I have been a REALTOR for 4 months now and am having the time of my life.  I have experienced many ups and downs, some wins and some losses, some cloudy days and some days warm and breezy, some frustration and some elation... but I can say one thing... every day is different and full of possibilities. 

I was going to push myself to write a post called "100 things I have learned about being a REALTOR in 4 months", but wasn't sure if I could think of 100 things... or had the time and patience to list that many.  We'll see how this goes... 

I HAVE LEARNED...

that most other REALTORS view me as competition.  I understand it but don't necessarily agree.

that you need to be prepared when going to a listing presentation.  I thought I had a listing in the bag because the seller was my neighbor's close friend.  Nope.  I was one of three interviews.  BOMBED!!  She went with another agent.  LESSON LEARNED!

that most people think REALTORS are over paid, even when I have tried to explain to them how much goes into being a good one...  oh well. 

that buyers can flake out on you at any given time!  I know it's part of the game but is SO FRUSTRATING sometimes!!

that working in a great environment is a HUGE BONUS!  I work with a smaller company and it feels like a family.  Everybody is so supportive.

to make sure that you educate your buyers that you are working with.  I lost a buyer (that was also a friend) to another agent because I didn't explain to her the rules of the game.  LESSON LEARNED!!  When my brother is ready to buy a home I will have him sign a buyers agreement!  :)

that open houses can be a GREAT way to meet new clients!  It can also be a waste of a Sunday afternoon when I could be watching Nascar. 

that having an online presence is a GREAT thing!  I picked up a buyer last week because they saw my face on all the real estate websites.

that blogging, Active Rain, and a few other websites are HUGE for google juice!  My blog has brought me at least three buyers so far.  Active Rain has helped me with a few referrals too. 

that cash talks, borderline credit scores walk! 

about procuring cause the hard way!!

that most of what I learned in my salesperson's class I will NEVER use!

how to use an electronic lock box.  Those things are COOL!!!!

that listing agents want feedback PRONTO after a showing.

that being a REALTOR means that mortage brokers, people from title companies, and home inspectors stop by the office all the time and bring us FOOD!!!!!!!!!!! 

that wearing your blue REALTOR pin can spark up a conversation at any time.

to always carry business cards, even if you are just going out for some coffee.  When you don't have them is when you will need them most!

that when your name is all over the internet like mine (go ahead, google Jared Christiansen), that you get 2 calls a WEEK from companies trying to sell you leads...

that hard work and key words and phrases can get you to the front page of google.  Go ahead, type in Fort Wayne Realtor.  THERE I AM!!  Didn't pay a penny for that!  :)

Okay, that's all I have for tonight.  I'm sure if I sat here long enough I could think of more but my butt hurts and my fingers are tired. 

The biggest thing I have learned is that I love what I do and know that I was born to be a REALTOR!  It is my passion and I am thankful that I finally found what I am supposed to do! 

Fort Wayne Realtor Jared Christiansen

Fort Wayne Real Estate Agent Amanda Christiansen

RE/MAX Home Connection Fort Wayne and Columbia City