Managing finances is very important when your budget and keep your real estate business afloat. This is true, especially when you’re still in the initial phase of launching and have just obtained your real estate license.
Regardless of your state or California license, you should know how to deal with uncertainties in the real estate world, especially about how much you earn. Because if you’re used to jobs with guaranteed paychecks, you already know what you could spend.
However, if you are a real estate agent or just got your California real estate license, you must know that you’re not likely to receive paychecks, retirement pays, or tax withholdings. Why? It’s because you are in the business yourself.
So, if you’re planning to pursue your California real estate license, this blog will help you manage your money carefully and to increase your chances of success. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Wealth insurance is a vital component of this financial strategy. Given the unpredictable nature of the real estate market and the irregular income flow for real estate professionals, having wealth insurance can be a prudent choice. A company like Bennet & Porter Insurance can offer wealth insurance, often in the form of life insurance, disability insurance, or income protection insurance, and can provide you with a safety net in case of unforeseen circumstances. By allocating a portion of your earnings to wealth insurance, you can create a financial cushion that protects you and your family from financial hardship, giving you peace of mind as you navigate the dynamic real estate industry.
Money Management Tips
Check out these money management tips to help you budget and manage your income.
1. Come Up with a Personal and Business Budget
Start with reducing your debt plan
This is when you cut your debts or, if possible, get zero or more like close to it if you can. Debts will make you overburdened and increase the pressure when you start up a new venture or business, and it makes a huge impact on making money and cause you unnecessary stress.
Have a safety cushion
Perhaps you should account for your real estate start-up costs and set aside a housing fund to cover your monthly expenses for up to six months without relying on paychecks.
You may tap into your savings and pay for personal marketing expenses like a personal website, advertising, and blogs. Don’t forget to calculate possible increasing car expenses because there will be lots of traveling for viewings, meetings, shows, and more.
And if you can’t afford to start your career in real estate just yet, you may seek help from those who have been in the industry for years, just like the California real estate license holders, or even access reliable resources that could help you get all your finances ready for your career.
Have reserve funds
You also have to set aside money for possible business expenses so you will not have to overuse or maximize your credit card or even borrow money. You always need to prepare for rainy days, as other businessmen do.
Have a business line of credit
It’s not about being indebted when having a line of credit. Rather, a line of credit will serve as a buffer for unexpected events or emergencies.
Spend on personal marketing
You may spend at least 10% of your money on promoting yourself beyond what the office provides the company. The saying goes, “You must spend money to make money.” But then again, limit what you spend, and never overspend.
2. Be an Expert in Managing Money
You have to be creative in saving money
You may buy unlimited calls and a data plan that you can use for your smartphone, which saves you a lot of money. Also, buy some wrinkle-free clothes to clean less or reduce your expenses.
When buying a car, choose silver, white, or tan, as these colors require fewer washes and will save you money. Best of all, choose the highest deductibles you have on your car insurance.
Keep track of your expenses
You also need to keep detailed logs of everything you spend by the month. This will show where your money goes on everything you spent for the month because even research shows that businessmen who track their ROI usually earn more.
Go for discounts
Yes, discounts are everything. With that, you may join realtor programs and know which program provides you with member discounts for marketing tools, sales, and apps. The same goes for working vehicles, insurance, and other essential business products.
Make use of everything your company provides
Check on free websites, blogs, and advertising. Go for free signs and even free marketing assistance that will help you advance your career in real estate.
3. Using Money Management App Tools
These days, online financial or money management tools have increased massively with easy-to-use apps for investing, banking, budgeting, and more.
When you enter the real estate business, know that most real estate agents have their own app for everything. This will help you manage your utilities, communicate with clients or suppliers, or even book a ride.
Everything can be done on your mobile devices. Best of all, it helps you manage your finances, earnings, expenses, and reserved funds with your business.
Wrapping Up
Money management can be new for real estate agents, as most hire a bookkeeper to keep track of their expenses and finances. However, why do you need to hire when being in the business yourself comes with the benefits of managing your finances independently?
You just have to pay close attention to the financial situation. Come up with a monthly budget and just follow it. Budget carefully and managing your finances well would help you keep your business afloat until commissions come.