sale. Moreso, you’re creating a relationship with a person. Bartenders and waiters often have customers who come in specifically to see them, and those interactions and gradual connections are very similar to ones with homebuyers and sellers. It’s why the transition is so easy.

These industries also teach you how to fix problems that—to put it bluntly—may not have been your fault. That’s a big part of what real estate professionals have to do each day, and we work to keep customers satisfied and fix issues that arise. It’s all about keeping the client happy.

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      We have so many success stories from people who transitioned to real estate from hospitality and retail jobs.

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It’s sad to see how so many people within these industries are being displaced, but as we progress through the pandemic, we’ll see more and more of these workers move into real estate careers. With this career, however, there is no income ceiling. People are rewarded for going above and beyond, which isn’t always true in other fields. They can really accomplish more working within the business model and working hours that real estate affords.

If you’ve been struggling in the hospitality industry or are seeking a way to jumpstart your income in a new field, go to jointheduo.com to see open positions and join monthly career nights via Zoom. Our career nights go into detail about what it takes to become licensed, what it’s like to work in real estate, and what working with us is like. 

We have so many success stories from people who transitioned to real estate from hospitality and retail jobs. One of our best agents was selling fish tackle before she got into real estate, and it’s a testament to how much these skills truly overlap. 

The real estate industry is booming, and if you’ve ever thought about a career helping people buy or sell homes, now may be the perfect time to jump in. We invite you to reach out to us, join our career nights, and simply ask us more about what it’s like as a real estate professional. Until then, we look forward to meeting you soon.

Q: What Do You Know About VA Loans?

If your new detail is home buying, here’s the only debriefing you need.

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Soldiers can sometimes overlook their VA loan options because they’re unsure of their eligibility or perhaps just unaware of the specific terms involved and assume there’s some sort of catch. Whatever the case may be, the VA loan remains one of the best loan products out there; America’s soldiers can enjoy financing without having to supply any down payment at all. If you’re a veteran, it’s in your best interest to learn all you can about this loan. You also owe it to yourself to work with an agent who’s familiar with all the products available on the market and can get you in front of a knowledgeable local lender for a deeper dive. 

One of the biggest differences between the VA product of yesteryear and the VA loan available today is that there’s no longer a loan limit. Yes, you read that right—you can go out and get financing for whatever amount you want, depending on your income, of course. However, be aware that if you do go really high on the loan, there will be a 25% down payment requirement. For most folks, however, working within that zero-down range still opens up a world of possibilities.

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      A soldier has earned themselves a smooth loan product that gives them a bit of an advantage in the market.

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What’s also nice is the fact that there’s no private mortgage insurance requirement, and the funding fee can be wrapped into the loan itself. In a competitive market like ours, listing agents and home sellers appreciate the fact that VA loans tend to be less problematic than conventional loans regarding inspections, appraisal, and underwriting. After all, a soldier has earned themselves a smooth loan product that gives them a bit of an advantage in the market. 

A common misconception is that VA loans are somehow more complicated than conventional loans, but that’s not the case at all so long as you work with a professional who’s familiar with the product. Believe it or not, obtaining one is an easy process, and it’s worth the great seller response we’ve seen it trigger time and time again. 

When a bidding war erupts, not every seller is looking at price alone; there are plenty of patriotic sellers who have either served the country themselves or deeply appreciate the men and women who keep it safe, and they would be overjoyed to work with a buyer who’s also a fellow vet. A VA loan, especially when accompanied by a letter explaining who you are and your record of service, can speak volumes. 

If you’re a veteran who’s ready to buy a home in our busy market or someone who has real estate-related questions, feel free to give us a call or send an email our way. We’re always here to help!