Thinking about getting into real estate but not sure where to begin?
You're not alone.
Every year, people consider becoming a Realtor because they want more flexibility, the opportunity to build their own business, or simply want a career that gives them the chance to work with people and make a difference.
But before you spend the time and money getting licensed, it's important to understand what you're actually getting into.
What does a Realtor really do? Is the income potential worth it? How much flexibility do you really have? What does it take to succeed? And how do you even get licensed in Illinois?
Those are the questions we'll be answering at our upcoming career in real estate event.
Get Your Questions Answered by Someone Who Knows the Business
Leading the conversation is Eddie Ruettiger, Designated Managing Broker and Owner of EXIT Real Estate Specialists.
Eddie has been in real estate since 2001 and has spent his career working in nearly every aspect of the business, from helping clients buy and sell homes to managing a real estate office and helping agents build their careers.
His industry leadership includes serving as Past President of the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®, Past Director for Illinois REALTORS®, and being named Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® REALTOR® of the Year in 2018.
Eddie is also a member of the RPAC Hall of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
In other words, if you've been wondering what a career in real estate is really like, you'll have the opportunity to ask someone who has been doing it for more than 20 years.
The Reality Behind the Flexibility
One of the biggest attractions of real estate is flexibility.
You can build your schedule around your business and your clients. You're not necessarily tied to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
But flexibility doesn't mean easy.
Real estate is a business. Successful Realtors have to prospect, follow up, market themselves, build relationships, learn their market, negotiate transactions, and continually develop their skills.
We'll talk about both sides of the equation—the opportunities and the work required to take advantage of them.
What Does a Typical Realtor Actually Do?
If your only experience with Realtors is watching them show homes, you may be surprised by everything that happens behind the scenes.
A typical day can include:
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Talking with buyers and sellers
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Following up with leads
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Showing properties
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Preparing and reviewing contracts
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Marketing homes
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Negotiating offers
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Networking and building relationships
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Learning about the local market
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Managing transactions
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Building a personal brand and business
And no two days are necessarily the same.
Do You Have What It Takes?
You don't need to know everything about real estate before getting started.
You don't have to be the most outgoing person in the room.
You don't necessarily need a sales background.
But you do need to be willing to learn, communicate, follow through, build relationships, and treat real estate like a business.
During the event, we'll discuss the qualities that can help someone succeed—and some of the common misconceptions about who can become a successful Realtor.
How Do You Become a Realtor in Illinois?
Getting started requires more than simply deciding you want to sell houses.
We'll discuss the Illinois real estate licensing process, what you can expect along the way, and some of the important things to consider before making the commitment.
The goal isn't to convince everyone to become a Realtor.
The goal is to help you make an informed decision.
Bring Your Questions
Maybe you've been thinking about real estate for months.
Maybe you just started considering it.
Maybe you're looking for a career change and don't know whether real estate is the answer.
Whatever brought you here, bring your questions.
There are no bad questions.
Join Us September 3
Thinking About a Career in Real Estate? Come Get Your Questions Answered
📅 Thursday, September 3, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Spend an hour learning about the real estate business, the licensing process, the flexibility, the challenges, and what it really takes to build a career.
And most importantly, get your questions answered by someone who has been in the business since 2001.
Ready to Find Out If Real Estate Is Right for You?
Don't make your decision based on what you've heard from someone else. Come hear what the business is really like.
Your questions may be the first step toward your next career.
