Can you still make money on real estate?

Can you actually make any money right now as a real estate agent?

• I live in the Hudson Valley area and today I was approached by a colleague and they highly suggested that I get my real estate license. They claimed, "not to listen to anyone else, that they thought I'd be very good at it. And despite the economy, that there's always going to be ppl getting married looking for houses." [etc.] So I am thinking what do I have to lose? MAYBE I could make decent $ doing this as a living! All I have is a measly merchandising job presently, but realize that it might take abt 3 months before my 1st closing, ADVICE ANYONE?~WHO'S IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS? thanks!!!

• Answer:

  Buyers and sellers exist, but they aren't as plentiful as they once were. I suggest you take the steps to get licensed but keep working at a job that produces income you can count on while you learn the business which takes longer than you think. A lot depends on your local market. When the national franchises advertise on TV they are usually careful to point out that every market is different because it is very true.