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Young Age: friend or foe?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Western Realty

Being young and in real estate brings with it its challenges.  Establishing your validity right out of the starting becomes routine as it virtually always expected.  I am often asked, "How old are you?" from skeptical prospective clients, and that's my cue to convince them that I may be young, but I'm not stupid.  Of course, I don't try to convince people of my competency by spouting off my resume, but by telling them what they want to know about real estate.  Staying continually informed on things like market stats has become invaluable, because people don't argue with numbers.  Dressing professionally has also become a necessity.  Even on "casual Friday" because you never know who you're going to be meeting.  And when you're young, there often really isn't such thing as a second impression.  

Being on the defensive is never very fun, but there are ways to make people think that being young is actually to their benefit.  First off-you're hungry, meaning you'll do whatever it takes to satisfy their needs because you don't have the luxury (yet) of sitting back and cherry picking from a referral box.  Perhaps our biggest advantage, however, is being of the "technology generation."  The fact that we are capable of navigating the Internet to take advantage of programs that make everyone's life easier, puts us a cut above the "old-timers" who haven't yet mastered the double-click maneuver (there's nothing like making your point with a gross exaggeration.)

 

Monika McGillicuddy
Prudential Verani Realty - Atkinson, NH
NH Real Estate Broker
Youth has it's advantages and so does age but I'd rather be younger again...LOL...BTW I've mastered the double click maneuver. Took me awhile but I did it.
Jun 13, 2007 10:20 AM
Dawn Workman
Veracity Real Estate Group, LLC - Camas, WA
Camas Real Estate Expert, MBA, 480-540-8100
I am 30, and like to think that I am young.  But I guess that is really not all that young.  Having said that I think any aspect, just about, can be a plus in your marketing program.  

Some examples could be:
Younger agents are more flexible both with time and frame of mind.
Younger agents will research things rather than just say they already know about this or that.
Younger agents will work harder to prove his or herself.
Younger agents are more familiar with newer technology and can advertise your property in more places or be more efficient in your home search. 

The list goes on and on.  Hope that helps.

Jun 13, 2007 10:23 AM
Michael Thomas
First SEO Consultants - Scottsdale, AZ
Real Estate Website Optimization
Being young is one thing - experience is another - keep in mind that many agents have less than two years experience in the business - that in my opinion is really about how long it takes to understand real estate
Jun 13, 2007 10:28 AM
Lynda Eisenmann
Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA
Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Anna,

Nice post. You've made some good points to the benefit of being younger in r.e.and I think you're correct. I was 25 in the beginning and a broker-owner at 30 (decades ago). To build my confidence I increased my education beginning with designation courses.

Personally I think your youth has a great deal to offer. Keep up the good work and winning attitude.

Jun 13, 2007 10:29 AM
Chris Prescott - Minnesota
Coldwell Banker Burnet - Edina, MN

Anna -

Hw YOU feel about yourself is most important, and how you present yourself in your pre-listing materials will also be a key to your success.  When you are new, much of your business comes from the people who know, love and trust you, so be sure to market to your sphere consistently and professionally.  Many of the people in your sphere may be the same age as you, and will buy houses - use that to your advantage!

Also, try to connect with a mentor in your office who can show you the ropes and make some introductions for you to enhance your credibility!

Also - if you have not read Millionaire Real Estate Agent - DO!

Best of Luck to you!   Chris 

Jun 13, 2007 10:30 AM
Roger Stensland
Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound - Maple Valley, WA
Let's Move!
Another thing to consider is that many older people are younger than you in the real estate business. Age alone doesn't say much with people changing career paths so often in this day and age.
Jun 13, 2007 10:33 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital
Anna, 
Young is great!  As long as you are competent and energetic it works in your favor.  
Old is great, too.  Then you have the competence and experience to do the job with a minimal expenditure of energy!
Most of my clients are half my age, and keeping up with them keeps me young.
So enjoy the young thing while you can!   Pat
Jun 13, 2007 10:39 AM
Paul Viau
Nova Scotia Real Estate Blog - Halifax, NS
Nova Scotia Real Estate Blog + Photo Services
Being young is great! You have some time to make mistakes and still have lots of time to live life at it's fullest. I am now 41. I used to think i was a young realtor before I hit 30. I still don't know what happened to my 30's? So anyway - I am starting to regress in age . When I hit 40 I stayed at 39 and then at 41 hit 38. I'm gonna keep going till my physical age equals my mental age.......hmmmm ....maybe equalize out somewhere in my 20's. Got to have a plan!
Jun 13, 2007 01:58 PM
Rory Wilfong
GetMyHomesValue.com - Lancaster, PA
Sales Coach and Trainer

Welcome To Half Full and When I am 90 I want to always act like I am 30 something. Young = Energy and Energy = Excitement and Excitement is Contagious and produces a positive outlook and a successful life.

Best of Success!

 

Jun 14, 2007 01:37 PM
Valarie Grisham
Keller Williams - Lake Stevens, WA

anna-

you are one of the most talented, educated and hardest working agents I know.  People love you and if they can't get over the age stigma then they don't deserve to work with you.  Keep at it girl, you rock!

Aug 10, 2007 03:48 PM
Paul Slaybaugh
Homesmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ Real Estate
Anna, I remember these concerns well.  I was 24 when I began my career in Real Estate, and worried more about how I was perceived than just about anything else.  The more knowledge you accumulate, the less you will feel the need to convince others of your talents.  Your ability will show through as confidence grows.  I am still a young guy at 32, but with 8 years in the business and a young family, I only see the positives in my last vestiges of youth.  Most importantly, don't waste your time on those people who do not see past your youth to see your value.  There are plenty of young people looking to buy houses who are dying for the services of a Realtor with whom they can identify.
Aug 10, 2007 04:32 PM